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Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Optical Leica zoom camera takes on Hasselblad dual-periscope telephoto

A leaker is hinting at a true optical zoom camera for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is likely to stick with dual-periscope telephoto lenses (Image source: Ace100xd)
A leaker is hinting at a true optical zoom camera for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is likely to stick with dual-periscope telephoto lenses (Image source: Ace100xd)
Two leakers commented on the upcoming contest between two of the probably best camera flagships of 2026. Surprisingly, plans for a true optical zoom camera with a variable focal length and 200-megapixel sensor in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra may not be dead yet, while the Hasselblad camera of the Oppo Find X9 Pro is likely taking a very different approach.

A few weeks ago, we were still expecting a Xiaomi 16 series of smartphones and there were rumors regarding a triple-camera setup with a special upgrade for the Xiaomi 16 Ultra. More specifically, it was supposed to sport a true optical zoom camera similar to the one found in the Sony Xperia 1 VII, but combined with a modern 200-megapixel sensor. These hints were based on test units, so it's possible that Xiaomi's plans have changed in the meantime.

Another recent Xiaomi 17 Ultra leak also suggests a change in plans and describe a quad-camera setup that, contrary to earlier rumors, features two new sensors but still comparatively small ultrawide and 3× telephoto cameras. However, the dream of a true variable focal length zoom camera may not be entirely over, as emphasized by Indian leaker Kartikey Singh on X just a few hours ago:

Leica zoom camera against Hasselblad dual-periscope telephoto

If these statements are correct, then Xiaomi apparently has not abandoned the development of an optical zoom camera with a 200-megapixel sensor, and we could look forward to solid results of this technology. Unfortunately, there is no confirmation for a triple rather than a quad camera setup, but Xiaomi will likely decide against a dedicated second 3× telephoto lens if it opts for a periscope-based zoom camera. There is still about half a year until the expected launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra towards the end of the first quarter of 2026, so the Leica camera in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is probably not finalized just yet.

Meanwhile, Digital Chat Station has also commented on the camera of the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, which is also expected to hit the market in early 2026 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 onboard. There is arguably less potential for surprises here. While the Oppo Find X9 Pro will replace the predecessor's dual-periscope solution with the smallest 200-megapixel Samsung sensor to date, the Hasselblad Ultra model will stick with the dual-periscope setup of earlier generations, which is unique in the camera flagship market. The new 200-megapixel main camera is also exciting and could be based on a 1/1.1-inch sensor with 200 megapixels, which would be a first for Sony.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 10 > Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Optical Leica zoom camera takes on Hasselblad dual-periscope telephoto
Alexander Fagot, 2025-10- 7 (Update: 2025-10- 7)