Xiaomi Unveils 17 Ultra, Leica Leitzphone and More at MWC 2026
Barcelona – Xiaomi launched a comprehensive suite of recent products at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, headlined by the camera-focused Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone and a special edition Leica Leitzphone. The company also unveiled new additions to its ecosystem, including the Xiaomi Watch 5, Xiaomi Pad 8 Series, and innovative accessories.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Camera Powerhouse
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned as a flagship device with a strong emphasis on mobile photography, co-engineered with Leica. The phone boasts a triple-camera system:
- Main Camera: 50MP sensor with a 23mm-equivalent f/1.67 lens and Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR tech.
- Telephoto Camera: 200MP sensor with a variable optical zoom of 75-100mm (3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom) and an aperture ranging from f/2.29 to f/2.96, also functioning as a macro lens.
- Ultrawide Camera: 50MP Samsung JN5 sensor with a 14mm-equivalent f/2.2 lens and a 115-degree field of view.
- Selfie Camera: 50MP sensor with an f/2.2 lens at a 21mm equivalent focal length.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra supports video recording up to 8K30 and 4K60 in Dolby Vision, as well as Log video capture at 4K120 for advanced post-production editing. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and features a 6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED display protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0. The phone includes a 6,000 mAh battery (6,800mAh in the Chinese version) with 90W USB PD-PPS fast charging and 50W wireless Hypercharge support.
Leica Leitzphone: A Special Edition Collaboration
Alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi announced a special edition, the Leica Leitzphone, a collaborative effort with the renowned German camera maker. This edition features a durable aluminum-alloy body with a nickel-anodized finish, a rotating ring for zoom control, and a Leica-themed user interface with filters inspired by classic Leica cameras like the M9, and M3.
Expanding the Xiaomi Ecosystem
Beyond the flagship smartphone, Xiaomi unveiled a range of new products:
- Xiaomi Watch 5: A new smartwatch featuring a personal AI Assistant.
- Xiaomi Pad 8 Series: A new tablet line for the global market.
- Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra: An upgraded electric scooter with significant improvements.
- Xiaomi Power Bank: An ultra-slim power bank designed for portability.
- Xiaomi Tag: An AirTag-like device for tracking belongings.
- Redmi Buds 8 Pro: New earbuds with improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and sound quality.
A Glimpse into the Future: Xiaomi Vision GT
Xiaomi also showcased the futuristic Xiaomi Vision GT concept car at MWC 2026, drawing significant attention with its striking design and advanced features.
HyperOS 3 and Xiaomi HyperAI
The launch event also highlighted new features in Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3, including Xiaomi HyperAI, designed to enhance the user experience.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone are poised to compete in the high-end smartphone market, offering advanced camera capabilities and innovative features. The broader range of product announcements demonstrates Xiaomi’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem and delivering a comprehensive technology experience.