Emir BardakçıXiaomi has indeed confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature an industry-first Leica 200MP true optical zoom camera, which marks a milestone in mobile imaging. Various details were shared on Xiaomi’s official channels, which announced the all-new telephoto system without relying on digital cropping by giving full optical output. The announcement further seals the long-term partnership of Xiaomi with Leica, pointing to its continued emphasis on the brand’s optical engineering.
Leica 200MP Optical Zoom: New Telephoto Standard
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will become the very first smartphone with the receipt of Leica APO optical certification for a telephoto lens. Xiaomi confirms this is not some software-based zoom solution but a real optical system capable of maintaining image quality across the zoom range.
This lens supports 75mm to 100mm continuous optical zoom with full 200-megapixel optical output. In avoiding digital crop methods, Xiaomi ensures consistent resolution, true-to-life colors, and controlled chromatic aberration through zooming. Leica APO certification further confirms that the lens meets strict optical precision standards commonly associated with professional camera equipment.
Advanced Structure of Lenses and Optical Engineering
Behind this newly minted camera system is a design choice Xiaomi calls a 3G + 5P dual floating lens group, claimed as the most complex optical structure the manufacturer has ever attempted. This construction allows for continuous optical zoom within a compact smartphone module while preserving clarity and focus accuracy.
Xiaomi then dove in a little deeper to explain some of the technical features, stating that the design lies on the same principle as in traditional camera zoom lenses. Several floating components work in collaboration to manage focus, zoom movement, and optical compensation within the lens body. With this, several lossless focal lengths can be supported using just one telephoto module, decreasing the pressure on multiple fixed lenses being used.
Key highlights of optics include the
- 200MP 1/1.4-inch large sensor for telephoto imaging
- 75–100mm continuous optical zoom range
- Certification of optical APO from Leica
- True optical zoom without any digital crop
Imaging System and Additional Camera Features
In addition to the telephoto lens, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is also equipped with a Leica 1-inch main camera, combined with the Light and Shadow Hunter 1050L sensor. Xiaomi has combined LOFIC ultra-high dynamic range technology, allowing for better single-frame dynamic range, hence achieving exquisite exposure in every shot, even in low-light scenarios.
According to Xiaomi, this setup brings night shots that are cleaner and with balanced highlights/shadows-much less aggressive in post-processing. The device also supports four portrait focal lengths, all covered by a single lens system, improving the flexibility for portrait photography.
Design and Positioning
Xiaomi also confirmed the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as the thinnest Ultra model in the history of the company at 8.29mm, making it about 11.3% thinner compared to its predecessor. The phone uses a refined frame, a compact rear camera module for improved ergonomics, and a flat display with rounded corners.
Lei Jun added that the Leica 200MP optical zoom signifies yet another leap in Xiaomi’s strategic miniaturization of optics and brings smartphone photography one step closer to the experience achieved by professional camera systems.
