At the Mobile World Congress 2026, Xiaomi made a significant splash with its impressive lineup of products, most notably the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This model is characterized by its exceptional camera capabilities, positioning it as a photographer’s delight rather than just another smartphone.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts an expansive 6.9-inch “HyperRGB OLED display” that offers a rapid 120Hz refresh rate and can achieve an astonishing peak brightness of 3,500 nits. Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip combined with a generous 16GB of RAM. Customers can choose between 512GB or a massive 1TB of storage, catering to users with extensive multimedia needs. The phone is equipped with a robust 6,000mAh battery that supports 90W fast charging and 50W fast wireless charging.
Camera specifications are at the forefront of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s appeal. It features a triple camera setup, including a 1-inch, 50-megapixel f/1.67 wide sensor, a 200-megapixel f/2.39-2.96 telephoto lens with a 75-100mm equivalent, and a 50-megapixel f/2.2 ultrawide camera that offers a 115-degree field of view. The front-facing camera also impresses with a 50-megapixel resolution, an f/2.2 aperture, and a 90-degree field of view, making it suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Adding an extra layer of allure is the special edition “Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi.” This variant features the renowned Leica red dot logo, showcasing premium branding. In addition to aesthetic enhancements, it includes a unique circular camera bump equipped with a physical control ring that allows users to make precise adjustments while shooting, enhancing the overall photography experience.
Despite its stellar features, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Leica counterpart are not officially available in the U.S., necessitating imports for American consumers. Pricing reflects the premium nature of these devices, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra retailing for 1,499 euros (approximately $1,755 USD) and the Leica Leitzphone priced at 1,999 euros (around $2,340 USD).
Moreover, Xiaomi has unveiled a special photography kit designed to enhance the shooting experience. This accessory includes a grip, shutter and video recording buttons, a dial, and an adapter for filters, priced at 199 euros (about $233 USD). This kit solidifies the brand’s commitment to catering to photography enthusiasts looking for a more versatile and professional toolkit.
