Xiaomi’s Ultra series has always been synonymous with cutting-edge photography, and the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra looks set to push the boundaries even further. According to the latest leaks, Xiaomi’s next flagship will feature five 50 MP cameras, covering both the front and back.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Could Pack 50 MP Front and Rear Cameras
As per a report from XiaomiTime, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to sport four 50 MP cameras on the rear and a single 50 MP selfie camera on the front. If true, this would make the 17 Ultra one of the most camera-focused smartphones in 2025.
New 1-Inch Sensor for the Primary Camera
A brand-new 50 MP OmniVision OVX10500U 1-inch sensor will power the primary rear camera. For context, the last time we saw a 1-inch sensor on a Xiaomi phone was the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in 2024, so this marks a major leap forward.
Supporting Cameras and Selfie Shooter
- Ultra-Wide + Telephoto: Both will reportedly use the Samsung JN5 sensor.
- Periscope Telephoto: Expected to house a 50 MP Samsung HPE lens.
- Front Camera: A significant upgrade to a 50 MP OmniVision OV50M sensor, compared to the 32 MP selfie camera on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
How Does It Compare to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
While the selfie upgrade is impressive, not all changes appear to be clear upgrades. For instance, the 50 MP periscope telephoto could feel like a downgrade compared to the 200 MP periscope lens on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. This is especially striking since rivals like the Vivo X300 Pro are rumored to pack a custom 200 MP periscope camera.
Still, Xiaomi seems to be focusing on consistency across all five cameras, rather than chasing headline megapixel counts.
Leica Partnership and Lens Upgrade
Xiaomi will likely continue its long-standing partnership with Leica. The 17 Ultra may debut with an improved version of the Vario-Summilux 14–100mm lens, first introduced on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which should further enhance its photography game.
Other Expected Xiaomi 17 Ultra Specs
Rumors suggest that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature:
- WQHD+ LTPO AMOLED display
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
- 7,000mAh+ battery with fast charging
- HyperOS 3 based on Android 16
- Satellite connectivity
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most exciting smartphones of 2025. While the shift from a 200 MP periscope to 50 MP might raise some eyebrows, the consistency of five 50 MP sensors could deliver a more balanced and versatile photography experience.
With an official launch expected in late 2025 or early 2026, more leaks are bound to surface. Until then, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra already looks like a strong contender for the best camera smartphone of the year.
