He Xiaomi 17 Ultra returns to the orbit of rumors with a fixed idea: to turn zoom into its main asset. Different leaks from China point to a rear module with four cameras in which I would highlight a 200 megapixel periscopic telephoto lens designed to bring us closer without losing detail. On paper, it would be the leap that Xiaomi needs to differentiate itself from rivals like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the 15 Ultra itself.
Beyond the catchy headline, there is interesting content. There is talk of a combination of 50, 50, 50 and 200 MP with main sensor of one inchan ultra-wide-angle camera and a second “classic” telephoto lens, in addition to the aforementioned periscope. The key would be a new system that optimizes the 'zoom within the sensor' (in-sensor zoom) in various ranges and depending on the version, it would even offer continuous optical zoom (without jumps between 3x and 5x), something that until now we have seen as a promise more than a reality.
Four cameras with 200 MP for zoom
The bet on a 200 MP periscope It makes sense if we look at Xiaomi's path in 2024 and 2025: the 15 Ultra has already experimented with high-resolution sensors to crop without losing sharpness. Now, the 17 Ultra would go one step further with renewed optics and own algorithms to preserve the fineness of the texture and the color when we go from a portrait to a distance shot. Regarding the main sensor, some rumors mention a one-inch sensor new generation and improvements in dynamic range for high contrast scenes.
Also sounds a double telephoto focus: a 50 MP 3x telephoto lens for portrait and telemacro, and the long-range periscopic telephoto lens for sports or wildlife scenes. If continuous zoom materializes, the jump would be important for video, with smooth transitions between cameras, without jumps or color variations when changing cameras. For now, as with any leak, it must be taken with caution.
Does the rear screen disappear? More space for cameras
Another part of the puzzle is the design. The 17 Ultra I would do without the secondary screen that Xiaomi released on the 17 Pro and Pro Max for make room for a larger circular module. The message is clear: absolute priority to photography. If Xiaomi manages to control the weight and thickness, we could be facing one of the “pro-camera” mobiles most coherent of the year; If not, the balance between ergonomics and optics will be the challenge.
In the rest of the sections, first-line muscle can be expected: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5LTPO panel with high refresh rate, HyperOS and ambitious fast charging. But today the important thing is the camera block and what it means for Android: greater real zoom range, better consistency between focal lengths and a clear commitment to those who usually capture distant subjects.
A movement that can shake the market
If these pieces fit, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra would come as a natural relief from the 15Ultra with an even greater emphasis on zoom. It remains to be resolved whether there will be two variants (one with the most advanced zoom features) and when we would see it outside of China. Would you like Xiaomi to really bet on the continuous zoom even if it means giving up the rear screen? We read you in the comments.
