Xiaomi 17 Series Debuts with Cutting-Edge Snapdragon Chip and Enhanced Leica Partnership
Xiaomi has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Series, headlined by the flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the standard Xiaomi 17 model. Both smartphones are powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, built on an advanced 3nm process for superior performance and efficiency. In a significant upgrade, Xiaomi's collaboration with Leica has evolved from a joint research and development arrangement to a comprehensive Strategic Co-creation Model, promising enhanced imaging capabilities across the lineup.
Pricing and Key Specifications of the Xiaomi 17 Series
The Xiaomi 17 starts at a price of €999, approximately Rs 1,07,400, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at €1,499, around Rs 1,61,100. Both devices feature custom OLED displays with impressive specifications, including a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, adaptive 1–120Hz LTPO refresh rates, and DC dimming technology for reduced eye strain. The Ultra model boasts a 6.9-inch screen with Xiaomi's new HyperRGB subpixel layout, whereas the standard version offers a more compact 6.3-inch display with slim 1.18mm bezels.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Photography Powerhouse with Innovative Features
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra stands out with its groundbreaking camera system, highlighted by a 1-inch LOFIC main camera sensor, dubbed the Light Fusion 1050L—a first for Xiaomi. This is complemented by a 200MP Leica telephoto lens featuring a mechanical optical zoom ranging from 75mm to 100mm, extendable to a 400mm equivalent through sensor cropping. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the support for Dolby Vision and ACES Log recording at up to 4K 120fps on both the main and telephoto lenses. Despite its advanced imaging hardware, the Ultra maintains a sleek profile at just 8.29mm thickness and a weight of 218.4g, making it the thinnest and lightest Ultra model ever produced by Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 17: Compact Design with Robust Performance
The standard Xiaomi 17 is no slouch, equipped with a Light Fusion 950 sensor (1/1.31-inch) for its main camera and paired with a Leica 60mm floating telephoto lens capable of handling portrait photography and 10cm macro shots. It also introduces a new 50MP front camera with enhanced autofocus capabilities. With dimensions of 8.06mm thick and a weight of 191g, it offers a notably compact form factor while housing a substantial 6,330mAh battery—larger than the Ultra's 6,000mAh cell. Charging options include 100W wired and 50W wireless speeds.
Leica Leitzphone and Accessories Expand the Ecosystem
In addition to the main models, Xiaomi introduced the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, priced at €1,999 (approximately Rs 2,14,900). Celebrating Leica's 100th anniversary, this special edition shares the Ultra's camera hardware but features a nickel-anodized aluminum body and a physical Leica Camera Ring that mimics the tactile feel of a traditional zoom ring. It includes a Leica Essential mode, replicating the aesthetic of classic cameras like the Leica M9 and M3.
For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi offers the Photography Kit at €99.99, which includes a two-stage shutter button and wrist strap, and the Photography Kit Pro at €199.99, adding a PU leather grip, a built-in 2,000mAh battery, and a detachable shutter button. These accessories are designed to transform the Ultra into a more camera-like experience.
Launch Details and Additional Perks
Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 are scheduled to launch in India on February 11. Buyers in eligible markets will receive bundled trial subscriptions at no extra cost, including three months of Google AI Pro, three months of YouTube Premium, and four months of Spotify Premium, adding value to the purchase.
