Xiaomi has once again made waves in the global smartphone market with the release of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. This flagship model quickly sold out in China during the presale phase, before the official public launch date. The overwhelming demand even sparked a surge in resale listings across various secondhand platforms.
Reports from Gizmochina reveal that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition was fully booked during its early ordering stage. Consumers snapped up the device rapidly despite it not yet being delivered to the first buyers. This unprecedented uptake highlights the strong market enthusiasm for Xiaomi’s latest premium collaboration with Leica.
Launch and Presale Success
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition was unveiled on December 25, 2025, with presales commencing immediately on the same day. The official sales were scheduled to start on December 27, 2025. Nevertheless, available stock reportedly ran out well before the official launch. The rapid sell-out emphasizes the exclusive appeal of this device fused with Leica’s photographic expertise.
Resale Market and Pricing Dynamics
Interestingly, some early buyers listed the phone for resale on secondary marketplaces even before receiving their units. This indicates some customers intended to capitalize on the hype by flipping the phones. Xiaomi priced the base model with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage at about 7,999 yuan ($1,140). The highest-end model with the same RAM but 1 TB storage retailed at 8,999 yuan ($1,280).
On secondary markets, these phones are fetching significantly higher prices. Sellers are asking for 9,999 to 10,000 yuan ($1,425 to $1,430) for the highest variant. This price surge mirrors intense demand and limited supply, pushing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition into a premium resale bracket.
Design Inspired by Classic Leica Cameras
Beyond availability, the phone’s design draws inspiration from Leica’s iconic cameras. It features a distinctive two-tone body reminiscent of the Leica M series and prominently displays Leica’s signature red dot logo on the rear. This design element strengthens the phone’s identity as a premium product born of a prestigious partnership.
Photographic Features and Innovations
One of the stand-out features is the exclusive Leica Moment photography mode. This setting simulates the authentic Leica M9 color reproduction, classic black-and-white film aesthetics akin to the M3 and MONOPAN 50, and a traditional 3:2 full-frame image ratio. Such features immerse users in a unique photography experience aligned with Leica’s heritage.
Another innovation is the manual zoom ring integrated into the camera module. Users can rotate this ring to zoom, activating the camera with precise mechanical control. Xiaomi states this ring detects movements as small as 0.03 millimeters, delivering fine adjustments comparable to professional cameras.
This zoom ring is also programmable, allowing users to assign it to functions such as exposure adjustments or manual focus. This flexibility appeals to photography enthusiasts who desire hands-on control over image capture.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
The resale price surge demonstrates that the combination of iconic design, advanced camera capabilities, and deliberate supply limitation remains an effective strategy to generate excitement. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is not merely a flagship smartphone but also a sought-after collector’s item in the resale market.
Going forward, it will be interesting to observe whether Xiaomi opts to increase supply to stabilize prices or maintain the model’s exclusivity. The strong reception in China suggests this limited edition could create significant buzz as it rolls out globally.
Smartphones emphasizing professional-grade photography continue to gain traction among high-end consumers. Xiaomi’s Leica Edition model positions the brand at the forefront of this evolving trend, blending artistry and technology in one premium device.
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