The smartphone camera wars are escalating beyond megapixel counts, and the next big battle is taking shape for 2026. In one corner, we have Xiaomi, reportedly pushing the boundaries with a revolutionary true optical zoom lens co-engineered with Leica. In the other, Oppo stands firm, refining its unique and powerful dual-periscope telephoto system with Hasselblad.
The upcoming flagship showdown between the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is shaping up to be a masterclass in divergent camera philosophies. Let's dive into the latest leaks and see what the future holds for mobile photography enthusiasts.
Xiaomi's Dream: A True Optical Zoom Revolution
The rumor mill for Xiaomi's flagships has been particularly turbulent. Just a few weeks ago, the conversation was centered on the Xiaomi 16 series, with whispers of a special Ultra model featuring a genuine optical zoom camera. This technology, similar to what Sony implements in its Xperia 1 series, would allow for seamless focal length transitions without any digital cropping, a holy grail for mobile videography and photography.
While those plans may have shifted, the dream is far from dead. Recent leaks surrounding the Xiaomi 17 Ultra suggest a quad-camera setup, but a new, tantalizing piece of information has emerged that brings the optical zoom narrative back to the forefront.
Just hours ago, prominent Indian leaker Kartikey Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to reignite the speculation. His post suggests that Xiaomi has not abandoned its ambitious project to pair a true optical zoom mechanism with a high-resolution 200-megapixel sensor.
If these claims hold true, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could deliver a level of zoom versatility and quality that we've rarely seen on a smartphone. The key question remains the final configuration: would Xiaomi opt for a triple-camera system built around this powerful zoom module, or integrate it into a quad-camera array, potentially sacrificing a dedicated telephoto lens? With an expected launch towards the end of Q1 2026, the Leica-tuned camera system is likely still being finalized, leaving room for these exciting possibilities.
Oppo's Counter: Refining a Proven Powerhouse
While Xiaomi chases optical innovation, Oppo appears to be taking a "if it ain't broke, improve it" approach. According to leaks from the reliable Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra will stick with its winning formula.
The standard Find X9 Pro is expected to see a change, moving away from the dual-periscope setup to a single, highly compact 200-megapixel sensor. However, the Ultra model will reportedly double down on what makes it unique in the flagship market: its Hasselblad-tuned dual-periscope telephoto system.
This setup, which typically combines a medium telephoto (e.g., 3x) with a super-telephoto (e.g., 6x) periscope lens, gives users two dedicated, high-quality zoom options. This avoids the compromises of a single periscope that has to use digital cropping for intermediate ranges. By sticking with this proven architecture, Oppo is betting that consistency and dual-lens quality will win over consumers.
Speaking of the main camera, the Find X9 Ultra is also rumored to feature a groundbreaking new 200-megapixel primary sensor. This Sony-based sensor is tipped to be the first of its kind at a massive 1/1.1-inch size, promising unprecedented detail and light capture for its 200MP class. Paired with the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the Oppo flagship is shaping up to be an absolute performance and imaging beast.
The 2026 Flagship Camera Showdown: What It Means for You
So, which philosophy wins? The choice between the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Oppo Find X9 Ultra might come down to how you prefer to zoom.
- For the Zoom Purist & Videographer: If Xiaomi successfully delivers its Leica optical zoom, it could be a revelation. Smooth, lossless zoom during video recording and flawless stills across a range of focal lengths would offer a level of creative freedom currently unmatched in the smartphone world.
- For the Portrait & Long-Range Specialist: Oppo's Hasselblad dual-periscope system offers guaranteed quality at two key telephoto ranges. For users who frequently shoot at 3x for portraits and 6x (or beyond) for concerts or wildlife, having two dedicated, optically superior lenses is a significant advantage.
Ultimately, this brewing battle is a win for consumers. It proves that innovation in mobile photography is alive and well, with top manufacturers taking bold but different paths to imaging excellence. As we move closer to early 2026, we can expect more leaks to paint a clearer picture, but one thing is certain: the camera crown for 2026's best Android phone is far from decided.
What do you think? Are you more excited about the potential of a true optical zoom from Xiaomi, or the refined dual-power of Oppo's telephoto system? Let us know in the comments below!
After evaluating internally again, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is still a 200MP Continues Optical Zoom technology. There is no change.
— Kartikey Singh (@That_Kartikey) October 7, 2025
The new technology is very strong and worth looking forward to.
Digital Chat Station confirms the Oppo Find X9 Ultra's camera strategy, emphasizing the continued use of the unique dual-periscope telephoto. The main camera is also getting a massive upgrade to a new 200MP sensor. See the Weibo post here.
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