Early buyers of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra are starting to share a mixed picture: while many first impressions from China praise the phone’s performance and its Leica-tuned camera experience, a growing number of posts suggest a possible hardware quality control issue on some units of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica/Leitzphone Edition.
The complaint isn’t about image quality or video output. Instead, it focuses on the physical build of the camera hardware—specifically a zoom ring that appears to feel loose or “wobbly” on certain devices. A circulating video from Chinese social platforms shows the ring moving more than expected, raising concerns that a portion of early production units may not meet the premium expectations buyers have for this special edition model.
At the same time, it doesn’t appear to be a universal defect. One buyer based in Hong Kong reported that their Leitzphone Edition does not show the problem, suggesting the issue may affect only some batches or a limited number of devices. Still, the reports have been enough to leave some customers in China frustrated—especially given the premium positioning of the Leica-branded edition.
For anyone planning to import the Xiaomi 17 Ultra from China—or for those who have already placed an order—the safest move is to inspect the phone immediately upon arrival. Pay close attention to the zoom ring: check for unusual looseness, uneven movement, or anything that feels inconsistent with a tightly built camera module. If something seems off, it’s better to request a return or exchange as early as possible, since import purchases often come with stricter policies.
Another point import buyers should keep in mind: many overseas sellers offer shorter warranties and more limited return windows than what shoppers might expect from standard smartphone purchases in parts of Europe. With that in mind, doing a quick hands-on check right after delivery isn’t just helpful—it can be the difference between an easy return and being stuck with a device that doesn’t meet expectations.
The good news is that issues like this are often addressed quickly once they become widely reported, and there’s a strong chance the company will tighten quality control before broader international availability ramps up. Until then, early adopters importing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica/Leitzphone Edition should stay alert, test hardware thoroughly, and act fast if their unit shows the zoom ring problem.
