Xiaomi’s latest camera-focused flagship is no longer just a teaser. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is now official in China, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and it’s arriving alongside a photography-themed Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition designed for people who want their phone to feel even closer to a real camera.
The Leica Edition launches in two colors, white and black, and the design changes are immediately noticeable. Compared to the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra, this version leans harder into a classic camera aesthetic with a dual-tone finish and a prominent Leica logo on the back. Xiaomi also adds Leica-style touches around the frame, including special inscriptions and knurled detailing that make the device look and feel purpose-built for shooting.
The most interesting upgrade isn’t just cosmetic, though. Xiaomi says the ring surrounding the rear camera module isn’t purely decorative. It can function like a zoom ring, similar to what you’d find on a traditional lens. Better yet, it isn’t locked to a single use—users should also be able to assign the ring for focus and exposure control, turning the camera hardware into a more tactile, hands-on photography tool.
For anyone who wants to go even further, Xiaomi is also selling a dedicated camera kit that works with both the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition and the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The kit includes a 67 mm filter adapter for attaching filters, a detachable shutter button for a more camera-like press, and a camera grip for improved handling. There’s also a built-in 2,000 mAh battery inside the kit to help extend shooting time during longer photo sessions.
Under the hood, the core camera specifications remain the same as the standard model, which is still a big deal for mobile photography fans. Xiaomi keeps the headline hardware: a 200 MP periscope telephoto camera, paired with a 1-inch main sensor and a 14 mm ultrawide lens. Xiaomi is also highlighting what it calls Leica-focused AI built into this edition, and it has shared official camera samples to showcase the results.
In China, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is offered in two memory and storage options. The 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage model is priced at CNY 7,999 (around $1,138), while the 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage version costs CNY 8,999 (around $1,280).
With its camera-inspired design, customizable control ring, and optional photography kit, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is clearly aimed at creators and enthusiasts who want a flagship phone that feels closer to a dedicated camera—while still delivering the top-tier performance expected from a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 device.
