Photography enthusiasts, rejoice! Today, we present the exceptional Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica. This special edition of the flagship smartphone not only carries the prestigious Leica name, but it also boasts unique features that set it apart. Let's dive into the details!
Starting with the unboxing, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica comes equipped with an array of camera-friendly accessories that justify its higher price point: CNY 7,999 for the 256GB model and CNY 8,999 for the 512GB version, compared to the regular model's price range of CNY 6,999 to 8,499.
Inside the box, you'll find the smartphone, a 100W charger, and a high-quality braided USB-A to USB-C cable. Additionally, it includes a protective case, a stylish metal Leica lens cap for the case, a matching red wrist strap, and a leather cleaning cloth.
Unboxing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica stands out with its exclusive dual-tone finish, inspired by Leica cameras. The lower half features a leatherette-like material, while the upper part emulates the top plate of Leica M cameras. We also see the iconic Red Dot logo prominently displayed!
Moreover, this phone offers a unique user experience with two special Leica themes preloaded—features not available on the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica
Additional distinguishing features include a knurled frame for enhanced grip and an inscription of 'Leica Camera Germany' along the left edge.
Signs that this is a special edition
But there's more to this device. A pivotal feature of the Leica Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the Control Ring, a rotating mechanism around the camera island that allows users to zoom between various focal lengths.
The camera software also goes through advanced color tuning. Xiaomi has integrated specific shooting modes designed to replicate iconic Leica aesthetics. For instance, one mode emulates the Leica M9, the first full-frame digital Leica rangefinder camera known for its distinctive colors, courtesy of a Kodak-developed CCD sensor.
Another mode, named Leica M3 + Monopan 50, delivers a high-contrast black-and-white effect with nearly completely black shadows.
Beyond its Leica branding, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an impressive camera-centric flagship Android device loaded with high-end specifications. Notably, it features a new 75mm to 100mm f/2.39 - f/2.96 variable zoom camera, replacing the previous dual zoom cameras (70mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2.6). The device is powered by a remarkable 200MP 1/1.4-inch sensor, which has established its presence in the zoom camera segment over the last two years.
We will need to assess whether the outstanding zoom quality seen in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been retained in this model.
Zooming between 75mm and 100mm
Lastly, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica is slightly larger than its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, featuring a 6.9-inch display. However, Xiaomi has reduced the bezels and slimmed down the body by 1mm, ensuring that the difference in size is hardly noticeable when comparing the two devices side by side.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica in the hand
With so many features packed into the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, there's a lot to explore. We appreciate your patience as we delve deeper into its capabilities!
