Xiaomi is building anticipation ahead of the official December 25 unveiling of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by confirming one of its most distinctive hardware features — a physical zoom ring integrated around the phone’s circular rear camera module.
This tactile control system allows users to manually adjust zoom levels, delivering a more precise and photography-centric shooting experience reminiscent of traditional camera ergonomics.
The branding of the device also signals Xiaomi’s continued deep collaboration with Leica. Official material refers to the phone as Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, and at least one variant will proudly feature the signature Leica red dot logo on the back. This design choice reinforces the company’s premium imaging ambitions and positions the handset as a true flagship camera phone.
According to earlier leaks, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to feature a triple-camera setup — one sensor fewer than its predecessor, but with meaningful upgrades in hardware.
The periscope telephoto camera will reportedly support continuous optical zoom between 3x and 4.3x, offering smoother transitions and greater framing flexibility compared to fixed-step zoom systems. This lens is rumored to utilize Samsung’s HPE sensor to enhance clarity and stability across focal lengths.
The primary camera is said to house a customized 50MP OmniVision 1-inch type sensor, engineered for superior light capture, improved dynamic range, and enhanced texture detail in both day and night shots. Complementing it is a 50MP ultrawide camera believed to use Samsung’s JN5 sensor, designed to maintain sharpness and color accuracy across wide-angle scenes.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, promising flagship-grade performance, AI-driven imaging enhancements, and optimized power efficiency for gaming and multitasking.
With its Leica partnership, innovative physical zoom ring, and high-end camera hardware, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most compelling photography-focused smartphones of 2026. More details, including availability and pricing, are expected to be revealed during its official launch event on December 25.