Review: Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leitzphone Pack Leica Magic Into a Flagship Phone
#Xiaomi 17 Ultra #Leitzphone #Leica collaboration #Flagship smartphone #Camera phone #Snapdragon 8 Elite #Chinese smartphones #Photography features
📌 Key Takeaways
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra features Leica collaboration in special Leitzphone edition
- Powerful camera system with 50MP main sensor and 200MP telephoto lens
- Impressive hardware with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and 6,000mAh battery
- Elegant design hampered by large camera module affecting usability
- Not officially available in US market but can be imported globally
📖 Full Retelling
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi and German camera manufacturer Leica have collaborated to release the Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone with a special Leitzphone edition in global markets on February 28, 2026, aiming to capture photography enthusiasts with premium camera technology and elegant design. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra represents the company's flagship offering, positioned as a direct competitor to Apple and Samsung's premium devices, while the Leitzphone special edition caters specifically to fans of Leica's renowned camera heritage with unique design elements and enhanced photography controls. The device features a stunning 6.9-inch flat OLED display with variable refresh rate and high brightness, though its most notable characteristic is the substantial circular camera module that houses an advanced multi-lens system designed to deliver exceptional photographic performance across various scenarios. While not officially available in the United States, the smartphone has generated significant interest among American photographers willing to navigate the import process to access its cutting-edge capabilities.
🏷️ Themes
Smartphones, Photography, Technology, Xiaomi
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Original Source
Simon Hill Gear Feb 28, 2026 9:32 AM Review: Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Special-Edition Leica Leitzphone If the Xiaomi 17 Ultra wasn’t enticing enough, a special version dubbed the Leitzphone—designed with Leica—will surely seduce photo nerds willing to risk a Chinese import. Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available Buy Now at Xiaomi Save this story Save this story Rating: 8 /10 Open rating explainer WIRED Leica-inspired Leitzphone and 17 Ultra designs are gorgeous. Powerful and versatile camera systems. Excellent performance and battery life. Handy photography kit. TIRED Bloatware. No Qi2 support. I’ve been reviewing Xiaomi’s smartphones for several years, and I always look forward to the new Ultra. If you’ve never sampled its wares, preferring the latest Apple or Samsung iteration, you might be surprised at just how good these devices are. The Chinese company is the third-largest phone maker in the world behind Apple and Samsung, and it packs all the latest cutting-edge hardware into its annual flagship release. Xiaomi’s Ultra line has long battled for the camera king title. Amusingly, Xiaomi skipped the 16 series to compete directly with Apple’s latest iPhone generation. There’s no radical redesign for the 17 Ultra over last year’s Xiaomi 15 Ultra , but there is refinement and a special version called the Leitzphone, designed with Leica, that may prove irresistible to fans of the German camera brand. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is easily one of the best phones you can’t officially buy in the United States . While importing a Chinese smartphone is not without potential pitfalls, this one will tempt keen American photographers. Leica a Lot I’ve always appreciated Leica’s minimalist industrial design. Textured black and silver materials with a splash of red add some identity. It strikes me as a careful balance between form and function, and it comes through very strongly in Xiaomi’s Leitzphone. The aluminum alloy frame is ribbed for enhanced grip, you can rotate the ring around t...
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