Xiaomi 17 series and Leitzphone shown in Barcelona
DroidApp is in Barcelona this week for all the news from the show floor of Mobile World Congress. Although this technology fair doesn't actually start until Monday, Xiaomi is already kicking things off with the introduction of the Xiaomi 17 series. The series consists of the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra and also the Leica Leitzphone. As with the previous generation, the Xiaomi 15 series, the full focus is on mobile photography.
According to Xiaomi, the three models combine high image performance, sleek styling and ergonomically refined design. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the thinnest and lightest model in the Ultra series, with a thickness of 8.29 millimetres and a weight of 219 grams. The device comes in white, black or Starlit Green. The camera design has changed a bit, and there is a lesser curvature in the transition between the frame and the screen bezels. These are also a lot thinner again. The device is dust- and waterproof as per IP68 certification.
Camera
Not only has the camera module of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra been revamped compared to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the camera specifications should also be improved. The phone features Xiaomi's first proprietary 1-inch LOGIC image sensor for the main camera. In all conditions, the camera should be able to hold its own. There is a 200-megapixel telephoto lens from Samsung, courtesy of Leica, which should offer a 75-100 millimetre optical zoom. This should ensure high image quality, increasing the focal length to 400 millimetres (17.2x). A key improvement, is that the zoom lens is fully usable over 200 millimetres. Not like with other telephoto lenses, only at fixed focus distances.
With the Ultra, you can take photography even further by supporting accessories. For instance, there is a new Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit. Lighter and more compact, this new version features a two-stage shutter, a dedicated video button, IP54 certification and a wrist strap. The whole thing holds up well thanks to the PU leather grip. There is also an integrated 2000 mAh battery, a detachable shutter button for custom ergonomics and a dedicated Fastshot mode.
The Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This processor has already proven itself in terms of high speed and performance in several devices. Xiaomi gives the Xiaomi 17 Ultra a 6000 mAh battery, with support for 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. With the Xiaomi 17, the manufacturer goes one step further. This device comes with a 6330 mAh battery, which you can charge at 100W, or 50W wirelessly.
Specifications
Xiaomi has also paid a lot of attention to the screens, which offer high brightness. But in terms of specifications, the devices do differ. We have listed the most important features for you.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers a 6.9-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2608 x 1200 pixels, with a dynamic refresh rate of 1-120Hz. Peak brightness comes out to 3,500 nits. The main camera is a 50-megapixel main lens, there is also the 200-megapixel telephoto lens, there is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 50-megapixel selfie lens. The phone always has 16GB of RAM and offers 512GB or 1TB of storage depending on your choice.
At the Xiaomi 17 comes in black, green, light blue and pink and offers a 6.3-inch OLED screen. This with a resolution of 2656 x 1220 pixels, also the peak brightness of 3500 nits and a dynamic refresh rate. There is a 50-megapixel main camera, a Samsung telephoto lens courtesy of Leica of 50 megapixels and a wide-angle lens of also 50 megapixels. The front camera is also one with 50 megapixels. The smartphone will come with a 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage.
Leica Leitzphone
An interesting additional smartphone in the portfolio is the Leica Leitzphone. This smartphone has been launched because of Leica's 100th anniversary. The body is aluminium alloy with a nickel anodised finish. In addition, there is the Leica Camera ring, a physical dial around the camera lens, which can be used to zoom with, as you are used to from 'real cameras'. You can also choose to use it to change the white balance, exposure or focus in your image.
On board you will find the Leica Essential mode, which mimics the image quality and photographic style of Leica cameras such as the Leica M9 as the M3. Leica is also involved in the interface, as they are coordinated with both.
Availability
Xiaomi will ship the Xiaomi 17 with a price starting at 999.90 euros. The price of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at 1499.90 euros, while the Leica Leitzphone carries a price of 1999.90 euros. The Xiaomi 17 Pro, which features a screen on the back, is not coming to Europe.
