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The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition sold out almost immediately after pre-orders opened, and a secondary market popped up within hours. What started as a camera-forward flagship launch quickly turned into a reseller rush in China.
Pre-orders vanish, resellers list for a premium
Xiaomi unveiled the 17 Ultra Leica Edition on December 25, 2025, with the first official sales set for December 27. The 16GB + 512GB model launched at 7,999 Yuan (about $1,120), while the higher-tier 16GB + 1TB option carries an 8,999 Yuan price. Despite supply not yet reaching customers, secondhand platforms were already populated with listings—many clearly placed by buyers who pre-ordered to flip the device as soon as shipments began.
Listings show the 1TB variant being offered for 9,999 Yuan and even above 10,000 Yuan, signaling strong short-term demand and a willingness among some customers to pay extra to be first. But are buyers snapping these up for the camera alone, or is this a pure reseller play?
What makes the Leica Edition so desirable?
It’s not just the Xiaomi badge. The Leica Edition leans into classic camera aesthetics and pro-level imaging features that will appeal to enthusiasts and collectors alike. Highlights include:
- Distinctive two-tone finish inspired by Leica’s M-series and the iconic red dot on the rear.
- Manual control options aimed at photographers who want hands-on tuning.
- An exclusive “Leica Moment” mode offering M9-style color rendering, M3 + MONOPAN 50 black-and-white film simulations, and a 3:2 full-frame aspect ratio.
- High-end hardware tuned for imaging, positioned as a camera-first flagship experience.
Those features help explain the halo effect: limited-edition design plus Leica-branded processing gives the model collector appeal beyond the base-spec phone.
Why resellers jumped in — and what buyers should know
When a limited, premium variant shows up at retail with signs of scarcity, flipping becomes almost inevitable. Some early orders seem driven by genuine photography interest, but many listings suggest opportunistic sellers capitalizing on hype. If you’re after one, weigh whether you want to pay a markup now or wait for wider availability. Official restocks or later production runs often cool prices, but timing and guarantees vary.
In short: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition sold out fast because it combines Leica branding, collectible styling, and camera-focused features. That mix created a quick resale market—beneficial for flippers, frustrating for enthusiasts hoping to buy at launch price.
Source: gizmochina
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