Table of Contents
Highlights
- Global certification confirmed — Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition spotted on Thailand’s NBTC database, signaling an imminent worldwide launch
- Leica-powered camera innovation — Features a 1-inch sensor, 200MP periscope lens, and the unique Master Zoom Ring for a true camera-like experience
- Flagship-level performance — Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a 6.9-inch 120Hz display and massive 6,800mAh battery
Xiaomi’s latest camera-focused flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, is one step closer to a global release. A well-known tipster on X, Ice Universe, shared that the phone has been spotted in a global certification listing in Thailand, hinting that Xiaomi plans to launch this special edition outside China soon.
This comes after the phone’s official debut in China late last year, where Xiaomi introduced both the regular 17 Ultra and its Leica-enhanced version to strong interest from photography fans.
What the Global Certification Means
The certification spotted on Thailand’s NBTC website shows that the global model of the Leica Edition carries a new model number, suggesting Xiaomi intends to sell it beyond its home market.
Certification listings don’t usually reveal complete specs, but they do signal that a launch is close. It has been reported that the Take 17 Ultra Leica Edition will be formally unveiled in either late January 2022 or early February 2022. Some experts believe that the Mobile World Congress will be the venue for Xiaomi to unveil this device for consumers in countries outside of China, who have been anxious for this phone to come to their regions.
Xiaomi’s announcement about the phone indicates an intent to have a worldwide presence and added availability to the new Take 17 Ultra Leica Edition after months of waiting by international consumers.
What Makes the Leica Edition Special
In essence, the 17 Ultra Leica Edition is a high-end mobile phone featuring superior hardware and superior performance through Snapdragon’s most powerful mobile processor, the 8 Elite Gen 5, as well as the largest available phone display currently available at 6.9 inches at 120 Hz refresh and battery capacity at 6,800 mAh.
What distinguishes this version is its camera system. The Leica Edition builds on the 17 Ultra’s already strong imaging hardware by bringing Leica-tuned optics and software. With its 1-inch main sensor, paired with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 200MP periscope lens capable of smooth transitions between focal lengths, this camera can provide real optical zoom rather than using digital methods to “fill the gaps.”
Previously leaked images of the camera application, as well as other leaks, have indicated that this unit can deliver true optical zoom at 3x to 4.3x; this model enhances that capability and provides additional benefits from the Dual Camera system.
The Master Zoom Ring: A Real Highlight
One of the most talked-about features of the Leica Edition is its Master Zoom Ring. Xiaomi has shown off a physical ring around the camera module that users can rotate to adjust zoom and other shooting settings.
This is unusual for a smartphone. Most high-end phones rely solely on software controls for zoom and camera adjustments. A tactile dial brings a more “camera-like” experience to smartphone photography, and it’s something the company hopes will attract enthusiasts and serious shooters.
A few early users and reviewers have already pointed out that the ring isn’t completely tight, and it can feel slightly loose or make a small sound when tapped. According to Xiaomi, this is intentional and won’t affect the phone’s water resistance or overall build quality.
Camera Software and Leica Features
Beyond hardware, the Leica Edition also brings special software touches. Reports from the China launch show that Xiaomi teamed with Leica to include proprietary Leica filters and photo modes inspired by classic Leica camera models like the M9 and M3.
These modes aim to give users a distinctive look and feel that you can’t get on most phones, especially outside standard auto or professional camera settings.
Battery and Performance
The phone’s 6,800 mAh battery should provide good endurance for heavy use, such as photo and video shooting, along with support for both 90 W fast wired charging and 50 W fast wireless charging, making it competitive with some of the leading flagship smartphones.
Performance on this phone is exceptional as well. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor is equipped with enough processing power for gaming and high-performance applications, while the large display, coupled with HyperOS software, provides a seamless experience for day-to-day use.
When Will It Launch Globally?
Although Xiaomi has not confirmed any specific dates, analysts in the industry are predicting that an announcement will happen soon (perhaps in late January or early February) based on the recent certification activity from Xiaomi. Many insiders believe that Xiaomi will announce their new Leica Edition phone at the upcoming MWC event in Barcelona.
At the same time, Xiaomi is expected to launch its standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra in various global markets (including Europe and North America).
What It Means for the Premium Phone Market
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition should have global availability in the near future and likely create a stir in the premium smartphone Camera Space. Xiaomi has invested heavily in its partnership with Leica, and this new model demonstrates how much that partnership has matured in both the hardware and camera experiences offered by these manufacturers together.
Factors are now playing a major role in purchasing decisions for smartphones due to the rise of mobile photography. By introducing a smartphone with the Leica brand, Xiaomi believes it can compete successfully for consumers who are seeking an alternative to mainstream competitors through unique product features, such as the Master Zoom Ring.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is now certified for the world market and represents an important step towards Xiaomi’s expansion into international markets. For fans of high-end smartphones, this implies that they will soon be able to purchase the Huawei Leica phone in their region. If things proceed as planned, we may see one of Xiaomi’s best camera phones in the global market by early 2026.
