Xiaomi Unveils Camera-Centric Flagship, Smart Tracker, and More Ahead of MWC Barcelona

Xiaomi today orchestrated a comprehensive launch event, unveiling a suite of new gadgets and smart devices just before the commencement of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The announcements spanned across various product categories, headlined by a camera-focused flagship smartphone, an innovative AirTag-like tracker, a new smartwatch, and an ultra-slim power bank, signaling Xiaomi’s continued ambition to expand its ecosystem and market presence.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A New Photography Powerhouse

At the forefront of the launch was the Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone, a device poised to challenge the premium segment with its advanced camera capabilities. The China-based tech giant has solidified its strategic partnership with the legendary German camera manufacturer Leica, co-branding the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This collaboration extends beyond mere branding; it integrates Leica’s renowned optical expertise directly into the smartphone’s hardware and software. Users will benefit from authentic Leica lenses and a range of filters meticulously crafted to replicate the distinctive aesthetic and color science characteristic of Leica’s classic photography styles. This partnership underscores a growing trend in the smartphone industry where manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with established camera brands to elevate mobile photography to professional levels, aiming to capture a market segment that values high-fidelity imaging.

The camera system of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a marvel of engineering. It features a formidable 50-megapixel main sensor, notable for its wide F/1.67 aperture, which allows for exceptional light gathering, crucial for producing stunning images in challenging low-light conditions. Complementing this is a substantial 1-inch sensor, a size typically reserved for high-end compact digital cameras, promising superior dynamic range and detail capture. However, the most compelling innovation lies in its 200-megapixel telephoto camera. This secondary sensor boasts a variable focal length, equivalent to 75mm-100mm in traditional photography terms, enabling seamless optical zooming between 3.2x and 4.3x. This variable zoom capability offers photographers unprecedented flexibility in framing their shots, from detailed portraits to distant landscapes, without sacrificing image quality. Rounding out the versatile triple-camera array is a 50 MP ultrawide camera, featuring an f/2.2 aperture, designed to capture expansive vistas and group shots with remarkable clarity.

Beyond its photographic prowess, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is engineered for robust performance and endurance. The global version of the phone houses a substantial 6,000 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage throughout the day. For the Chinese market, Xiaomi is offering an even larger 6,800mAh battery, catering to users who demand maximum power autonomy. Charging the device is equally impressive, with support for 90W USB PD-PPS fast charging, capable of rapidly replenishing the battery. Furthermore, it incorporates Xiaomi’s proprietary Hypercharge wireless technology, delivering a swift 50W wireless charging experience, adding convenience and flexibility for users.

The visual experience on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is delivered through a stunning 6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED display. This display technology promises vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for everything from photos and videos to gaming. The screen is fortified with Xiaomi’s own Shield Glass 3.0, offering enhanced durability and resistance against scratches and impacts. Underneath its elegant exterior, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s latest and most advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This cutting-edge chipset, also found in the recently launched Galaxy S26 series, delivers unparalleled processing power, enabling lightning-fast app performance, seamless multitasking, and superior graphics rendering for demanding applications and games, while also bolstering advanced AI capabilities for camera enhancements and system optimization.

Celebrating a Century of Leica: The Special Edition Xiaomi 17 Ultra

To commemorate 100 years of Leica’s photographic legacy, Xiaomi is releasing a special Leica edition of the 17 Ultra. This exclusive variant is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and design, featuring a durable aluminum-alloy body complemented by a sophisticated nickel-anodized finish, exuding a premium feel. The partnership is further celebrated on the software front, with a dedicated Leica theme integrated into the phone’s user interface, offering a unique visual and functional experience.

A standout feature of this special edition is a tactile rotating ring, ingeniously designed to mimic the zoom control found on traditional physical cameras, providing a more intuitive and satisfying photographic experience. Moreover, the Leica edition introduces a "Leica Essential mode," a bespoke software feature that applies filters to recreate the iconic photographic styles of legendary Leica cameras such as the Leica M9 and Leica M3, allowing users to infuse their digital captures with a timeless, classic aesthetic.

The Xiaomi 17 and Photography Accessories

Alongside its Ultra counterpart, Xiaomi also launched the standard Xiaomi 17. This model comes equipped with a generous 6,330 mAh battery, offering robust power for daily use. It also benefits from the company’s advanced charging capabilities, supporting 100W HyperCharge technology for remarkably fast wired charging, minimizing downtime and maximizing user convenience.

