Pro Photographer Praises Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Phone’s Stunning Visuals
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone, the 17 Ultra, in China during December 2025. This new device is already generating excitement among photography enthusiasts, particularly for its advanced camera capabilities. As a professional photographer, I find Xiaomi’s continuous innovation in smartphone photography to be impressive.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Photographic Powerhouse
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts significant enhancements over its predecessor, the 15 Ultra. It retains the essential large 1-inch-type sensor that allows for optimal light capture. The main camera has upgraded to a LightFusion 1050L sensor, which introduces Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) HDR technology. This allows the camera to produce true HDR images from a single capture, unlike many competitors that require multiple exposures.
Key Camera Features
- Sensor: LightFusion 1050L
- Telephoto Zoom: 200 megapixels with continuous optical zoom from 75 to 100mm
- HDR Technology: LOFIC HDR for improved dynamic range
- Partnership: Ongoing collaboration with Leica for premium optics and photography software
This advancement has pushed the dynamic range capabilities of the camera to approximately 20 stops, surpassing many current smartphone options. The use of hardware-based enhancements, instead of sensors solely relying on software processing, is a refreshing shift in the industry.
Competing with the Best
The 17 Ultra arrives at a competitive time for smartphone photography, as companies like Samsung and Apple also prepare their next flagship devices. Xiaomi’s focus on tailoring its phones to the needs of professional photographers sets it apart. Unlike other brands that favor automatic features driven by AI, Xiaomi emphasizes user control over the photography process.
Additional Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gen 5
- RAM: Options up to 16GB
- Storage: Up to 1TB availability
- Battery: 6,800 mAh with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging
- IP Rating: IP68 (water and dust resistant)
- Thickness: 8.29mm
With a robust battery expected to last a day under heavy usage, the 17 Ultra demonstrates a combination of power and efficiency, making it suitable for extended shooting sessions. Its sleek design, along with top-tier camera technology, positions it as a standout model in the smartphone market.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is poised to redefine smartphone photography with its innovative sensor technology and collaborative design with Leica. The release of this phone marks an exciting time for both Xiaomi and photography enthusiasts globally. I eagerly anticipate the chance to explore its full potential and to see how it compares to both traditional cameras and competing smartphones in the market.
