Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra: Revolutionizing Mobile Photography with Leica Technology
- Telephoto Innovation: The Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra features a groundbreaking Leica 200MP telephoto lens with continuous light change technology, elevating mobile photography to new heights.
- Complex Lens Structure: Featuring the most sophisticated telephoto architecture in a smartphone, it integrates three distinct lens groups for ultimate optical performance.
- Streamlined Design: Despite a 40% increase in components, the overall thickness of the phone has been reduced by 12%, demonstrating an impressive fusion of function and form.
On December 26, Xiaomi unveiled the Mi 17 Ultra, setting a new benchmark in smartphone photography. This device has transitioned from a quad-camera system to a streamlined trio, though the enhancement in photography capabilities is remarkable. The standout feature is undoubtedly the Leica 200MP telephoto lens, which proudly stands as the only one in the industry capable of continuous light changes.
A detailed exploration of this lens reveals its large design, incorporating a dual floating lens group with 3G+5P architecture. This innovative setup allows two rear lenses to be manipulated by independent motors, effectively facilitating changes in focal length and focus. As a result, the Mi 17 Ultra can capture images at four distinct focal lengths—75mm, 55mm, 30mm, and 100mm—without relying on digital cropping, producing true 200MP images with remarkable clarity.
Xiaomi emphasizes that this lens structure is the most intricate ever featured in a smartphone. It comprises three lens groups: one for foundational optical power, another dedicated to zoom capabilities, and the last focused on optical compensation and precise focusing. This complexity necessitates meticulous alignment to ensure high-resolution imaging throughout the entire zoom range, an achievement that reflects Xiaomi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
Notably, the overall number of lens components has surged by around 40% compared to its predecessor, yet the actual device has seen a 12% reduction in thickness. This optimization has resulted in a more compact design while incorporating advanced lens functionalities that traditionally would require more space.
The lens groups of the Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra boast extensive travel ranges, with the second group reaching a stroke of over 3mm and the third exceeding 5mm. In contrast, earlier models, such as the Xiaomi Mi 15 Ultra, had much less ambitious travel capabilities of only 0.5mm for floating telephoto and 1.5mm for periscope telephoto.
One interesting characteristic of the new lens system is its tendency to experience ‘shake’ when the camera is powered off, a consequence of its sophisticated mechanics. However, this phenomenon, affectionately termed "allegro," does not impede the regular functionality of the smartphone and is unlikely to bother users during daily use.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra not only redefines telephoto capabilities in smartphones but also harmonizes performance with elegant design. With its pioneering Leica lens and complex optical architecture, it stands poised to inspire a new generation of mobile photographers.
