Xiaomi has confirmed the launch of Xiaomi 17 series, scheduled for February 28, 2026, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, after the phones were introduced in China last year.
Billed as “The New Wave of Imagery,” this showcase is gearing up to be a defining moment for mobile photography, headlined by a radically deepened partnership with German optical legend, Leica.
From Co-Engineering to Strategic Co-Creation
The most significant storyline of the Xiaomi 17 series is the evolution of the Xiaomi-Leica alliance. In a joint letter signed by Leica CEO Matthias Harsch and Xiaomi President William Lu, the companies announced a major shift: moving from simple “co-engineering” to a deeply integrated “strategic co-creation” model.
According to the letter, the goal is to return to the soul of “Essential Leica Imagery.” It’s no longer just about putting a Leica badge on the back of a phone or tweaking software color profiles.
Engineers from both sides have managed to incorporate the professional optics, design aesthetics, and tactile interface concepts of traditional Leica cameras directly into the new flagship. The ambition is clear: to build a device that doesn’t just record data, but perfectly captures light and shadow to “evoke emotion, tell stories, and preserve the poetic memories of life.”
What to Expect: The Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Based on the dramatic teaser poster and the Chinese market release late last year, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will undoubtedly be the star of the Barcelona event. Here is what we expect to see:
- Commanding Optical Hardware: The teaser reveals a massive, prominent circular camera module that dominates the back of the phone. The 17 Ultra is expected to feature a next-generation 1-inch main sensor tailored for extreme low-light clarity, alongside an industry-first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens designed to virtually eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberration.
- Flagship Powerhouse: To process this “New Wave of Imagery,” the global variant is heavily tipped to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, backed by a robust 6,000mAh battery to keep the camera firing all day.
- A True Camera Feel: Following the promise to “feel the soul of Leica in your hand,” the device is expected to feature premium, dual-tone leather and matte finishes reminiscent of classic Leica M-series rangefinders.
The Xiaomi 17 series launch event on February 28, 2026, starts at 2 PM Barcelona time (6:30 PM IST), and as usual, the company will offer a live stream.