Xiaomi 17 Ultra: a photography powerhouse with a 200-megapixel periscope zoom
Xiaomi is set to make a significant impact in the premium smartphone market. According to recent leaks from Digital Chat Station (DCS), the Xiaomi 17 Ultra — the successor to the 14 Ultra — is in the final stages of certification in China and is expected to be officially announced by the end of 2025.
As always, the brand aims to dominate the competition in the realm of photography.
A New Generation of Optics: LOFIC Sensor and 200-Megapixel Periscope Zoom
According to DCS, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature:
- A large main sensor with an f/1.6 aperture,
- Supported by LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, enhancing light management and reducing image reflections,
- An effective aperture equivalent to f/4.5 for better low-light performance.
However, the real star is expected to be the 200-megapixel periscope zoom, offering:
- Exceptional medium and long-distance zoom capabilities,
- An aperture equivalent to f/8.6,
- A proprietary “Full-Lens Optical System” from Xiaomi, optimized for sharpness and focus accuracy.
In short, Xiaomi promises a professional photography experience on a smartphone that can compete with dedicated optical systems.
The combination of the four modules would provide a complete focal range, from wide-angle to extreme zoom, while ensuring lossless optical transitions thanks to the internal processing of the sensor.
Design and Display: Refinement and Power
In terms of design, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to retain a flat 6.9-inch 2K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display, and a new circular camera module layout that is more symmetrical and better integrated than that of the 14 Ultra.
Anticipated colors include gold, black, white, and purple, confirming its ultra-premium positioning.
Expected Technical Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- RAM / Storage: Up to 16 GB LPDDR6 / 1 TB UFS 4.0
- Battery: Not specified (likely 5,000 mAh+)
- Charging: HyperCharge (expected 120 W)
- Audio: Stereo speakers + enhanced haptic feedback
- Security: Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
- Colors: Gold, Black, White, Purple
- OS: Android 16 with HyperOS 2.0
LOFIC: The Key to Nighttime Performance
LOFIC technology is not just a marketing term. It is a stacked sensor system with side capacitors that allows for greater light capture, reduces overexposure, and preserves details in highlights.
Combined with the f/1.6 aperture, it could place the Xiaomi 17 Ultra among the top night photography smartphones on the market, potentially surpassing even the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max in sensitivity.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a titan of mobile photography, merging optical innovation, raw power, and a premium design.
If the promises hold true, it could very well become the new king of smartphone photography — a direct competitor to the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
With a launch date projected for late 2025 in China, its international release is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
