X iaomi is once again preparing to push the boundaries of mobile photography with its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. The company’s Ultra series has consistently been recognised among the best camera phones in the market, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra appears to continue that legacy. This time, Xiaomi is introducing a DSLR-style physical rotary zoom ring, signalling a strong focus on professional-level photography and videography.
Recently teased on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Xiaomi confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition will feature what it calls a “Master Zoom Ring.” This physical rotary control is positioned on the rear camera module and allows users to adjust zoom levels by rotating the ring, similar to how zoom is controlled on DSLR or mirrorless cameras. This feature could offer more precise zoom control compared to traditional touch-based gestures, especially during video recording.
In terms of design, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition will showcase a custom Leica engraving placed next to the camera island. This detail highlights Xiaomi’s deepening collaboration with Leica and reinforces the phone’s premium, camera-centric identity. Reports suggest that the official name of the device could be Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, further positioning it as a flagship built specifically for photography enthusiasts. The device is also expected to feature a Leica-style watermark on the rear panel, adding to its professional aesthetic.
Xiaomi is also making notable changes to the camera hardware. Unlike its predecessor, which featured a quad-camera setup, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is expected to adopt a triple-camera system. This setup is said to include a 50MP 1-inch primary sensor, a Leica-tuned 200MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Xiaomi is reportedly upgrading the optical zoom from 3x to 4.3x, allowing for sharper and more detailed long-range photography.
The introduction of a physical rotary zoom ring is expected to significantly enhance the photography experience. Most modern smartphones rely solely on digital or touch-based zoom controls, which can feel imprecise during shooting. The Master Zoom Ring could enable smoother zoom transitions, better control during video capture, and a tactile camera-like experience that appeals to advanced users and content creators.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor. This chipset is designed to deliver top-tier performance, improved AI capabilities, and enhanced image processing, making it ideal for photography-heavy usage. The device may offer up to 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for high-resolution photos and videos.
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Battery life and charging capabilities also appear to be a strong focus for Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is rumored to feature a large 6,800mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging. This combination should allow users to shoot photos and videos extensively without worrying about frequent recharging. The phone is also expected to come with an IP68 rating, providing resistance against dust and water.
On the display front, the device is likely to feature a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This display technology should offer smooth scrolling, excellent brightness, and accurate color reproduction, making it ideal for content consumption and photo editing. The smartphone is expected to run HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 out of the box, bringing refined animations, improved system efficiency, and enhanced camera software features.
Overall, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition appears to be shaping up as one of the most photography-focused smartphones of 2025. With its DSLR-style rotary zoom ring, Leica-engineered camera system, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and premium design elements, the device could set a new benchmark for mobile imaging and flagship smartphone innovation.
