Xiaomi already enjoyed the massive success of the first three Xiaomi 17 devices by breaking a first-day domestic sales record after launching them in China last month. However, the company is yet to release the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which may arrive earlier than expected and get a surprising camera downgrade.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra may have fewer cameras on the back
Last year’s Xiaomi 15 Ultra featured a quad-camera system on the back, with two telephoto cameras. According to new information shared by Xiaomitime, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature only three cameras on the back, with a fourth special non-camera sensor.
That change may feel like a significant downgrade at first glance, but it could end up less severe than expected. Xiaomi is rumored to ditch the 50MP telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom option and stick to a single telephoto camera. That one is rumored to have an improved sensor, which may deliver similar or even better results.
The rumored sensors for the cameras on the back of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra are the following:
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Main camera—50MP Omnivision OVX10500U main
Telephoto camera—200MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KHPE
Ultra-wide camera—50MP Omnivision OV50M or Samsung ISOCELL S5KJN5
Similar design on the back
The leaked Photography Kit of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. | Image credit – Kacper Skrzypek/PhoneArena
While cutting one camera, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will still have four sensors on the back. Leaked renders of the photography kit for the upcoming devices, shared by Kacper Skrzypek on X, show a circular camera module with the three cameras and space for that fourth special sensor.
What camera setup would you prefer to get?
I prefer more lenses, regardless of the quality
18.87%
Fewer lenses, but only if the quality is similar
75.47%
Fewer lenses, regardless of the quality
5.66%
There’s a chance that this new rumor turns out to be misleading. Earlier leaks suggested that the 17 Ultra will feature four cameras. On the other hand, competing devices like the Vivo X300 Ultra are rumored to also feature triple-camera systems.
It’s all about the quality
If I have the choice, I’d prefer fewer cameras with better sensors and optics on the back of my phone. However, if an extra camera can provide a much better photo quality, I’d take it without complaining.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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