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Xiaomi has confirmed a Leica Edition of the upcoming 17 Ultra, marking what the company calls a “strategic cooperation upgrade” with the legendary optics brand. The tease hints at deeper joint development — not just branding — and positions this phone as a major push into premium mobile photography.
Leica collaboration: more than a logo
The announcement arrived alongside a teaser image of a black retail box carrying both Xiaomi and Leica marks. That visual, plus the language about upgraded cooperation, suggests Leica had a stronger hand in design and tuning this time. Xiaomi even teases a “new phase of mobile imaging,” implying software and hardware are being developed more closely together.
Camera hardware that aims to stand out
What’s already confirmed is the camera package. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition will ship with a 1-inch main sensor — a size that often delivers superior low-light performance and dynamic range — paired with a 200MP variable-zoom periscope telephoto. That telephoto module reportedly carries Leica’s Apochromatic optical certification, which is being billed as a smartphone first. In practice, apochromatic optics reduce chromatic aberration and help keep edges and color fringing under control.
Key camera highlights so far:
- 1-inch main sensor for improved light capture and detail
- 200MP variable zoom periscope telephoto
- Leica Apochromatic optical certification to cut chromatic aberration
- Continuous optical zoom from ~75mm to ~100mm (about 3x–4.3x), tailored for portraits
Design, feel and the first hands-on hints
Design-wise, the 17 Ultra Leica Edition follows current flagship trends: flat sides, rounded corners and a sleek overall profile. An official hands-on clip confirms four color options and a body thickness of 8.29mm — which Huawei Central notes makes it the thinnest “Ultra” Xiaomi has released so far. Little in the teaser suggests radical industrial design changes; instead, Xiaomi seems to be focusing differentiation on imaging performance.
Why this matters — and what we still don’t know
Leica’s deeper involvement could mean more than sharper optics: expect refined color science, lens profiles and possibly new shooting modes tuned to Leica’s aesthetic. That said, Xiaomi has been intentionally tight-lipped about several software and processing details. Independent reviews and side-by-side tests will be the real proof of whether the Leica Edition’s camera lives up to the hype.
With the official launch hours away, Xiaomi is positioning the 17 Ultra Leica Edition as one of its most photography-focused flagships yet. If the early specs are accurate, this model could be particularly attractive to portrait shooters and enthusiasts who want more control over telephoto results. But as always, real-world performance will determine how much of the promise translates into everyday photos.
Source: gizmochina
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