Xiaomi 17 Ultra Gets Leica Camera Features in New Update

Xiaomi has begun rolling out a significant camera-focused update for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China, bringing features that were previously exclusive to the Leica Edition to the standard model. The February 2026 update (HyperOS 3.0.15.0.WPACNXM) introduces several photography enhancements that narrow the gap between the two variants ahead of the global launch.

Leica Instant Mode 1x Tap Zoom Arrives The headline feature making its way to the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the Leica Instant Mode 1x Tap Zoom. This camera mode, which was previously restricted to the Leica Edition, allows users to quickly switch between different zoom levels with a single tap. The feature is designed to streamline the photography experience, making it easier to capture shots at various focal lengths without navigating through multiple menus.

Dual-View Mode Refinements Alongside the new zoom functionality, Xiaomi has refined its dual-view mode in this update. The dual-view feature, which allows simultaneous recording from multiple camera lenses, has been optimized for better performance and usability. While specific details about the improvements weren't provided, such refinements typically include smoother switching between views and enhanced video quality.

Additional Camera Enhancements The update also brings several other camera-related improvements:

• A standard watermark has been added to the 200 MP mode, providing consistent branding across high-resolution shots
• Dynamic range optimization when shooting with Dolby Vision enabled, improving HDR video quality
• Various camera optimizations that focus on overall image quality and processing speed

Global Launch Implications With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra set to launch globally on February 28 under a different name (the Leica Edition branding won't carry over internationally), it remains unclear whether these features will be available on the global variant from day one. The timing suggests Xiaomi may be testing these features in the Chinese market before a wider rollout.

Competitive Landscape The camera improvements arrive as Xiaomi prepares to compete with Samsung's recently launched Galaxy S26 Ultra. The addition of Leica-branded features and enhanced photography capabilities positions the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as a serious contender in the premium smartphone camera segment.

The update demonstrates Xiaomi's strategy of differentiating its product lineup while gradually bringing premium features to its broader customer base. By extending Leica Edition features to the standard 17 Ultra, Xiaomi is effectively raising the baseline camera experience across its flagship lineup.

For Xiaomi 17 Ultra owners in China, the update is rolling out now through the standard system update mechanism. Global users will need to wait until the official launch to see which of these features make it to international markets.