UPDATE: The highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is set to make its global debut on February 28, 2024, but with a surprising twist that has tech enthusiasts buzzing. Reports confirm that while the Xiaomi 17 series will launch internationally, only the standard Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra models will be available, leaving out the Pro and Pro Max versions featuring a distinctive rear display.
Recent developments indicate that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be rebranded for international markets as the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. This name change was revealed through certification documents from Thailand’s NBTC, where the model number 25128PNA1G was registered.
What’s particularly intriguing is that this new branding suggests a significant shift in strategy for Leica, which previously released three exclusive Leitz phones in Japan. It appears the company is pivoting to co-branding with Xiaomi, leveraging the strong reputation of both brands in photography.
In addition to the name change, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition promises cutting-edge technology. The device has been benchmarked on the Geekbench AI platform, showcasing impressive performance metrics: a Single-Precision score of 1,973, a Half-Precision score of 3,322, and a Quantized score of 4,754. These results confirm the flagship will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with a robust 16GB of RAM and running on Android 16 out of the box.
This Leica Edition is not just a rebranded model; it focuses heavily on photography enhancements. With special Leica color science, filters, and a unique mechanical zoom ring for DSLR-like control, this variant aims to attract photography enthusiasts globally. Expect it to be priced higher than the standard model in China, a trend likely to continue in international markets.
As the launch date approaches, consumers and tech fans alike are eagerly awaiting more details on availability and pricing. The official announcement from Xiaomi is anticipated shortly, and the tech community is watching closely to see how this collaboration will reshape the smartphone landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as we track the launch and the reactions from around the globe. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is poised to make a significant impact in the mobile photography space, and its launch is just around the corner.
