Xiaomi Launches Global Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica Leitzphone

xiaomi 15 series

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones for international markets, introducing the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra alongside the Leica Leitzphone at a global launch event in Barcelona, Spain.

The newly announced Leica Leitzphone serves as the global counterpart to the China-exclusive Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. While both models share nearly identical specifications, the international version features a smaller 6,000 mAh battery compared to the 6,800 mAh capacity offered in the China-only variant. The Leitzphone is available in a single premium configuration with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, offered exclusively in black.

Design changes distinguish the Leitzphone from its counterpart. It features a fully black rear panel, a repositioned Xiaomi logo centered on the back, and a rotated Leica branding layout on the camera module. The device also introduces a physical rotating camera ring, allowing users to manually adjust zoom and exposure settings for a more tactile photography experience.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and running Xiaomi HyperOS 3, the smartphone includes a 6.9-inch HyperRGB OLED display with 1,200p resolution, Dolby Vision support, and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits. The LTPO panel supports a dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and improved power efficiency.

Photography remains a core focus. The Leitzphone features a 50MP front-facing camera and a rear triple-camera system co-developed with Leica. The setup includes a 50MP 1-inch main sensor, a 200MP telephoto lens with variable focal range, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. A dedicated Leica Essential mode enables users to replicate the imaging style of classic Leica cameras.

Additional features include 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos audio tuning, and Hi-Res Audio support. The device is also compatible with a Photography Kit Pro accessory featuring an integrated 2,000 mAh battery.

The Leica Leitzphone is priced at €1,999 across Europe and £1,699 in the United Kingdom, positioning it among the most premium smartphone offerings in the global market.