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| The Leica edition has a physical zoom ring. Pictured: a teaser of the special Xiaomi 17 Ultra variant. |
In a move that feels like a direct love letter to photography purists, Xiaomi is poised to redefine the smartphone camera experience with its upcoming flagship. The much-anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra, already confirmed to pack the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a Leica-tuned imaging system, is getting an exclusive variant that borrows a quintessential tool from traditional cameras. Meet the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, complete with a functional "Master Zoom Ring."
Gone are the days of solely relying on pinch-to-zoom or slider buttons. Xiaomi has just unveiled a special edition of its camera-centric powerhouse that features a physical rotary ring encircling the entire camera module. Dubbed the Master Zoom Ring, this isn't just for show. It promises to deliver tactile control that mirror the intuitive handling of a dedicated camera lens, a first for smartphones at this scale.
A Tactile Revolution: How the Master Zoom Ring Works
The company offered a tantalizing glimpse of the ring in action through a promotional video. The clip shows a smooth, deliberate rotation of the ring, directly adjusting the zoom level on-screen. This provides a layer of precision and immersion that touchscreen controls simply can't match, appealing directly to enthusiasts and professionals who crave that familiar, manual feel.
While Xiaomi’s official specifications are still rolling out, renowned and reliable tech insider Digital Chat Station has confirmed that the ring is fully functional. This isn't a decorative gimmick; it's an integrated hardware control designed for actual zoom manipulation, potentially offering variable resistance and haptic feedback for an even more authentic experience. You can see the ring in motion for yourself in the official teaser posted on Weibo.
Watch the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition's Master Zoom Ring in action here.
More Than Just a Ring: Design and Camera Prowess
The Master Zoom Ring is the headliner, but the special Leica edition boasts other distinctions. Adjacent to the formidable camera island, you’ll find a precise 3D Leica engraving, elevating the device's premium aesthetics and proudly announcing its co-engineering heritage. The design exudes a tool-like professionalism that sets it apart from the standard model.
Of course, the hardware underneath is what will do the heavy lifting. Xiaomi has previously spotlighted the 200 MP periscope telephoto lens on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Early sample images released by the company have generated significant buzz, showcasing stunning, detail-rich portraits and impressive clarity in zoomed shots, suggesting that this sensor could set a new benchmark for mobile telephotography. The fusion of this powerful sensor with the tactile control of the zoom ring could be a game-changer for mobile creatives.
Get a closer look at the exquisite design and Leica branding of the special edition model here.
The Imminent Launch: What to Expect Next
All eyes are now on the official launch date. Xiaomi has scheduled the grand unveiling of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra series for December 25, 2025, in China. In the days leading up to the launch, we expect the company to gradually confirm more specifications, pricing, and availability details for both the standard and Leica Edition models.
The introduction of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition with the Master Zoom Ring represents a bold step in blurring the lines between smartphones and dedicated cameras. It’s a clear signal that innovation in mobile photography is moving beyond just sensor size and megapixel counts, venturing into the crucial realm of user interface and tactile experience.
See the impressive camera samples from the 200MP periscope telephoto lens ahead of the launch.