Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Photo Fun Unleashed – New Add-ons!
For years, the conversation around top camera phones in the US has been dominated by iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and increasingly, Google Pixels. However, in Asia and parts of Europe, consumers enjoy a much broader selection, with companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo consistently pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. The recently globally launched Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a prime example, boasting a substantial camera bump housing a versatile sensor array and a collaboration with renowned German camera maker Leica, bringing their software expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to the imaging experience.
A Camera System Designed for Versatility
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn’t just about throwing megapixels at the problem; it’s about offering a comprehensive toolkit for photographers of all levels. The camera provides a wealth of options, from varying focal lengths achieved through its hardware to a diverse range of filters and settings that allow for extensive customization of the final image. This level of control is a significant draw for enthusiasts seeking to move beyond automatic modes.
Hardware Powerhouse: Beyond the Camera
While the camera is undoubtedly the star of the show, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra doesn’t skimp on other crucial components. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, poised to be the chipset of choice for flagship phones this year. The device features a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1200 x 2608 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
The display is impressively bright, peaking at 3,500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. This high brightness also enhances the viewing experience for videos and other multimedia content.
Fueling this powerhouse is a massive 6,000 mAh battery, leveraging Xiaomi’s Silicon/Carbon-Ion technology. This substantial capacity can easily provide a couple of days of light to medium usage, along with excellent standby time. Remarkably, despite the large battery, the phone remains lighter than the iPhone Pro Max, a testament to Xiaomi’s engineering prowess.
Charging is equally impressive, supporting 90W of wired charging with the included charger or any PD (Power Delivery) 3.0 or PPS (Programmable Power Supply)-based charger. It also supports 50W wireless charging with Xiaomi’s own charger. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes equipped with 16GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB and 1TB.
Delving into the Camera Specs
At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera system lies a 1-inch type 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.67 aperture, designed to capture more light and deliver exceptional image quality. The camera consistently produces sharp, vivid photos with accurate white balance and excellent detail retention across various lighting conditions. Like the iPhone Pro Max, users can switch between equivalent focal lengths of 23mm, 28mm, and 35mm with the main camera.
The Unique Telephoto Lens
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a distinctive 200-megapixel telephoto lens with a continuous optical zoom range of 3.2x to 4.3x. While this range might seem modest at first glance, it proves incredibly useful for photographing subjects like pets or framing specific elements within a scene. The UI allows quick jumps to 75mm, 85mm, 90mm, and 100mm, but finer adjustments require navigating the zoom dial.
Ultrawide and Selfie Capabilities
Complementing the main and telephoto lenses is a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes and also delivers impressive macro shots. While generally capable, it may exhibit a slight loss of detail compared to the other two cameras in certain scenarios. A 50-megapixel selfie camera is also included, but it’s recommended to disable the beauty filters for more natural results.
Leica Collaboration and Software Features
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera software benefits significantly from the partnership with Leica. Users can choose between Leica Authentic color profiles for a true-to-life look or Leica Vibrant profiles for more saturated and punchy images. A wide array of filters is available, including positive and negative film simulations, Leica-specific options like vivid, natural, black & white, speia, and blue, and Xiaomi’s own filters such as cinematic, monsoon, teal mist, and scarlet.
Expanding the Experience: Photography Kits
Xiaomi has introduced two external add-ons designed to enhance the photography experience: The 17 Ultra Photography Kit and The 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro. The base version functions as a protective cover that snaps directly onto the phone, connecting via Bluetooth. It features a two-stage shutter button for autofocus and capture, as well as a dedicated video recording button, and charges via contact points.
The Pro Kit: A Grip for Enhanced Control
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro includes the cover and a camera-grip-like controller that attaches via USB-C. This kit also boasts a 2,000 mAh battery to power its operation and provides a more secure grip for one-handed shooting. The grip features a dedicated shutter button, a video recording button, and a customizable dial that can control exposure, filters, ISO, shutter speed, or white balance. This dial can also be used to navigate the gallery.
The Kit Pro also incorporates a 67mm filter thread, allowing users to attach compatible camera filters. Using the Kit Pro while exploring the city proved incredibly convenient, providing a comfortable grip and easy access to essential camera controls. The hardware zoom control was particularly appreciated, adding a tactile element to the shooting experience.
Both kits activate a fastshot software mode within the camera app, offering streamlined controls optimized for street photography.
Competition and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will face competition from upcoming devices like the Vivo X300 Ultra, which also features a photography kit including a 2.35x telephoto extender, and the Oppo Find X9. However, Xiaomi’s early launch gives it a potential advantage in capturing market share. Beyond the camera, the phone offers a compelling package for users who can appreciate its large camera housing.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available in Europe starting at €1,499. The Photography Kit is priced at €99.99, and the Photography Kit Pro is priced at €199.99.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra represents a significant step forward in mobile photography, offering a compelling combination of cutting-edge hardware, innovative software, and a versatile ecosystem of accessories. For photography enthusiasts seeking a powerful and feature-rich smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is undoubtedly a strong contender. The collaboration with Leica and the introduction of the photography kits demonstrate Xiaomi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile imaging. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra sets a new benchmark for camera phone performance and user experience. GearTech will continue to monitor the market and provide updates on competing devices and emerging trends in mobile photography.