Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition: The Ultimate Camera Phone Arrives
TLDR:
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition features 1-inch sensor with Leica optics
- Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor
- Expected to launch alongside Xiaomi 17 series in early 2026
- Malaysia release expected shortly after global launch
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Xiaomi has unveiled its most ambitious camera phone yet — the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. Building on the success of previous Ultra models, this new flagship pushes the boundaries of mobile photography with advanced Leica optics and cutting-edge sensor technology.
Camera System: The Star of the Show
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition features a massive 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor, one of the largest ever put in a smartphone. This is paired with a Leica Summilux lens designed specifically for Xiaomi, promising exceptional light capture and image quality.
The partnership between Xiaomi and Leica continues to bear fruit. The Leica branding isn’t just for show — it represents genuine optical expertise from one of the most respected names in photography. The lens coatings, optical design, and color science all come from Leica’s extensive experience in premium camera manufacturing.
Beyond the main camera, the Ultra also features an ultra-wide lens and a periscope telephoto lens, providing versatility for different shooting scenarios. The periscope setup offers genuine optical zoom capabilities that digital zoom simply cannot match.
Performance: Top-Tier Hardware
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. This ensures the phone can handle demanding tasks like 4K video recording, computational photography, and gaming without breaking a sweat.
The processor also enables advanced AI features, including enhanced scene recognition, real-time image processing, and intelligent optimization for different shooting conditions. These software capabilities work hand-in-hand with the impressive hardware to deliver consistently excellent photos.
Display and Design
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a stunning 6.73-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. The display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, making it perfect for viewing the high-quality photos and videos you’ll capture with the camera.
The design maintains Xiaomi’s premium aesthetic, with a sleek glass and metal construction that feels substantial without being unwieldy. The distinctive camera module on the back is a conversation starter — it signals to everyone that this is a serious photography device.
Battery and Charging
A 5,000mAh battery keeps the Xiaomi 17 Ultra running throughout even the most demanding photography sessions. When you do need to recharge, 120W wired charging can take you from zero to full in under 20 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported at 50W.
Expected Pricing
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition will likely be priced at a premium. Based on previous Ultra models, we can expect pricing around the RM4,000 to RM5,000 range, depending on the configuration. This positions it competitively against other flagship camera phones from Samsung and Apple.
Malaysia Availability
Xiaomi Malaysia typically launches new flagship devices shortly after global announcements. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra should be available within weeks of the global launch, through Xiaomi’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada, as well as authorized resellers.
Our Take
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition looks like the ultimate camera phone for enthusiasts who take photography seriously. The combination of a large sensor, genuine Leica optics, and Xiaomi’s computational photography expertise could make this the best camera phone of 2026.
For Malaysian users who prioritize photography, this device deserves serious consideration. The premium pricing is justified by the cutting-edge technology and genuine capability improvements over standard flagship phones.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your smartphone and mobile photography matters to you, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra should be at the top of your list. We’ll have a full review once the device launches, but based on the specifications, it looks like Xiaomi has another winner.
