Xiaomi 17 Ultra leak hints at major camera-focused design overhaul

Xiaomi is preparing to unveil its new flagship camera phone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. While the company didn't share anything about this upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone yet, recent leaks have shared that there could be two versions. They also hinted that the camera configuration between the two could be a little different.

Now, Digital Chat Station, a reliable tipster, has added some new and rather interesting information about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The leaker reports that there's a version of the phone that looks exactly like a camera. Although the leaker didn't offer any further details about this version, it could be the Xiaomi 15's Modular Optical System concept turned into a reality.

Of course, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn't expected to be modular, but with that concept accessory, the Xiaomi 15 looked exactly like a camera at the MWC 2025 showcase. Another thing to note is that the company has experimented a lot with the last-gen Ultra flagships.

The 12S Ultra, for example, had a concept design that allowed users to mount a full-sized Leica lens. As for the more recently launched Ultra flagships, Xiaomi offers a professional camera kit for them (Chinese 256 GB 15 Ultra curr. $870.72 on TradingShenzhen). Considering these, it wouldn't be surprising to see a major design shift on the upcoming flagship phone.

Other than that, Digital Chat Station adds that the engineering unit of the other version comes with a large-sized periscope sensor on the back. The leaker hints that this version of the possible Xiaomi 17 Ultra has also seen some changes in terms of the camera island design, and adds that the front features a display with very narrow bezels.

This report also shares that the back of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could be made of fiberglass material. Lastly, Digital Chat Station adds that there will be classic black and white color options, alongside a purple colorway.