Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Launches: A Photographer’s Powerhouse With a Functional Camera Ring

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra special Leica Edition starts at around $1,138 in China. Pictured: the zoom ring in action.

After weeks of teasers and anticipation, Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest imaging flagship in China: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. But the headline-grabber is the special Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, which transcends typical special editions by blending iconic design with a surprisingly tactile photographic experience.

Launching in two classic colorways—Pure White and Ink Black—the Leica Edition immediately stands apart from the regular model. It features a sophisticated dual-tone finish and a prominent Leica logo on the back, drawing clear inspiration from the design language of traditional cameras. The commitment to the theme is meticulous, extending to Leica inscriptions and subtle knurling on the mid-frame, making it feel like a true tool for creators.

However, Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica has moved beyond badges and filters. The most groundbreaking feature is the functional camera ring surrounding the rear lens array. This isn't just for show; it acts as an interactive control dial. Users can physically rotate it to zoom smoothly, adjust focus manually for precise control, or tweak exposure settings—bringing a hands-on, DSLR-like experience to smartphone photography.

For those looking to elevate their mobile photography rig further, Xiaomi offers an optional camera kit, compatible with both the Leica and regular Ultra models. The kit includes a 67mm filter adapter for attaching professional lenses, a detachable shutter button for better handling, and an ergonomic camera grip. Notably, the grip packs a built-in 2,000mAh battery, addressing a key pain point for extensive shooting sessions by extending the phone's runtime. For other power needs, portable options like the compact Iniu 10K power bank (currently $19.99 on Amazon) remain a great accessory to have on hand.

At its core, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform. Its camera system is built around a formidable triple-sensor setup: a 1-inch-type primary sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens for incredible lossless zoom, and a 14mm ultrawide lens. The Leica Edition enhances this hardware with what Xiaomi calls a "Leica-focused AI," promising optimized color science, contrast, and detail straight out of the sensor.

Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is available in China in two configurations:

16GB RAM + 512GB Storage: Priced at CNY 7,999 (approximately $1,138).
16GB RAM + 1TB Storage: Priced at CNY 8,999 (approximately $1,280).

You can explore the official specs and design in detail on the Xiaomi product page.

For photographers and tech enthusiasts, the Leica Edition represents a bold fusion of smartphone convenience and dedicated camera sensibility. With its innovative control ring and professional-grade kit options, Xiaomi is squarely targeting enthusiasts who crave more control and tactile engagement from their mobile device. Official camera samples released by Xiaomi (see below) showcase the potential of this unique partnership, highlighting vivid colors and striking depth.