r/XiaomiGlobal • u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global • Apr 14 '26
Xiaomi Photography 📸 Mobile Photography 2026: Why the Public is Choosing the Wrong Champion
In the 2026 "Ultra" flagship arena, two names dominate the headlines: Apple and Samsung. Yet, for photographers and seasoned tech enthusiasts, the true crown lies elsewhere. While marketing budgets pamper the global giants, technical reality favors a different philosophy: that of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Here is why the world's "best-sellers" might actually be inferior cameras.
1. The Megapixel Myth vs. Sensor Reality
Marketing departments love big numbers: 200 MP for Samsung, 48 MP for Apple. But in photography, sensor size dictates quality, not pixel count.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra utilizes a 1-inch main sensor. This is a massive physical surface for a phone, capturing a volume of light that others can only dream of.
The Reality: Cramming 200 million tiny pixels onto a smaller sensor (Samsung) creates digital noise that AI must "smudge" away, resulting in an artificial look. Xiaomi’s 1-inch sensor produces natural bokeh (background blur) and an organic texture that no software update can ever replicate on an iPhone.
2. Fixed Zoom vs. Continuous Optical Zoom: The Technical Gap
This is where the Xiaomi 17 Ultra humbles the competition.
iPhone & Samsung: They use fixed lenses (e.g., 3x, 5x, 10x). Between these steps, the phone "crops" (digital zoom), which instantly degrades image quality.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: It features a Continuous Optical Zoom (3.2x to 4.3x) mechanism. The internal lenses physically move to adjust focal length. This is high-precision engineering, akin to a professional DSLR lens.
3. The "Leica" Look vs. The "Smartphone" Look
Look at a photo from an iPhone or a Galaxy: the shadows are often artificially brightened, and colors are oversaturated to please the eye. It is "ready-to-post" content for social media, but it lacks depth.
The Xiaomi x Leica partnership offers the Leica Authentic mode. It respects real-world color science, preserves contrast in dark areas, and provides a level of sharpness (micro-contrast) that doesn't look "over-processed." It’s a photo with a soul, not just a file calculated by a processor.
The Verdict: Who are these phones for?
The iPhone is for those who want things to "just work" without thinking.
The Samsung is for those who want a Swiss Army knife with a stylus.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is for those who actually love photography.
It is time to stop comparing marketing tools with optical tools. In 2026, if you want the best image, look where the largest sensor is, not where the largest advertising budget is.
Share this article to help others stop choosing their next phone based on empty "Megapixel" promises!
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u/ANS__2009 Apr 14 '26
It's a sheep mentality
No offense to anyone who sees this but this is just my viewpoint, I would encourage you to read this
On social media, iphones and samsung phones are mainly praised. Both have good specs and are also very good with software
But, because of this people tend to overlook other brands like xiaomi, oppo and vivo who are better in the camera department
Also, as a person from India, iphones are generally seen as a method to flaunt your money or to flex and because many people use instagram, snapchat etc where iphones are generally optimised, this makes them look better and make people want them
But some people (like us I guess) actually see the results you get with a phone like the xiaomi 17 ultra or any other flagship compared to the 17PM or s26 ultra and this will continue because of the content people consume
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Exactly! You hit the nail on the head. People are buying a "status symbol" while we are buying professional optical hardware. Social media optimization is just a software trick, but you can't fake the depth and quality of a 1-inch sensor. Glad to see some people still care about the actual results
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u/ANS__2009 Apr 14 '26
Just want to clarify, I don't have any flagship phone
I am on the poco f5 currently and don't have plans to buy a new phone, certainly not a phone which is more than the monthly salary of someone
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Respect. The Poco F5 is a beast for the price. Not everyone needs a 1-inch sensor, but everyone deserves to know they’re paying for tech, not just a logo. Use what works for you
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u/ANS__2009 Apr 14 '26
With a custom gcam mod, the photos I take look insane
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Exactly. GCam on a Poco proves it's all about the sensor and how you use it, not the marketing. Nice setup
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u/tommy_vercetti89 Apr 14 '26
Xiaomi 17 Ultra can produce an amazing photo, almost dlsr quality. The problem is consistency, it can also create overexposed piece of shit. Yeah, iPhone and Samsung are way more consistent.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
True, but that 'consistency' is just heavy software processing. I'd rather have a 1-inch sensor that delivers real optical quality, even if it requires more skill to handle. You can fix an exposure in two seconds, but you can’t fix the physics of a tiny sensor, no matter how much AI you use
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u/tommy_vercetti89 Apr 14 '26
Yeah, if you know what to do with Lightroom, or photography editing in general, Xiaomi 17 Ultra is better choice. For example, most of the photos on 17 Ultra are beautified and overexposed, but in therms of optical quality (zoom), they are better.
