Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition with a physical zoom ring and Leica-style shooting modes

Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in a special Leica Edition, prioritizing design and a shooting experience that closely mirrors classic Leica cameras. The device is already available for pre-order in China and will go on open sale on December 27. Pricing starts at 7,999 yuan for the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage model, with the 1 TB configuration priced at 8,999 yuan.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition arrives in a two-tone body inspired by the Leica M series. It features a metal frame that echoes the texture of Leica lenses, while a signature red brand logo sits on the back. The phone comes in black and light beige, both underscoring its camera-centric character.

The standout feature of this Leica Edition is a physical zoom adjustment ring integrated into the chassis. Emulating a mechanical lens ring, it lets users quickly change focal length and tweak settings like exposure compensation and white balance without diving into on-screen menus. The tactile control feels designed to keep the focus on the shot rather than the interface.

Exclusively for this edition, the Leica One Moment mode brings several signature profiles. Among them are a look that imitates the Leica M9’s distinctive CCD color rendering, a Leica M3–inspired black-and-white style with a film-like character, and a classic 3:2 aspect ratio that nods to Leica’s early film cameras. It’s a toolkit clearly crafted to encourage thoughtful image-making straight out of the camera.

Beyond the photo-first features, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition adds expanded connectivity with support for Beidou and Tiantong satellites, a dedicated data protection chip, and a special gift bundle that includes a branded case, a magnetic lens cap, and care accessories. The package plainly targets mobile photography enthusiasts who treat a smartphone as a camera above all else—and the heritage styling and physical controls reinforce that positioning.