Xiaomi Debuts 17 Ultra and Ecosystem Gadgets at MWC
Xiaomi has kicked off its pre-Mobile World Congress (MWC) lineup in Barcelona, introducing a suite of new hardware headlined by the camera-centric Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The launch also includes an expanded wearable and accessory ecosystem, ranging from a new smartwatch to a tracker competing directly with Apple’s AirTag.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica Collaboration and Advanced Optics
The flagship 17 Ultra emphasizes mobile photography through a deep partnership with Leica. The device utilizes Leica-engineered lenses and exclusive software filters, including distinct modes that emulate the visual profiles of the iconic Leica M9 and M3 cameras.
The camera array is anchored by a 50-megapixel main sensor featuring a 1-inch size and an f/1.67 aperture. A standout feature is the 200-megapixel telephoto lens, which provides a variable focal length equivalent to 75 mm to 100 mm, enabling optical zoom between 3.2x and 4.3x. A 50 MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture rounds out the setup.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The display is a 6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED panel protected by the company’s proprietary Shield Glass 3.0. Battery specs vary by region, with the European model packing a 6,000 mAh battery that supports 90 W wired charging and 50 W wireless Hypercharge.
Photography Kits and Special Editions
To further the professional camera experience, Xiaomi introduced two photography add-ons:
- 17 Ultra Photography Kit: A Bluetooth-connected snap-on accessory with a two-stage shutter button and dedicated video recording controls.
- 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro: Features a leather finish, a detachable shutter button, zoom control, and a built-in 2,000 mAh battery. This unit connects via USB-C and enables a new “fastshot” mode.
A limited Leica edition has also been released to mark the camera manufacturer’s 100th anniversary, featuring a nickel-anodized aluminum-alloy body and a rotating ring that simulates manual zoom.
Ecosystem Expansion: Tags, Power, and Wearables
Beyond smartphones, Xiaomi is expanding its lifestyle and accessory portfolio for the EU and U.K. markets:
- Xiaomi Tag: A compact 10-gram tracker compatible with both Apple Find My and Google Android Find Hub, priced at €14.90.
- Ultra-Slim Power Bank: At only 6 mm thick, this 5,000 mAh magnetic battery offers 22.5 W wired and 15 W wireless charging, starting at €59.99.
- Xiaomi Watch 5: Features a 1.54-inch AMOLED screen, a 930 mAh battery rated for six days, and advanced health reporting capabilities.
- Electric Scooter 6 Ultra: Offers 1200 W peak power and a 75 km range, with pricing starting at €329.99.
The Xiaomi 17 starts at €999, while the 17 Ultra begins at €1,499. The specialized Leica edition, featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, is priced at €1,999.
Rounding out the new announcements are the Redmi Buds 8 Pro, which include active noise cancellation and a 33-hour battery life, retailing for €69.90.