Xiaomi 17 Ultra

This camera-focused flagship combines premium Leica-inspired photography features with powerful hardware, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who want more control over how their photos look. Its 50MP main camera with a 1-inch sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and 200MP telephoto camera with variable optical focal length offer detailed images, flexible framing, and impressive cropping potential. Leica Vibrant and Authentic profiles, distinctive image-processing modes, fast autofocus, and 8K video recording add creative flexibility. The physical rotating camera ring can control zoom, exposure, focus, and other settings, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.9-inch 120Hz display, 6,800mAh battery, and fast wired and wireless charging keep it competitive as a daily flagship.

Who it's for

• Photography enthusiasts who want a large main sensor, detailed telephoto shots, and Leica-inspired image styles.
• Content creators who need versatile cameras, high-resolution video, and convenient manual controls.
• Power users who want flagship performance, a large smooth display, substantial battery capacity, and water and dust resistance.

Where it falls short

The rotating camera ring is innovative but can be awkward to use, accidentally launch the camera, or obstruct the frame when adjusting zoom. The variable telephoto zoom covers a relatively narrow range, and custom photo-resolution settings reset when reopening the camera app. Image quality is excellent overall, but processing is not always natural, and the built-in microphones are less impressive than the camera hardware. Buyers focused purely on the most consistent image quality may prefer a simpler camera system.

Worth comparing

The vivo X300 Ultra offers a strong alternative for buyers prioritizing telephoto photography, with dual 200MP rear cameras, a 50MP ultrawide, and a larger battery. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a more versatile four-camera setup, including separate telephoto cameras, and a lighter body, making it worth considering for users who want a broader zoom range and Samsung's One UI experience. Xiaomi stands apart with its large main sensor, Leica image profiles, and physical camera ring, emphasizing a hands-on photography experience rather than simply maximizing camera specifications.