This Galaxy S26 Ultra competitor reminds us that phones should be enjoyable. 

Published: Jan 09, 2026, 7:28 AM 

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Refreshing Take on Flagship Phones

As we enter 2026, one Android manufacturer not widely represented in the US market is launching an exciting device—the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica. This model is a unique take on the "regular" Xiaomi 17 Ultra, challenging the notion of what a high-end flagship truly is. It also serves as a reminder that smartphones should be fun and innovative—a concept Samsung seems to have overlooked.

Quirky Design Done Right

What caught my attention is the exclusive Leica Camera Ring, located on the side of the camera module. This customizable ring allows users to assign various camera-related shortcuts for quick access, from zooming to selecting camera modes. It’s an innovative approach that I haven’t encountered in any other phone so far and makes the most of the necessary raised camera design that many top camera phones, especially those from China, have today.

On paper, the camera capabilities didn’t surprise me; this is standard for Ultra flagships from China. While there have been comments about the Leica Camera Ring being somewhat unintuitive and loose, I’m eager to feel its functionality for myself. It holds promise—it could either prove to be a genuinely useful feature or yet another gimmicky addition, like dedicated camera buttons that often fall flat.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a standard flat design but with a unique twist: a knurled side frame on the right that improves grip. This thoughtful modification enhances the typically sleek but slippery flat design aesthetic, creating a more user-friendly device. Most phones today adhere to the same flat design, and quirky elements like this tactile frame help distinguish this product from competitors. It's refreshing to see such an engaging design touch on a flagship phone.

My favorite feature has to be the retro, iPhone 4-style volume buttons, round and etched with "+" and "-" signs. This nod to one of the most iconic smartphones adds a nostalgic touch that complements the overall appearance of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Though not a typical feature of Xiaomi devices, these rounded buttons align perfectly with the retro-inspired Leica theme.

A Focus on Software and Image Processing

While the Xiaomi 17 Ultra excels in hardware, the true highlight lies in the software and image-processing features enhanced by Leica. The partnership has birthed two new shooting modes: Leica Essential and Monopan 50. These aren't mere filters; they're dedicated ISP workflows designed to replicate the iconic aesthetics of Leica's legendary M9 and M3 cameras.

Why This Matters

I’ve enjoyed Xiaomi’s flagship phones over the past few years, as they deliver exceptional performance and some of the most versatile cameras available. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues to refine the successful Xiaomi-Leica collaboration, offering impressive camera capabilities for yet another year.

With another iterative Galaxy flagship on the horizon, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra emphasizes the growing divide between the safe, predictable options and the exciting, personality-filled devices emerging from China. It may not be the best all-around product, but it certainly makes a compelling argument for individuality and innovation.