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Xiaomi is reportedly prepping a new flagship — the 17 Ultra — that aims to reset smartphone imaging standards. Leaks point to a phone that borrows much from the 17 Pro Max but sets itself apart with a headline-making camera setup and a few exclusive photo-first features.
One phone, one bold camera statement
According to tipster DCS, the 17 Ultra will share core hardware with the recently revealed 17 Pro Max: a 6.9-inch OLED 2K display with 120Hz refresh, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint reader and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. But where the 17 Pro Max plays a broad flagship game, the Ultra goes all-in on imaging.
The standout claim: Xiaomi will equip the 17 Ultra with what could be the industry’s largest main camera sensor, paired with an all-new periscope telephoto system developed in-house. Leaks describe a large circular camera island and a premium gold color option, alongside more familiar black, white and purple finishes.
What the camera stack might look like
Early spec leaks sketch an ambitious multi-sensor array designed for versatility and lossless zoom across focal lengths:
- 50MP main camera with enhanced in-sensor zoom technology for improved crop quality
- 50MP Samsung JN5 ultra-wide lens
- 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto module
- 200MP Samsung HPE periscope telephoto using 4×4 RMSC tech for lossless zoom and telephoto macro shots
- 50MP OmniVision OV50M front camera for high-detail selfies
Leakers also mention a seamless handoff between in-sensor zoom and the dedicated periscope, plus a new external lens solution that Xiaomi claims will outperform current attachable zoom systems. Expect “multiple camera tricks” — computational photography features that take advantage of the large sensor and the novel periscope optics.
More than just cameras
Beyond imaging, the 17 Ultra reportedly mirrors flagship amenities: top-tier stereo speakers, a responsive linear vibration motor and premium materials. Xiaomi plans two variants: both support UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for precise device location and connectivity, while the higher-end model is said to add Tiantong satellite calling and Beidou short message support for emergency communications.
Timing and what to watch for
Insiders expect Xiaomi to unveil the 17 Ultra in China before year-end. If the leaks are accurate, the device will compete directly with other camera-first flagships by pairing a giant main sensor, a unique periscope telephoto design and advanced software tricks — a combination that could sway photography enthusiasts and mobile creators.
Imagine a phone that handles wide landscapes, 4× lossless zoom, close-up telephoto macros and crisp selfies without compromise. If Xiaomi pulls this off, the 17 Ultra could be the new benchmark for smartphone photography.
Source: gizmochina
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