Last week, we were kindly invited by Xiaomi India to the stunning Vietnamese island of Phú Quốc. The trip aimed to explore the camera capabilities of the new Xiaomi 17 series phones in this vibrant and lively setting.
Our tool of choice for this adventure was the flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This smartphone features an impressive array of cameras on its back, including a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP telephoto camera with variable 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom. We previously conducted a full review of this device, which you can find here.
All the photos below were taken using the phone's camera app, capturing images in JPEG format with occasional in-camera filters applied. Some of the photos toggle between the two shooting modes available: the default Leica Vibrant mode and the more subtle Leica Authentic mode. No further alterations were made to the images.
Telephoto Camera
We begin with the highlight of our expedition: the 200MP telephoto camera. On our first day, we visited Grand World on the northern coast of the island city. This tourist attraction has been artfully designed to resemble the Italian city of Venice, infused with touches of European influence, yet it still retains some local Vietnamese charm.
The Leica Vibrant mode excelled in this environment, bringing out the vibrant colors of the striking buildings lining the central canal. The telephoto camera delivers excellent image quality, and while the 3.2x-4.3x optical zoom range may seem limiting, a simple tap to the 8.6x mode provided exceptionally usable results.
Later that day, we traveled to the southern tip of the island, which also showcased European architectural influences and numerous attractions. Among these was the impressive Kiss Bridge, a unique structure requiring couples to walk from opposing sides to meet in the center, and the enchanting Dragon Staircase, which winds upward through a wall of vines. The day concluded with the exhilarating Kiss of the Sea performance, featuring moving images projected onto a curtain of water, accompanied by live acts and a stunning fireworks display.
Telephoto Camera
On our second day, we returned to the northern tip for a visit to Rạch Vẹm. From there, a short boat ride took us to Starfish Beach, a tranquil spot with crystal-clear shallow waters teeming with starfish along the coast. The day wrapped up with a captivating fire dance show back at our hotel.
Telephoto Camera
Speaking of the hotel, we must highlight the beautiful koi school in the lobby area.
Telephoto Camera
We also captured some images using the main 50MP camera. Although not as abundant, this selection showcases quality results. The telephoto lens was simply more enjoyable to use for striking images compared to the typical wide-angle lens's more generic look. However, the main camera still performs admirably, and changing the aspect ratio can yield interesting perspectives.
Main Camera
Lastly, we present some shots taken with the 50MP ultra-wide camera. While it is not the sharpest camera available, nor the sharpest on this phone, it offers a compelling perspective and maintains reasonable image quality and color performance, consistent with the high standards of this device.
Xiaomi also provided us with a Photography Kit for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which includes a case and grip that transform the phone into a point-and-shoot camera. However, we opted to use the phone in its original form to assess its capabilities without additional enhancements. Though the Photography Kit is beneficial for serious photographers, we found the phone to be quite capable on its own, thanks to its generous design and user-friendly interface.
In conclusion, we hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as we enjoyed capturing them. The market is filled with outstanding camera phones, and we couldn't be happier about it. If you appreciate the 'phone' aspect of this cameraphone, be sure to prioritize the Xiaomi 17 Ultra on your shopping list.
