Xiaomi Launches 17 Series Smartphones, Directly Competing with Apple
Chinese technology company Xiaomi has unveiled its novel 17 series smartphones, including the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and a special edition Leica Leitzphone, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple in the high-complete smartphone market. The launch comes as Xiaomi skips the 16 series, aligning its numbering with Apple’s latest iPhone generation.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone are notable for their advanced camera systems and premium design. The Leica Leitzphone, co-designed with the German camera brand Leica, prioritizes the photography experience, featuring Leica branding, color styles, and a physical ring for controlling camera settings. This collaboration aims to appeal to photography enthusiasts, with the phone even being sold in Leica’s own stores in the UK.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a substantial camera setup, including a 1-inch 50-megapixel main sensor with a f/1.67 lens, a 200MP telephoto sensor with 4.3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The company claims the telephoto lens offers up to 17x “optical-level zoom,” though performance may not match competitors like Oppo’s Find X9 with dedicated telescopic lenses. The main camera delivers significant detail and strong low-light performance, utilizing LOFIC HDR technology for improved highlight control and detail in darker areas.
The devices feature a powerful processor and a high-quality display, making them flagship-level Android phones. The textured black and silver materials with red accents contribute to the Leitzphone’s minimalist industrial design, whereas the aluminum alloy frame provides enhanced grip and the camera ring allows for fine zoom control. The user interface also receives a Leica-themed makeover.
While the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a high-spec device, its availability in the United States remains uncertain. Importing the phone may present logistical challenges for American consumers. Pricing for the series begins at 1000 euros, according to reports, and the phones are currently launching in European territories after their initial debut in Asia.
The launch of the 17 series underscores Xiaomi’s ambition to compete with industry leaders Apple and Samsung in the global smartphone market. The company, the third-largest phone maker worldwide, continues to integrate cutting-edge hardware into its flagship releases, with a particular focus on camera technology.