Understanding the passion for photography, Xiaomi is also releasing two innovative add-ons specifically designed to enhance the mobile photography experience with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit is a Bluetooth-connected snap-on accessory that transforms the phone into a more ergonomic camera. It features a responsive two-stage shutter button, mimicking a DSLR, and a dedicated video recording button, providing tactile control for capturing moments. For enthusiasts seeking an even more professional feel, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro takes inspiration from traditional cameras with its elegant leather finish. This advanced kit offers a video recording button, a detachable shutter button, and precise zoom control. It connects via a USB-C port and includes an integrated 2,000 mAh battery, powering its operations and potentially extending the phone’s photographic endurance. This add-on also unlocks a new "fastshot mode" on the phone, allowing for quicker capture of fleeting moments.

Pricing and Availability in Europe

Xiaomi is making these highly anticipated devices available in the EU and the UK markets. The Xiaomi 17 starts at a competitive price of €999, making advanced technology more accessible. The flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced starting at €1,499. For those desiring the pinnacle of design and performance, the special Leica edition, which includes 16GB of RAM and a massive 1TB of storage, is available for €1,999. The photography accessories are also reasonably priced: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit costs €99.99, while the more advanced Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro is available for €199.99.

Expanding the Smart Ecosystem: Beyond Smartphones

Xiaomi’s MWC showcase extended far beyond smartphones, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive smart ecosystem.

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra: Addressing the growing urban mobility trend, Xiaomi unveiled its Electric Scooter 6 Ultra. This powerful scooter boasts an impressive 1200W peak power output and an extended range of 75km on a single charge, making it ideal for longer commutes. It features robust 12-inch all-terrain tires, providing stability and grip across various surfaces, complemented by front and rear disc brakes for reliable stopping power. A clear three-inch TFT display keeps riders informed of crucial metrics like speed and remaining range. The scooter lineup starts at an accessible €329.99, with five different versions available, culminating in a top-tier model priced at €799.99, offering options for various needs and budgets.

Xiaomi Tag: Entering the burgeoning market for smart trackers, Xiaomi introduced its new Xiaomi Tag. Designed as a direct competitor to devices like Apple’s AirTag, this compact device weighs a mere 10 grams and is powered by a button cell battery that promises over a year of battery life. A key differentiator is its broad compatibility, working seamlessly with both Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Android Find Hub, ensuring wide usability across different mobile platforms. Users can remotely trigger a sound to locate the tag or view the last known location, making it an invaluable tool for keeping track of keys, wallets, or luggage. The Xiaomi Tag is affordably priced at €14.99 for a single unit or €49.99 for a convenient pack of four.

Ultra-Slim Power Bank: Xiaomi also presented a sleek and practical ultra-slim power bank, measuring just 6mm in thickness and weighing a mere 98 grams. Despite its minimalist design, it packs a 5,000 mAh battery capacity, providing ample power for on-the-go charging. It supports 22.5W wired charging and offers 15W wireless charging, making it versatile for various devices. A notable feature is its magnetic design, allowing it to securely attach to compatible phones, such as iPhones, for effortless wireless charging. Available in classic black and silver colorways for €59.99, it also comes in a vibrant orange option priced at €64.99.

Xiaomi Watch 5 Smartwatch: The new Xiaomi Watch 5 features a robust 930mAh battery, capable of lasting up to six days on a single charge, minimizing the need for frequent recharging. The smartwatch sports an elegant round 1.54-inch AMOLED display, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors. It introduces innovative gesture support, allowing users to dismiss calls or alarms with simple hand movements. A key health feature is its ability to generate a comprehensive health report in just 60 seconds, analyzing metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress levels, sleep duration, sleep heart rate, and sleep SpO₂. The Xiaomi Watch 5 is priced at €299.99, positioning it as a strong contender in the health and fitness wearable market.

Redmi Buds 8 Pro: Completing the audio lineup, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Buds 8 Pro earbuds. These earbuds come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), providing an immersive listening experience by filtering out ambient distractions. They boast an impressive battery life of up to 33 hours, ensuring extended playback for music and calls. The Redmi Buds 8 Pro are priced at €69.99, offering premium features at an accessible price point.

These diverse product launches underscore Xiaomi’s aggressive strategy to broaden its technological ecosystem and cater to a wider array of consumer needs, from high-end mobile photography to urban mobility and smart home integration, all while maintaining a competitive edge in the global market.

Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web.
You can contact or verify outreach from Ivan by emailing [email protected] or via encrypted message at ivan.42 on Signal.

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