Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica: The Ultimate Photography Flagship Arrives in 2026

Get ready, smartphone enthusiasts! The year 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible one for mobile tech, and at the forefront is the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 series. Building on years of innovation, Xiaomi is set to redefine premium smartphones with its latest flagship. Leaks and certifications are pointing towards a game-changer, especially for photography lovers, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica poised to make a massive global impact.

The Leica Leitzphone Revolution: Made by Xiaomi for the World

For years, the concept of a “Leica phone” has been a tantalizing, yet exclusive, prospect, largely confined to the Japanese market and manufactured by Sharp. However, a groundbreaking leak from the reliable Evan Blass (@evleaks) on January 16, 2026, has confirmed what many have suspected: the next generation of the Leica Leitzphone is officially “made by Xiaomi.” This isn’t just a simple rebranding; it signifies a deep strategic collaboration, integrating Leica’s century-old optical heritage right from the design phase.

This partnership elevates the Leitzphone from a niche product to a global mainstream contender. The certification data, specifically from Thailand’s NBTC, reveals three global models:

• Xiaomi 17 — Model: 25113PN0EG
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra — Model: 2512BPNDAG
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica / Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi — Model: 25128PNA1G (internal variant “P1S” with a “Special” suffix)

The “G” at the end of the model numbers confirms these are global versions, distinct from any China-exclusive variants. This Thai certification, following similar appearances in Singapore (IMDA), India (BIS), and with GSMA, paints a clear picture: Xiaomi is gearing up for a massive international rollout across key markets like Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Unveiling the Leica Edition: A Photographer’s Dream

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica variant isn’t just about the Leica branding; it’s packed with features that directly echo the iconic Leica camera experience:

• Physical Rotary Control Ring: A standout feature is the tactile ring around the camera module. This isn’t just for show; it offers continuous zoom control (spanning approximately 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom), manual focus adjustment, or exposure compensation. It’s a direct nod to the beloved control systems found on Leica’s rangefinder and DSLR cameras.
• Premium Dual-Tone Design: The aesthetic is a striking blend of premium materials. The lower half boasts a vegan leather finish, while the upper section elegantly mimics the top plate of a Leica M-series camera, complete with the unmistakable red Leica dot.
• Exclusive Leica Accessories: The package is further enhanced with bespoke accessories, including a metal lens cap, a leather cleaning cloth, a red strap, and a magnetic case with a decorative ring. These thoughtful additions underscore the premium nature of this device.
• Leica Modes and Film Simulations: Expect advanced camera features like “Leica Moment” and various film simulations, such as the much-praised Monopan 50. Leica-calibrated color profiles are also integrated, promising a more cinematic and authentic visual output.
• APO Certification on Telephoto: The telephoto lens carries an “APO” (Apochromatic) certification. This is a significant detail, as it indicates minimized chromatic aberration and exceptionally accurate color reproduction – a feature previously reserved for high-end professional prime lenses.

The Heart of the Beast: A Camera System Redefining 2026

Both the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Leica counterpart share a formidable, co-designed Leica triple camera system. This hardware is poised to set new benchmarks for smartphone photography in 2026:

• Main Camera: A massive 1-inch sensor (OmniVision Light Fusion 1050L / OV50X) with 50 MP resolution, an f/1.67 aperture, and a 23mm equivalent focal length. It features advanced LOFIC HDR technology and boasts a light-gathering capacity that is an astonishing 6.3 times greater than the sensor found in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
• Periscopic Telephoto: This lens features a 200 MP ISOCELL HPE sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. It offers a remarkable continuous optical zoom range from 75 mm to 100 mm (3.2x to 4.3x optical), with hybrid zoom capabilities extending up to 200 mm and digital zoom up to 400 mm.
• Ultra-Wide Angle: A 50 MP sensor with a 14mm equivalent focal length captures expansive scenes with exceptional detail.

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Early reviews from China have been overwhelmingly positive, with the camera system reportedly outperforming competitors like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max in real-world scenarios. Independent tests from leakers like Ice Universe and various tech channels highlight reduced artifacts, superior low-light performance, and more natural color rendering, all thanks to the Leica processing.

Under the Hood: Powering the Future

Driving this photographic powerhouse is the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, built on a 3nm process. This is complemented by HyperOS 3, based on Android 16, which integrates advanced AI capabilities for enhanced computational photography.

While the Chinese version sports a substantial 6800 mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, global models might see a slight adjustment in battery capacity due to safety regulations and certification requirements.

Global Launch: Early 2026 on the Horizon

Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the 17 Ultra series will launch globally in 2026. Industry analysts and insider leaks suggest a debut between late January and mid-February. This timeframe could see a dedicated launch event or the phone being showcased at MWC 2026 in Barcelona towards the end of February. With initial focus on markets like Thailand, India, Singapore, and Europe, Latin America is also expected to follow shortly after.

The Verdict: A True Flagship Contender for 2026

With its relentless focus on professional-grade mobile photography, a design that truly feels like a camera in hand, and a vastly improved Leica collaboration, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Leitzphone isn’t just entering the flagship race; it’s aiming to set the pace. If initial global reviews match the impressive performance seen in China, Samsung and Apple will undoubtedly need to up their game in the optical department to keep up.

For mobile photographers, Leica aficionados, or anyone seeking the most ambitious high-end smartphone of 2026, this device is certainly one to watch. The key details yet to be confirmed are whether the unique mechanical ring and premium finishes will be consistent across all global markets, and of course, the final pricing. However, the message from Xiaomi is loud and clear: they are not just participating in the premium smartphone segment; they are aiming to lead it.