Xiaomi 17 Ultra takes smartphone photography to the next level

In the United States, conversations about the best camera phones often revolve around iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and, more recently, Google Pixel models. However, in Asia and parts of Europe, consumers have access to a wider variety of choices, with brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo continuously improving their camera technology.

The recently launched Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one such example, featuring a large camera module that houses a versatile array of sensors. The device also benefits from a collaboration with Leica, which brings refined image processing and distinct photographic styles.

The camera system offers extensive flexibility, from multiple focal lengths on the hardware side to a wide selection of filters and settings that influence the final image output. Xiaomi has also introduced external accessories that attach to the phone, including a snap-on cover and a USB-connected grip with physical buttons for capturing photos and videos. While these accessories don’t drastically expand functionality, they do make one-handed shooting significantly easier.

Beyond the camera, Xiaomi has equipped the device with high-end specifications to compete with other flagship smartphones. Before diving deeper into the camera, it’s worth looking at the overall hardware.

Hardware

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which is expected to be a standard choice for premium smartphones this year. On the front, the phone features a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1200 x 2608 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The display reaches a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, making it highly usable in bright outdoor conditions while also delivering an excellent video playback experience.

Battery life is another standout feature. The device includes a 6,000 mAh battery, enabled by silicon/carbon-ion technology, allowing it to last up to two days with light to moderate usage while maintaining strong standby performance. Despite the large battery, the phone remains lighter than the iPhone Pro Max, highlighting efficient design and engineering.

Charging capabilities are equally strong, with support for 90W wired charging using Xiaomi’s included charger or compatible PD 3.0 and PPS chargers. It also supports 50W charging with Xiaomi’s proprietary charger. The phone comes with 16GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB and 1TB.

Camera

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera system is its biggest highlight. It features a 1-inch 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.67 aperture, designed to capture more light and deliver sharp, vibrant images while maintaining accurate white balance. The sensor performs well across various lighting conditions and allows users to switch between 23mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent focal lengths, similar to the iPhone Pro Max.

The phone also includes a distinctive 200-megapixel telephoto lens. Instead of fixed zoom steps like 2x or 4x, it offers continuous optical zoom between 3.2x and 4.3x. While this range may seem limited, it provides flexibility when framing subjects such as pets or specific objects. Users can quickly jump to preset focal lengths like 75mm, 85mm, 90mm, and 100mm, though finer adjustments require manually sliding the zoom control.

Additionally, the device features a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture that captures detailed macro shots. While generally effective, it can lose some detail compared to the primary and telephoto cameras in certain scenarios. The phone also includes a 50-megapixel front-facing camera, though users may prefer to turn off built-in beauty filters for more natural results.

Camera controls follow a familiar layout, but the variety of styles available is wide. By default, the camera uses Leica’s “authentic” colour profile, which can be switched to Leica Vibrant with a single tap. There are also numerous filters available, including film-inspired effects, Leica presets such as vivid, natural, black-and-white, sepia, and blue, as well as Xiaomi’s own styles like cinematic, monsoon, teal mist, and scarlet.

Photography kits and accessories

Xiaomi has introduced two accessories: the 17 Ultra Photography Kit and the 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro. The standard version functions as a case that attaches directly to the phone and connects via Bluetooth. It includes a two-stage shutter button for focusing and capturing images, a dedicated video recording button, and contact charging for the battery.

The Photography Kit Pro includes both the case and an additional camera-style grip that connects through USB-C. This version features a built-in 2,000 mAh battery and enhances usability by allowing easier one-handed operation.

The grip includes a dedicated shutter button, a video recording button, and a customizable dial that can control exposure, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, or filters. It can also be used to navigate through the gallery. Additionally, the kit supports 67 mm camera filters via an attachable ring.

Using the Pro kit makes shooting more intuitive, especially in street photography scenarios, as it provides quick access to physical controls and improves handling. Both kits also enable a “fastshot” mode in the camera app, offering streamlined controls optimized for quick captures.

Competition and pricing

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to compete globally with upcoming devices such as the Vivo X300 Ultra and the Oppo Find X9, both of which are also focusing heavily on advanced photography capabilities. Thanks to its earlier release, Xiaomi may benefit from initial market momentum.

In Europe, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at €1,499. The standard Photography Kit is priced at €99.99, while the Photography Kit Pro is available for €199.99.

Overall, the device delivers a powerful combination of premium hardware and advanced camera features, making it a strong choice for users who prioritize mobile photography, provided they are comfortable with the large rear camera module.