I tried out the camera on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and I doubt I will return to using an iPhone.

      When it comes to flagship smartphones, the term “Ultra” has begun to lose its significance. Almost every brand uses it, yet only a handful truly provide an experience that feels… ultra. Consider the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra; while it's a solid device, it lacks excitement. This highlights a broader issue within the US market: many of the most intriguing Android flagships simply don't make their way here.

      On the other hand, brands like Vivo, Oppo, and Honor are quietly elevating smartphone cameras to a level that seems almost akin to dedicated cameras. Then there's the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. After using it for a couple of weeks, it's evident that this isn't merely a phone with an excellent camera; it's a camera that also functions as a phone. It feels reminiscent of a modern revival of the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

      If this device were to officially launch in the US, it would certainly disrupt the market significantly.

      Spec Sheet Show-Off

      The Xiaomi 17 Ultra doesn't just present its specifications — it showcases them. It features a Leica-tuned triple-camera arrangement that includes a 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor with an f/1.67 aperture and LOFIC HDR, essentially ensuring it captures highlights and shadows extraordinarily well. Moreover, the noteworthy feature is a 200MP periscope telephoto lens (Samsung HP9, 1/1.4″) that offers continuous optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm (approximately 3.2x to 4.3x), extending up to an impressive 400mm equivalent through in-sensor cropping.

      Completing the setup is a 50MP ultrawide lens with a 115° field of view and macro capabilities, along with a commendable 50MP autofocus selfie camera at the front. It can shoot 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, boasting features like Dolby Vision and ACES Log, bringing capabilities closer to professional cinema. The Leica optics and color tuning are present across all lenses, and the partnership with Leica is evident in the quality of the photos captured.

      Daylight Photography Without Complications

      Let’s focus on daylight photography, where most smartphones already excel. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra takes it a step further. The images are sharp, detailed, and vibrant without appearing artificially enhanced. It offers two main profiles: Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant, with the latter being my personal favorite for its balanced enhancement.

      Colors are vivid but not overwhelming; greens appear lively without a neon effect, blues are steady, and overall contrast feels deliberate.

      It's a refreshing departure from the overly sharpened and processed aesthetic that some flagship phones embrace. Additionally, the HDR performance is commendable; even in challenging lighting situations, the phone adeptly balances highlights and shadows without sacrificing the scene's integrity.

      Zoom Performance That Resembles a Camera

      This is where the fun begins. The combination of various lenses and a continuous optical zoom system means you’re not merely shifting between fixed focal lengths. It genuinely delivers an experience akin to using a real camera lens. From 1x to 2x, 3.2x, and beyond, the results remain impressively sharp, with consistent colors across different zoom levels, addressing a common shortcoming of many smartphones.

      Interestingly, I found myself utilizing the camera around 3.2x most frequently, as it hits the ideal balance for composition and background separation.

      Portraits Without Excessive Processing

      Portrait photography is another strong feature, benefitting from the telephoto hardware. You can opt for the tele lens to capture portraits with natural depth or switch to portrait mode for enhanced processing. The results, in either case, are exceptional.

      Edge detection is precise, with natural subject separation, and the background blur appears genuine rather than artificially exaggerated. In numerous instances, it can rival a decent DSLR setup.

      What I particularly appreciated is that you don't necessarily need portrait mode; simply using the telephoto lens provides natural compression and bokeh, especially for subjects like pets or candid photos.

      Low Light Performance Without Compromise

      While daylight photography is admirable, it's commendable on many other devices too. However, low-light photography is where this phone truly shines. Thanks to the 1-inch sensor and wide f/1.67 aperture, it captures a significant amount of light, and the outcomes are evident.

      Even in low-light conditions, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra retains details, controls noise, and maintains the scene's overall mood. It doesn't attempt to transform night into day, preserving that nighttime ambiance while enhancing clarity. Highlights are well-managed, flare is minimized, and textures remain distinct.

      Ultrawide That Is Actually Practical

      The ultrawide camera here is not an afterthought. At 14mm, it captures a genuinely expansive field of view, ideal for landscapes, architecture, and group photos. Remarkably, the image quality remains solid, even in dim lighting.

      However, there is a minor inconvenience: