Xiaomi 17 Pro Camera Review: Leica vs iPhone 17 Pro Max & Galaxy S25 Ultra
▼ Summary
– The Xiaomi 17 has generated significant attention in China with long store queues and new sales records since its recent launch.
– Camera reviews are comparing the Xiaomi 17 Pro variants against the Xiaomi 15 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra struggling to match their dynamic range.
– Xiaomi has positioned its new phones as direct competitors to Apple by renaming the Xiaomi 15 successors to the Xiaomi 17 series.
– Hardware changes in the Xiaomi 17 Pro’s camera sensors compared to the Xiaomi 15 Pro are being evaluated for their impact on photo quality.
– Initial reviews rely on social media screenshots and hands-on reports, as global reviews are unavailable and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to launch in Europe next year.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro has quickly become the center of attention across China, with weekend sales generating unprecedented excitement and long queues outside retail locations. Early reviews are now focusing intently on the camera performance of both Xiaomi 17 Pro models, comparing them not only to their predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Pro, but also to major competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Initial impressions suggest that the Leica-engineered camera system in the new Xiaomi devices demonstrates a particularly strong dynamic range, potentially leaving the Samsung flagship struggling to match its photographic capabilities.
Just last week, camera comparisons primarily featured the iPhone 17 Pro models against the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Now, the conversation has decisively shifted toward Xiaomi’s latest flagship duo. By rebranding its successor models with a “17” series designation, Xiaomi appears to be making a direct statement about competing on the same tier as Apple. The critical question is whether the Leica camera collaboration delivers a tangible improvement over previous generations.
On a technical level, the camera sensors in the Xiaomi 17 Pro have undergone substantial upgrades compared to those in the Xiaomi 15 Pro. For many potential buyers, the ultimate deciding factor will be whether these hardware advancements actually result in visibly superior image quality in everyday shooting scenarios.
Since comprehensive global reviews for the Xiaomi 17 series are not yet available, and embedding native Chinese video content from platforms like Weibo presents accessibility challenges, this analysis relies on high-resolution screenshots from 4K videos and sample photos shared across social media, including Weibo and X. We are also referencing initial hands-on impressions from prominent tech YouTubers, though it is worth noting that many of their early videos concentrate more on the phone’s innovative secondary rear display rather than providing an in-depth evaluation of the new Leica camera system.
The expectation is that a wider array of detailed YouTube reviews will surface in the coming weeks. Market availability is another key point of differentiation; while the standard Xiaomi 17 is anticipated to see a European release, consumers will likely need to wait until next year for the arrival of the more advanced Xiaomi 17 Ultra model.
(Source: Notebook Check)
