A significant hardware shift appears to be on the horizon for Xiaomi's next top-tier smartphone, as fresh leaks provide the clearest glimpse yet of the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra's camera system.
Major Camera Strategy Overhaul
According to a report from the source XiaomiTime, newly leaked photographs of the device's camera module indicate there is no space for a fourth lens. If this information proves accurate, it signals a major strategic pivot for the company. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will likely abandon the quad-camera configuration used on its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, in favor of a more refined triple rear camera arrangement.
This move suggests that Xiaomi is focusing on enhancing the performance of specific focal lengths and improving sensor quality, rather than simply increasing the number of lenses. The internal development of this camera system is reportedly being carried out under the codename "Nezha".
Powerful Triple Camera Specifications
The leak offers detailed insights into the potential hardware powering this new setup. The main sensor is tipped to be a 50-megapixel OVX10500U unit. The most eye-catching feature, however, is the telephoto camera, which is rumored to be a massive 200-megapixel sensor using Samsung's S5KHPE technology.
Completing the triple-camera array is an ultra-wide shooter expected to house either an OV50M or an S5KJN5 sensor. For selfies and video calls, Xiaomi may equip the front with a 50-megapixel OV50M sensor.
The 200-megapixel telephoto lens is positioned as the standout feature of the phone. Previous reports have indicated it will support 4x4 RMSC technology, which would enable advanced capabilities like "multi-focal-length lossless zoom" and improved telephoto macro performance. Users can also anticipate enhancements in magnification, focus range, and dynamic range.
Contradicting Rumors and Launch Timeline
This new information directly contradicts earlier speculation that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra would feature a quad-camera system with three 50-megapixel sensors accompanying the 200-megapixel telephoto. The latest data points towards a more streamlined, but potentially more powerful, triple-camera philosophy.
As for when consumers can expect this device, if Xiaomi adheres to its typical release schedule, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to arrive in 2026. It will be part of the broader Xiaomi 17 series, which is also expected to include the standard Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max models. While these details remain unconfirmed, the growing number of leaks strongly indicates that the Ultra variant could boast one of the most sophisticated telephoto systems Xiaomi has ever developed.
