Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launch Imminent: Major Camera Leap Confirmed, But a Significant Price Hike Looms

 

Xiaomi president Lu Weibing has talked about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in a recent Q&A session

The tech world is buzzing with anticipation as the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra appears to be just days away. While the official unveiling is still on the horizon, a flurry of activity on Chinese social media platform Weibo has given us an unprecedented early look at what might be the most ambitious camera phone yet. However, alongside the impressive specs comes a sobering confirmation from Xiaomi's top brass: be prepared to pay significantly more.

Leaked Details Reveal a Photographic Powerhouse

The most exciting leaks center on the device’s camera system, a continued collaboration with legendary optics maker Leica. Screenshots purportedly from the camera app have ignited excitement by suggesting that Xiaomi and Leica have developed a true optical zoom lens with a variable aperture. This technology, similar to that found in the Sony Xperia 1 VII, allows for greater control over depth of field and exposure.

The real kicker? This periscope telephoto lens is reportedly built around a massive 200-megapixel sensor, promising incredible detail even at long range. The hardware itself is seeing a major upgrade, as shown in a revealing size comparison with its predecessor's module.

https://weibo.com/1892653244/QjicwgBDE

The image, shared on Weibo, clearly shows the substantially larger periscope module for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which houses the new APO (Apochromatic) Leica optics designed to eliminate chromatic aberration for purer color fidelity.

The Xiaomi 15 telephoto module on the left, the bigger periscope telephoto of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra on the right

President Lu Weibing Announces Inevitable Price Increase

In a candid Weibo Q&A session, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing addressed the elephant in the room. He confirmed that a "significant price increase" for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China is inevitable. The reasons are twofold: the ongoing sharp rise in global memory chip prices and the substantially more expensive new camera components.

"These aren't incremental upgrades," the session implied. The new periscope system, the advanced APO lenses, and a groundbreaking new main sensor all contribute to a higher bill of materials.

Next-Gen Main Sensor with LOFIC Technology

That new main sensor is another headline feature. Moving to a 1-inch Omnivision OV50X sensor, Xiaomi is incorporating LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology. This specialized hardware is designed to vastly improve dynamic range—the ability to capture both bright highlights and dark shadows in the same frame—reportedly surpassing even the capable LYT-900 sensor used in the previous model.

First Official Camera Sample Teases Capabilities

Xiaomi hasn't held back entirely, releasing an initial official photo sample taken with the 23mm main camera. The technical details are telling: shot at ISO 64 with a shutter speed of 1/50s and an f/1.67 aperture. In classic Leica style, the image relies on natural contrast and light, avoiding artificial brightening in shadows, which results in a dramatic, authentic look.

The sample also gives us a clearer idea of the phone's design, with a distinctive circular camera island and a sleek profile. Green is expected to be among the color options at launch.

https://weibo.com/1892653244/Qjk3i4Fit

The Bottom Line

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a monumental leap in mobile photography, pushing the boundaries of optical zoom and sensor technology. However, this innovation comes at a cost. The confirmation of a steep price hike sets the stage for a device that will compete squarely at the very top of the market. For photography enthusiasts, the specs may justify the premium, but the broader market will be watching closely to see if the Ultra's performance can truly overshadow its new, loftier price tag. All will be revealed in just a few days.