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Leaked screenshots from Weibo suggest the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could bring a rare continuous optical zoom to phones, with smooth magnification between 3x and 4.3x and a 200MP Leica-backed system. If true, this would push smartphone zoom tech beyond the usual multi-lens setups.
What the leak actually shows
The images from the camera app reveal fixed presets at 0.6x, 1x and 2x, while the telephoto control offers uninterrupted zoom between 3x and 4.3x — equivalent to roughly 70mm–100mm focal lengths. On-screen text also references a "Leica 200MP continuous optical zoom," implying true mechanical or periscope-style optical movement rather than stitching between discrete lenses.
Why continuous optical zoom could matter
Most flagship phones today use two or more telephoto lenses and switch between them or rely on digital interpolation between focal lengths. That approach is easier to implement but can produce inconsistent detail and artifacts when zooming. Continuous optical zoom keeps glass elements physically adjusting focal length, which usually delivers cleaner detail and more natural bokeh across the range.
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How this compares to Sony and past Xiaomi models
Sony has been one of the pioneers here. The Xperia 1 IV introduced a 3.5x–5.2x continuous optical zoom, and Sony extended that to 3.5x–7.1x on later flagships. Xiaomi’s previous 15 Ultra used two telephoto modules — a 50MP 70mm and a 200MP 100mm — and relied on digital zoom between them. A single continuous telephoto in the 17 Ultra would mark a big architectural shift for Xiaomi and put it closer to Sony’s rarer zoom implementations.
Sensor, lenses and other photography upgrades
Beyond the zoom notes, the leak mentions a 200MP ISOCELL HPE sensor sized at 1/1.4 inch and Leica APO optics, plus hints at a new 1-inch main sensor. Combined, those components point to a very photography-focused flagship with improved low-light performance, higher-resolution crops and more flexible framing across focal lengths.
Launch timing and what to watch for
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to debut in China this week, with a broader global rollout to follow. Leaks can be optimistic, but if Xiaomi ships a working continuous optical zoom paired with a 200MP sensor and Leica tuning, it could reshape expectations for smartphone telephoto performance.
Curious how this might change real-world shooting? Watch for official specs and sample photos once Xiaomi confirms the camera hardware.
Source: gizmochina
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