Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launched: New Camera Tech & Performance Boost
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been officially launched in the China market, with an anticipated release in the UK and wider Europe in the coming months. The device introduces a redesigned camera system, highlighted by a new LightFusion 1050L sensor featuring LOFIC HDR technology, a 200-megapixel telephoto lens with continuous optical zoom, and a continued partnership with Leica.
Initial performance comparisons with its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, indicate improved dynamic range in specific portrait scenarios and enhanced night photography across several lenses.
Global Rollout Planned
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been released in China and is expected to launch internationally in the UK and wider Europe within the coming months.
Camera System Redesign: Key Innovations
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra introduces several groundbreaking updates to its camera hardware, building on its photographic heritage.
LightFusion 1050L Primary Sensor
The device features a large 1-inch-type primary sensor, incorporating the new LightFusion 1050L sensor. This advanced sensor replaces the Sony LYT-900 chip found in previous models, signaling a significant shift in Xiaomi's imaging strategy.
LOFIC HDR Technology
Central to the new primary sensor is LOFIC HDR (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor High Dynamic Range) technology. This innovation allows the LightFusion 1050L sensor to capture High Dynamic Range images from a single exposure, a distinct approach from traditional multi-exposure methods.
This technology is projected to achieve dynamic ranges of approximately 20 stops, significantly higher than the 12-15 stops typical of many current smartphones and professional mirrorless cameras.
The hardware-level implementation aims to reduce reliance on intensive software processing. Xiaomi's press release notably mentions "AI" only once, in relation to an image authenticity certification system. Other leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Sony, are reportedly also developing LOFIC sensors.
200MP Continuous Optical Zoom Telephoto
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a remarkable 200-megapixel telephoto zoom lens. This lens offers a continuous optical zoom range from 75mm to 100mm equivalent focal lengths, providing users with flexible zooming capabilities unlike devices with fixed optical zoom levels. An ultrawide camera is also part of the comprehensive camera system.
Leica Partnership Deepens
Xiaomi continues its strategic collaboration with Leica. The main camera is branded the "Leica Ultra Dynamic Camera" and incorporates Leica-certified APO optics. For enthusiasts, a special edition "Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica" phone will be available, featuring the iconic Leica red dot logo, a custom Leica photography application, exclusive Leica color tones, and a physical ring on the phone's rear that can be customized to control focus, zoom, or exposure compensation.
Performance Insights: Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. 15 Ultra
Initial comparisons against its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, reveal noticeable performance improvements in key photographic scenarios.
Portrait Photography
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra's 23mm main camera, powered by the new LightFusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR technology, demonstrated a higher dynamic range in portrait shots. At the 100mm focal length, portrait images from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra exhibited increased brightness, despite featuring a smaller aperture. However, in one specific comparison, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's portrait presented a more natural rendition of the face, whereas the corresponding Xiaomi 17 Ultra version displayed visible artifacts and reduced clarity. Differences in shutter speed and ISO values were also observed between the compared examples.
Night Photography
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra consistently delivered improved performance in night conditions. Photographs taken with the 14mm ultra-wide angle, 23mm wide angle, and 10x zoom lenses showed significant enhancement. This improvement extended even to the ultra-wide lens, which utilizes the 50MP ISOCELL JN5 sensor, suggesting refinements in Xiaomi's algorithmic processing. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra exhibited lower quality results in these specific night shot comparisons.
Under the Hood: Core Specifications
Beyond its camera prowess, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is equipped with high-end specifications.
- Processor: Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 chip.
- Memory and Storage: Available with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.
- Battery: The Chinese version includes a robust 6,800-mAh battery supporting 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Regional variations in battery capacity may occur.
- Durability: The device carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
- Dimensions: The phone measures 8.29mm at its thinnest point.