Xiaomi 17 Ultra to Launch in December with New Leica Optics and 200MP Telephoto

Following the successful debut of the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro Android phones in September, the Chinese tech giant is reportedly preparing a grand finale for the year. According to emerging reports, the range-topping Xiaomi 17 Ultra is slated for an official unveiling in China later this month.

Fresh leaks from the reputable tipster “Smart Pikachu” suggest that Xiaomi is pivoting its strategy for this generation. Rather than relying solely on aggressive computational photography, the 17 Ultra aims to solve image quality issues at the physical level through advanced lens engineering.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: The New Leica Coating

The defining feature of the upcoming flagship appears to be a revamped optical formula developed in collaboration with Leica. The leak indicates that the device will utilize a specialized lens coating tailored to correct inherent optical flaws.

The primary goal is to maximize light transmission while aggressively minimizing glare and “ghosting”—artifacts that frequently plague mobile photography in challenging lighting conditions. The philosophy described is refreshing in an AI-dominated era: leaving optical problems to be solved by optics. By ensuring high definition and color fidelity through hardware rather than software post-processing, Xiaomi aims to deliver a more natural, “pure” image.

Quality Over Quantity: The Switch to Triple Cameras

Visual evidence and insider reports point to a significant structural change in the camera module. Diverging from the quad-camera array seen in its predecessor, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is tipped to adopt a consolidated triple-lens system.

While the lens count has dropped, the specifications have skyrocketed:

• Primary: A 1-inch 50MP sensor, likely the OmniVision OV50X, serving as the anchor.

• Telephoto: A staggering 200-megapixel periscope lens, designed to offer high-resolution zooming capabilities.

• Ultrawide: A 50MP shooter to complete the versatile trio.

A Battery Monster with Flagship Power

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will inevitably be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, providing the necessary computational throughput for the new high-resolution sensors.

However, the most surprising spec might be the power source. Leaks point to a substantial upgrade in battery density, with capacity estimates falling between 6,000mAh and 7,000mAh. If accurate, this would give the Ultra a significant endurance advantage over most competitors in the premium tier.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Design and Ecosystem Expansion

Ergonomics are also getting an overhaul. Moving away from the “waterfall” curved displays of the past, the 17 Ultra is expected to feature a flat display housing an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The chassis will likely support dual satellite communication, ensuring connectivity off the grid.

The smartphone won’t be arriving alone. The launch event is expected to serve as a showcase for Xiaomi’s broader ecosystem, featuring the debut of the Band 10 Pro fitness tracker and, interestingly, the company’s first-ever NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution.