Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its next camera-focused flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, later this month in China.
Although the company has not officially confirmed any specifications or design elements, a steady stream of leaks continues to build anticipation. The latest development comes in the form of new spy shots that offer a closer look at the upcoming device’s rear camera setup.
The leaked images show the alleged Xiaomi 17 Ultra encased in a thick protective cover, concealing most of its rear design. Despite the heavy casing, three distinct camera sensors are clearly visible, strongly indicating a triple rear camera system.
One of these sensors appears to be a periscope telephoto lens, hinting at improved zoom capabilities designed to enhance long-range photography. The images also reveal a flash module and a few additional sensors positioned around the main setup.
Earlier leaks, including photos of the official photographer’s kit, suggested that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra would retain the large circular camera module seen on its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. However, unlike the 15 Ultra—which featured a quad-camera arrangement—the upcoming flagship is expected to switch to a three-camera layout.
This change could indicate a shift in Xiaomi’s imaging strategy, possibly focusing on larger sensors or more advanced optics rather than simply increasing the number of lenses.
There is also speculation that Xiaomi might move away from the circular design entirely. The Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max adopted a new rectangular camera island, and some industry observers believe the 17 Ultra could follow this trend for a more unified look across the series. However, the latest spy shots are inconclusive due to the protective casing.
With Xiaomi’s Ultra models traditionally positioned as top-tier camera flagships, expectations for the 17 Ultra are high. Fans anticipate upgrades in low-light performance, zoom range, and computational photography powered by Xiaomi’s imaging algorithms. As the official launch window approaches, more detailed leaks are likely to surface.