Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica
Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica is a phone built first and foremost for people who love taking photos. Its default Leica “Decisive Moment” color profile is instantly addictive, delivering images with that unmistakable German Leica character—subtle contrast, restrained saturation, and a natural, almost documentary feel that stands out from the overly processed look of many flagship smartphones.
Telephoto camera is the highlight of the system. It’s deeply satisfying to use, producing crisp, expressive shots that encourage you to zoom in and explore compositions. The main camera is competent and dependable, though it doesn’t always wow, while the ultra-wide lens feels like the weakest link in the lineup. Even so, taken as a whole, the photography experience is excellent, especially for stills.
That said, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica isn’t without its compromises. Large lens module has noticeable internal movement, resulting in audible shaking and knocking that can be distracting in daily use. Viewfinder experience also falls short, which is surprising for a device so heavily centered on imaging—it can break immersion at the very moment you’re trying to frame a shot.
Video is another area where the phone struggles to match the best in the industry. Compared with the iPhone, sharpness lags behind, with footage that can resemble line-skipping on a mirrorless camera, and color rendering lacks the polish you’d expect at this level.
Despite these drawbacks, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica remains a compelling choice for photography-focused users. Its strengths in still imaging—especially Leica color science and telephoto performance—make it a phone that rewards photographers, even if it asks them to accept a few clear trade-offs along the way.