Xiaomi Unveils Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Expands Strategic Co-creation with Leica

Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at its latest product launch event in Beijing, alongside new wearable and audio products, including the Xiaomi Watch 5 Series and Xiaomi Buds 6. The event also marked a significant milestone in mobile imaging, with Xiaomi announcing an upgraded Global Imaging Strategic Cooperation with Leica, introducing a new Strategic Co-creation Model that debuts with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Refined Design in Xiaomi’s Thinnest Ultra Yet
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra introduces a flatter display in the Ultra lineup, paired with ultra-thin bezels and a clean, linear silhouette.

Measuring just 8.29mm thick, it is the slimmest Ultra model Xiaomi has produced to date. Subtle refinements such as a micro-curved aluminium alloy frame, reduced camera module diameter and rebalanced camera placement improve both ergonomics and in-hand comfort.

The device is available in White, Black, Purple and Green, complemented by redesigned magnetic photography kits and an ultra-thin composite fibre case for daily use.

A New Benchmark in Mobile Optical Performance
At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a powerful triple-camera system, comprising a 14mm ultra-wide lens, a 23mm Leica 1-inch ultra dynamic main camera and a Leica 200MP 75–100mm optical zoom telephoto camera.

The main camera is built on the Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR technology, delivering significantly improved highlight control and shadow detail, particularly in high-contrast and low-light scenes.

The 200MP telephoto camera features a sophisticated optical structure with independently moving lens groups and a prism system, enabling true optical zoom across the 75–100mm range without digital cropping. Using Leica APO optical lens design and custom glass materials, the system effectively suppresses chromatic aberration, earning Xiaomi its first Leica APO certification on a flagship device.

Flagship Performance Without Compromise
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform and supported by Xiaomi’s 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop cooling system, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers sustained performance with improved thermal efficiency. The 120Hz LTPO display reaches up to 3500 nits peak brightness, while Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 enhances durability with up to 20 times higher drop resistance.

Despite its slim profile, the device houses a massive 6800mAh Xiaomi Surge Battery, supporting 90W wired HyperCharge, 50W wireless HyperCharge and universal PD PPS fast charging. Global connectivity is further strengthened with support for 51 4G and 5G bands across 210 countries, UWB-based digital car key functionality and enhanced audio performance via upgraded dual stereo speakers. Comprehensive IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings ensure durability in demanding environments.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica: Designed for Image Creators
As the first product born from Xiaomi and Leica’s Strategic Co-creation Model, Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica goes beyond hardware. Inspired by classic Leica M-series cameras, it features a distinctive dual-tone leather and matte back panel, a knurled frame engraved with “LEICA CAMERA GERMANY” and the iconic Leica red dot badge.

Exclusive features include the Leica Camera Ring for precise focus control, Leica Essential mode that recreates the visual character of iconic Leica cameras and films, and the industry’s first CAI Photo Authenticity Protection technology, which digitally signs images to verify their authenticity. The device also introduces dual-satellite connectivity for emergency communication in remote environments.

Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced from RMB 6,999, while Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica starts at RMB 7,999, with both models going on sale from December 27, 2025, via Mi.com, Xiaomi Store and official retail channels.

With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi reinforces its ambition to redefine mobile imaging and flagship smartphone design, marking a new chapter in its long-term collaboration with Leica and setting a bold direction for future innovation.

Xiaomi Watch 5 Series: Dual Sapphire Design Meets Advanced Gesture Control
Alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi Watch 5 Series, its latest flagship smartwatch that brings meaningful upgrades in design, health tracking and smart interaction.

Housed in a 47mm case, Xiaomi Watch 5 features sapphire glass protection on both the front and back, paired with a unibody 316L stainless steel frame for enhanced durability and a refined finish. The watch is equipped with a 1.54-inch AMOLED display offering a 78.28% screen-to-body ratio and up to 1,500 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under bright outdoor conditions. Xiaomi also introduced a 3D-printed titanium strap weighing just 43g, approximately 50% lighter than traditional stainless steel alternatives.

Powering the Watch 5 Series is a rare dual-chip architecture that combines a 4nm Snapdragon W5 platform with a 6nm BES2800 low-power chip, balancing performance with energy efficiency. Backed by a 930mAh battery, the watch delivers up to six days in Performance Mode or up to 18 days in Power Saving Mode.

Xiaomi Watch 5 eSIM variant supports independent answering of phone calls, online listening to music, and even quick payments. It will work as an independent wrist phone on your hand.

A standout addition is the newly introduced EMG sensor, working alongside PPG and inertial sensors to enable Xiaomi’s most precise gesture control to date. Supporting seven gestures and cross-device interactions, the system enhances hands-free usability. Health and fitness features include ECG analysis, over 150 sports modes, 3D animated workout guidance and continuous health monitoring.

Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi Watch 5 is priced from RMB 1,999, while the Xiaomi Watch 5 eSIM variant starts at RMB 2,299.

Xiaomi Buds 6: Lighter Fit, Lossless Audio and Smarter AI Features
Xiaomi also introduced Xiaomi Buds 6, a new generation of premium semi-in-ear wireless earbuds designed to deliver enhanced comfort, high-fidelity audio and intelligent AI-powered features.

Each earbud weighs just 4.4g, with ergonomic refinements including a reduced nozzle thickness, a narrower stem connection and an increased contact area to improve stability during extended listening sessions. Xiaomi Buds 6 is available in Black, White, Titanium Gold and Nebula Purple, blending lifestyle appeal with everyday practicality.

Audio performance is driven by a custom triple-magnet gold-plated acoustic driver with an ultra-wide 16Hz to 40kHz frequency response, paired with an 11mm dynamic driver and large-amplitude design for deeper bass and clearer highs. Built on the Qualcomm audio platform, the earbuds support end-to-end lossless audio transmission at bitrates of up to 2.1Mbps, along with Harman-tuned sound profiles, adaptive audio and customizable EQ settings.

A triple-microphone system with AI wind noise reduction ensures clear voice calls even in windy environments of up to 12m/s. Additional smart features include Independent Recording 2.0, real-time interpretation, face-to-face translation and compatibility with Apple’s Find My network, highlighting Xiaomi’s growing emphasis on cross-platform integration.

Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi Buds 6 starts at RMB 699, rounding out Xiaomi’s latest ecosystem launch with a strong focus on everyday usability, premium design and intelligent performance.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi Watch 5 Series, and Xiaomi Buds 6 are launching in Singapore soon and stay tuned. For more on Xiaomi products, click here.