Xiaomi 17 Ultra unveiled: Leica co-design, 1-inch sensor and APO telephoto

Xiaomi has confirmed it will unveil the Xiaomi 17 Ultra next week, with the announcement appearing on the company’s official Weibo account. The early timing stands out: previous Ultra models typically arrived closer to spring, often around Mobile World Congress. The shift hints at a change in launch cadence.

The company also said the 17 Ultra will be the first device developed under its renewed partnership with Leica. What used to be joint research has evolved into strategic co-design, with both teams directly shaping the final product.

Cameras take center stage

Xiaomi points to a new next‑generation 1‑inch main sensor and the brand’s first APO telephoto lens certified by Leica. This type of optics is designed to reduce chromatic aberrations and improve color accuracy, particularly when shooting at longer focal lengths.

While the exact sensor model remains undisclosed, leaks suggest the main camera could use the Omnivision OV50X alongside a 200‑megapixel telephoto module. Xiaomi says to expect noticeably better low‑light performance, finer detail in challenging scenes, and more creative flexibility when zooming. If those promises hold, imaging is set to be the headline act.

The first wave of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be limited to China. A global announcement could follow later, potentially at MWC, and the company may narrow the usual gap between its domestic and international launches.