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| A leaked camera screenshot confirms continuous optical zoom in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra |
For months, the rumor mill has churned with one tantalizing claim about the upcoming Xiaomi flagship: that its much-hyped 200MP telephoto camera would finally deliver true, lossless optical zoom. Now, the first apparent evidence has surfaced, and it suggests Xiaomi is pushing smartphone camera technology into uncharted territory.
Fresh leaks emerging from the Chinese social platform Weibo appear to validate those early whispers. Shared marketing materials and screenshots showcase a camera interface that goes far beyond the standard fixed zoom steps.
Beyond Fixed Lenses: The "Continuous Optical Zoom" Promise
The leaked images reveal a zoom carousel that includes the usual ultra-wide (0.6x), wide (1x), and portrait (2x) options. The real story, however, lies in what comes next. A dedicated range marked between 3x and 4.3x is visible, corresponding to a focal length sweep from approximately 70mm to 100mm. This is further complemented by an 8.6x setting.
Crucially, the interface explicitly mentions "Leica 200 MP continuous optical zoom" and "high-fidelity optical quality." This terminology is a strong indicator that Xiaomi is not merely offering a larger digital crop but an actual, adjustable optical zoom mechanism within that 70-100mm range—a first for smartphones. The leaked promotional images highlighting this feature can be seen in the post below:
Specs & Trade-Offs: A Sensor Leap with a Possible Sacrifice
According to reliable tipster Cartidise on X, who provided further analysis, the new periscope system features a variable aperture that shifts from f/2.2 at 70mm to f/2.9 when zoomed to 100mm. While this is a slight step down in maximum aperture compared to the predecessor's fixed telephoto lens, it's offset by a monumental sensor upgrade.
The new module is said to employ a 1/1.4-inch ISOCELL HPE sensor, a massive increase in light-gathering surface area over the 1/2.51-inch IMX858 found in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. This larger sensor should dramatically improve detail, especially at the higher megapixel count, and enhance low-light performance on the telephoto end.
However, the leak suggests one notable casualty of this new complex zoom system: the popular telemacro function present on previous Ultra models may be absent. The source and implications of this detail remain unconfirmed.
Further technical breakdown from Cartidise can be found here.
The Wait Is Almost Over
The timing of these leaks is no coincidence. Xiaomi has confirmed the China launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set for next week, with industry insiders pointing to a December 25th announcement—a major holiday season reveal. The company has already officially teased a Leica APO-certified lens and a new 1-inch primary sensor, setting the stage for what could be the most photographically ambitious smartphone of the year.
If these leaks hold true, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn't just iterating on zoom; it's redefining the very mechanics of how smartphone cameras approach it, promising DSLR-like zoom flexibility in your pocket.
