[Barcelona, Spain=DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee] Xiaomi on Feb. 28 (local time) unveiled its next flagship smartphone Xiaomi 17 series and the Leica Leitz Phone in Barcelona, Spain, ahead of the opening of MWC26.

The key is the evolution of its partnership with Leica. The two companies presented a strategic joint development model that integrates everything from product development to the overall user experience, setting a new standard for mobile imaging.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra targets the premium market with a high-performance camera

Xiaomi 17 Ultra in particular is drawing attention for its high-performance camera. Xiaomi said it achieved the thinnest and lightest design among its Ultra series to date. Despite a 6,000 mAh battery, it is only 8.29 mm thick.

It applies a Leica-certified apochromatic (APO) lens configuration for the first time in a smartphone. It features a 1-inch lateral overflow integrated capacitor (LOFIC) main camera sensor, delivering a wide dynamic range and stable HDR rendering. A Leica 200-megapixel-based 75 mm to 100 mm variable telephoto zoom provides high optical quality across the continuous focus range.

Both the main and telephoto cameras support up to 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision and ACES Log recording. It also uses Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 and IP68 water and dust resistance to boost durability. When equipped with the Photography Kit Pro, it supports a professional shooting environment similar to an actual Leica body with a built-in 2,000 mAh battery and a physical shutter button.

The standard Xiaomi 17 compresses a high-performance imaging system into a slim form factor that is 8.06 mm thick and weighs 191 g. All models in the Xiaomi 17 series, including the Ultra, use the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th-generation mobile platform as the application processor.

Lu Weibing (루웨이빙), president of Xiaomi’s smartphone division, said, "The design of Xiaomi 17 focused on 'refined completeness.'" He said, "We designed it so that key details such as ultra-slim symmetrical bezels and an aluminum frame with a soft touch stand out even more."

Xiaomi also introduced the Leica Leitz Phone, co-developed to mark Leica’s 100th anniversary. The Leitz Phone uses a nickel anodized aluminum body and a physical dial called the Leica Camera Ring that recreates the feel of a real zoom camera. It also newly introduces Leica Essential Mode to digitally reproduce the image quality and photographic style of the Leica M9 and M3.

Xiaomi also unveils Pad 8 series and an aerodynamics-based electric car

Xiaomi’s new tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 8 series, was also unveiled. Both the Pro and base models feature an 11.2-inch 3.2K display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and up to 800 nits of peak brightness, delivering clear image quality outdoors. At 5.75 mm thick and weighing 485 g, it improves portability, and a 9,200 mAh battery enables long use. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform, while the Xiaomi Pad 8 uses the Snapdragon 8s 4th-generation mobile platform.

Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo, an electric hypercar designed based on aerodynamics. It features a balance that minimises drag while securing high downforce in an electric hypercar.