Emir BardakçıThe Xiaomi 17 Ultra is about to hit the market as the newest flagship member of the Xiaomi 17 family, joining the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as the brand’s next-generation imaging powerhouse. Although early information already hinted at major upgrades both in performance and camera hardware, final design details have remained mostly under wraps. Now, newly surfaced spy photos on Weibo finally give the clearest look yet into the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s rear camera deco, sporting a striking rectangular layout that strays from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s now-iconic circular Leica-inspired module.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s New Camera Module Appears in Spy Images
Recent leaks from Chinese microblogging platform Weibo detail what looks to be the production design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s rear camera island. The leaked unit shows a centered, rectangular module integrating four visible lenses, replacing the round camera deco used on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The structure also includes several cutouts, which may house advanced sensors for enhancements in imaging performance. Per early information, one lens is expected to be a periscope telephoto unit equipped for high-range optical zoom.
The leaked prototype seems to appear in black, with a visible metal frame, thus continuing the brand’s focus on premium construction. The device in the leak still shows exposed screw mounts; hence, the final consumer-ready design could provide better refinements. The launch timeline of the Ultra model was not confirmed by Xiaomi so far, but these images indicate that the development is at a fast pace.
Expected Design Upgrades
Early observations suggest that Xiaomi is offering a more technical and sensor-dense camera housing that matches its next-generation ambitions for imaging. Moving away from the round design may also allow improved thermal management and more substantial optical components.
Details of Expected Specifications of Xiaomi 17 Ultra
While design leaks draw attention, several core specifications have also surfaced through supply chain sources and certification databases. Initial reports suggest that Xiaomi will position the 17 Ultra as a performance-first imaging flagship within its 2025 lineup. The device is said to come with:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)
- Triple rear camera system 50MP primary sensor (1-inch class)
- 200MP telephoto lens
- 50MP ultrawide lens
- 50MP front camera
- Reinforced premium metal frame
A previous GSMA certification note gave the model number as 2512BPNDAG, with the commercial name confirmed as “Xiaomi 17 Ultra.” Xiaomi recently passed directly from the Xiaomi 16 naming scheme directly to the Xiaomi 17 lineup, aligning its naming structure more closely with its international competitors.
Performance Outlook
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will offer substantial gains in energy efficiency and AI performance to enable advanced computational photography features. Paired with the triple-camera setup, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be well-positioned to become the brand’s leading imaging device going into early 2026.
Possible Launch Timeframe and Market Position
Industry trackers suggest that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will arrive in December 2025 or January 2026 in China. The Xiaomi 17 series already has the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max; an Ultra variant would complete the portfolio with a premium tier centered around professional-grade photography capabilities.
Considering how consistent the brand has been with launch cycles of late, an early 2026 global announcement could be possible, though Chinese variants typically release first.
What It Means for Xiaomi’s Flagship Strategy
If this rectangular camera deco becomes official, Xiaomi will be signaling a new long-term design language for its Ultra line. This might offer larger internal space for optics, separating the Ultra both from the standard and Pro models.
