Xiaomi 17 Ultra to be launched on December 25th with Leica APO Telephoto and 1-Inch Camera Sensor
Xiaomi has officially confirmed the launch of its next-generation Ultra-series flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China on December 25, following a teaser. The company recently revealed a deeper, multi-layered partnership with Leica, aimed at embedding Leica’s professional optical expertise, design philosophy, and interactive concepts directly into Xiaomi’s product development process from the ground up.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will debut the world’s first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens on a smartphone. Complementing this is a next-generation 1-inch primary camera sensor, purpose-built for mobile photography. The camera system features an f/1.67 aperture for the 1-inch main sensor, an f/2.9 aperture 200MP periscope telephoto lens, focal lengths ranging from 14mm ultra-wide to 100mm telephoto (equivalent to 4.3× optical zoom), and a VARIO-APO-SUMMILUX lens setup.
Xiaomi has also shared official images showcasing the phone in a Starry Green colour option, which uses mineral particles to create a shimmering, starry-sky-like finish. According to the company, the design highlights include refined detailing, segmented volume buttons, a comfortable wraparound frame, a compact camera module for an unobstructed grip, and a large-angle 2D flat display.
With an ultra-slim 8.29mm profile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned as a professional yet elegant imaging flagship. Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi’s Mobile Phone Division, stated that it is the brand’s thinnest Ultra smartphone to date.
More details are expected to be revealed in the coming days ahead of the official launch later this week. The global debut is anticipated in early March at MWC 2026, as the device has already received FCC certification.
