Xiaomi launches the 17 Ultra and a Leica special edition: all the news

The processor is the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 3 nanometre processor, coupled with a 6,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery (about 15 per cent more than the previous generation). Charging goes up to 90W with PPS support also for third-party chargers, 50W wireless and reverse wireless.

The display goes from 2K to 1.5K, a choice that on paper may seem a step backwards, but with the new full RGB panel (no longer PenTile), it maintains the same perceived sharpness while reducing power consumption. Resistance also improves thanks to the proprietary glass.

The real novelty is the new 1-inch main sensor with Lofic technology. It translates into an evolution in light management: an additional layer at the hardware level extends the dynamic range and improves light absorption by up to 6.3 times compared to the previous generation, says Xiaomi.

As a practical effect, better backlighting, less burnt highlights, more legible shadows and less dependence on software HDR. Video with 4K recording at 120 fps and 10-bit Dolby Vision and again more realistic colours. For the first time on a smartphone Xiaomi also introduces a glass element inside the main lens.

The zoom is remarkable, it is evident even at first use: the 200 megapixel telephoto lens retains the large sensor (1/1.4"), but introduces Leica APO treatment for the reduction of chromatic aberrations and an internal mechanical zoom system that covers focal lengths from 75 mm to 100 mm equivalent without resorting to digital cropping alone. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at €1,499.

Alongside the Ultra comes the Xiaomi 17, a compact 6.3-inch version, under 200 grams and with very thin bezels.

It integrates three 50 MP sensors, a new almost 1-inch main sensor, a floating telephoto with macro function and a 50 MP selfie with autofocus. The battery increases to 6,330 mAh (+29% compared to the previous generation), with 100W charging and 50W wireless charging, all powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The Xiaomi 17 starts at €999.

The launch will be accompanied by a particularly aggressive offer of coupons, extra trade-ins, and bundles with QLED TVs, a clear sign of the desire to sing on market share at the high end.

Mattias Harsch, CEO Leica Camera AG, says from the stage that 'the advent of mobile was an extension of photographic capabilities, not the end' but a new expressiveness. Leica actually started collaborating with smarpthone manufacturers several years ago. In the beginning it was Huawei, the first Chinese brand to gain large market shares in Europe and to start a collaboration with the German company.

Today, the most accomplished expression is the new Leica Leitzphone. It has the colours and design of Leica. Definitely recognisable by the physical bezel surrounding the camera, which you turn with your hand, recalling a more traditional photographic experience. It costs 1,999 euros.

In 2025, the European smartphone market declined slightly by 1 per cent to 134.2 million units, according to Omdia. Weak demand and new EU regulations on eco-design (more durable and repairable smartphones, longer-lasting batteries, guaranteed spare parts, minimal software updates and mandatory energy labelling) and mandatory USB-C (the latter only impacting Apple), which have slowed down replacement cycles, are the reasons for this.

Samsung remains the leader with 46.6 million units sold, while Apple is second at 27%. Also in the top five is Xiaomi (16%, 21.8 million), followed by Motorola (6%) and Honor (4%).