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| Spy shots of the alleged Xiaomi 17 Ultra with a protective case have surfaced in China, and there is also news about the global model. |
What would happen if you walked around a Chinese city openly carrying a giant, unreleased smartphone in a flashy protective case? You’d instantly become the source of the internet’s next big tech leak. That’s exactly what appears to have happened, as China’s Weibo platform is now flooded with candid shots that seemingly show an early prototype of the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
The images, snapped by eagle-eyed bystanders, show a device shrouded in the typical bulky disguise used to hide final designs. However, even the heavy case can’t conceal the most talked-about change: a completely revamped Leica camera system on the back.
A Major Camera Shift: Farewell to the Quad Camera
One change is immediately obvious to phone design enthusiasts. The distinctive quad-camera array from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is gone. In its place, the prototype reveals a triple-camera configuration.
Two of the lenses sit at the bottom of what appears to be another circular camera island. The star of the show, however, is a significantly larger sensor—believed to be the 200 MP telephoto lens—which has been relocated to the upper left side of the module. This layout bears a striking resemblance to the camera design of the Vivo X200 Ultra. Positioned directly above this large sensor are two small, circular flash LEDs and what look to be additional sensors for focus or light detection.
The design isn’t just a random guess. It closely matches schematics discovered within HyperOS code just a few days ago, significantly boosting the credibility of these spy shots.
You can see the viral Weibo post that started the discussion here: https://weibo.com/1008428475/QgOu2kDOY
Next-Gen Zoom and Global Confirmation
Beyond the new layout, rumors are swirling about the capabilities of this new periscope module. It is speculated that it may house not just a fixed telephoto lens, but a true optical zoom camera with variable focal length. While this ambitious feature remains unconfirmed, it would mark a significant leap in smartphone photography if true.
Perhaps the most exciting news for international fans comes from a regulatory discovery. While a global launch was widely expected, it now has concrete evidence. For the first time, a global model with the identifier 2512BPNDAG has been spotted in the IMEI database, as confirmed by trusted tech leakers.
The IMEI database screenshot and further analysis can be found in this detailed leak thread: https://x.com/erenylmaz075/status/1996333633926488072
What’s Next for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
Based on the current evidence and Xiaomi’s typical release cycle, we can now confidently sketch out the launch timeline. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be unveiled in China this December, following the brand’s tradition. Subsequently, the global rollout, including Europe and other markets, is projected for March 2026.
If the leaks hold true, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a bold redesign focused on pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, once again in partnership with Leica. The shift to a triple-camera system suggests a quality-over-quantity approach, potentially making room for larger, more powerful sensors and innovative optics. The tech world will be watching closely for an official announcement in the coming months.
