New Details Emerge on Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s Rumoured 200MP Leica Optical Zoom
New technical specifications for the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera system have surfaced, adding fuel to rumours that Xiaomi is preparing to make a significant leap in optical zoom technology for smartphones.
The latest information, first reported by leaker Digital Chat Station, concerns the aperture values of the rumoured 200-megapixel Leica optical zoom lens. According to the leak, the lens will feature a variable aperture, operating at f/2.3 at its 70mm equivalent focal length and narrowing to f/3.0 at its 100mm equivalent.
This detail is significant as it suggests a true variable optical zoom mechanism, a feature that could set the Xiaomi 17 Ultra apart from competitors who rely heavily on digital zoom and fixed telephoto lenses. However, the report also notes that an aperture that darkens as it zooms is a characteristic often found in less expensive zoom lenses, indicating a potential trade-off in light-gathering capabilities at maximum zoom.
This new leak fits into a broader narrative that Xiaomi aims to phase out digital zoom in favour of superior optical solutions.
Despite these new details, significant questions about the camera’s final design remain. It is still unconfirmed whether the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a triple or quad-camera setup. Furthermore, speculation is divided on whether this new zoom technology will be a fully integrated internal periscope lens, similar to that in the Sony Xperia 1 VII, or an external, dockable zoom lens module.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, successor to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra (check out our review here), is expected to be officially unveiled in China soon, with some leakers pointing to a potential launch as early as December 2025 or January 2026.