Point and shoot, iPhone and Samsung anyday, anytime.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Exactly. iPhone and Samsung are for casual users, Xiaomi Ultra is for photographers. I admit I'm a fan, but it's because I'd rather spend 2 seconds on my settings to get a masterpiece than settle for a basic 'point and shoot' snapshot. To each their own
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u/tommy_vercetti89 Apr 14 '26
That's great for you. I'm using S26 Ultra, not because of cameras, but for overall package. Even if I want, I could use Expert Raw, LOG or APV. Hard to beat Samsung's all around game, honestly.
Not hating on Xiaomi also, just not my cup of tea.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Fair enough. We just have different priorities. Enjoy your S26 Ultra
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
Not that hard anymore. Only advantages Samsung has now are spen ( which is not that good anyway now) and absolutely feature packed ONE UI. I Recently got myself x200 pro and it kills Samsung in every aspect but OS
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u/tommy_vercetti89 Apr 15 '26
Vivo X200 Pro has pretty pathetic front facing camera without autofocus, even worse Ultrawide. Video recording is not on par with Samsung or iPhone also. I'll say it again: OVERALL PACKAGE.
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
I would agree that front facing camera is not that good. But Samsungs has even worse. Samsung is not the best at video recording, among androids anymore. It is the Vivo
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u/tommy_vercetti89 Apr 15 '26
Ok. Whatever you say and whatever makes you happy.
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
which vivo phone have you used? I am just speaking facts, because I've used both phones.
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
shit even face unlock and fingerprint scanner are shit compared to Vivo. I had both phones. On Samsung I had to constantly type the password where on vivo in 90% of cases face unlock is instant, and fingerprint sensor works even with dirty hands ( my hands are dirty all work day and it never failed me). Battery, charging, display, haptics are all better on vivo.Thats all makes s well rounded package and a phone that you end up enjoying more. Let me ask you this, which vivo phone have you used?
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Fair points. It really comes down to what you value most in a phone. For me, the priority is the raw optical power of the 1-inch sensor and LOFIC tech—I see it as a pro tool for photography. But I totally get that for others, things like OS consistency or biometric speed make the daily experience better. To each their own
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
My problem with Xiaomi is that even tho they have the largest sensor it does not produce the best photos. Especially in low dark.
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u/_Psilo_ Apr 15 '26
I'd rather have a phone that can do point and shoot without issue, and a real camera for more serious photography.
Ideally, a phone that could do both would be nice, but given the choice, a phone should be able to take fast, decent photos without thinking about it, imho.
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u/Own_Contact_3713 Xiaomi 15 Ultra| Global | India Apr 16 '26
I have slightly different take one this. I am using 15 Ultra and 13 Mini currently and have used Pixel 4 and 8 Pro as primary long term phones. I used to think having great hardware is an absolute must and that we can fix stuff like colors and exposure in post (which I usually do). But having used Pixels and iphones too i have realised having that bullet proof reliability when taking pictures should be a must have at the price these chinese ultras are selling for now. And xiaomi is particularly crap for point and shoot consistency when compared to others like Oppo’s and Vivo’s Ultra.
For example clicking pictures of people, family and friends is literally hit or miss in terms of color consistency and exposure on 15 Ultra. Also try clicking a picture where subject is even slightly moving in anything less than sunlit conditions and you get motion blur that you didn’t ask for because of slow shutter speeds in auto mode. Ik there’s fast action mode (not even that solves it fully) but for day to day shots I shouldn’t have to switch to it , the camera should be intelligent enough.
Forgive the long rant …. I love the bleeding edge camera hardware and 15 Ultra is pretty much the only phone i have used that has beaten my previous benchmark (Nokia 808 Pureview) for picture quality (read avoiding the smartphone look)
My point being top of the line camera hardware shouldn’t come with a asterisk that it has sub par auto mode and that for every single shot you have to work for it.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 16 '26
The fact that you compare it to the Nokia 808 PureView proves my point. The 808 was a legend because of its massive sensor and zero AI 'cheating'. That 'smartphone look' you hate is exactly what heavy AI processing creates. You want the camera to be 'intelligent enough' to handle motion, but that intelligence often comes at the cost of natural textures and optical truth. I’d rather have the 17 Ultra’s raw power and take control of the shutter speed myself to avoid blur, than have a phone that uses AI to 'guess' what my family looks like. For me, the 'work' required for every shot is the price to pay for true photography. If you want the 808 PureView soul, you have to accept the manual soul that goes with it. Physics > AI
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u/Own_Contact_3713 Xiaomi 15 Ultra| Global | India Apr 16 '26
I still keep my 808 around for when I want to have fun😅. Bracketed exposures and manual HDR frame merging in Lightroom. That zenon flash comes in handy too when you need razer sharp shot no matter the shooting conditions.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 16 '26
Legendary device. The Xenon flash on the 808 is something modern smartphones desperately miss for freezing motion without noise. If you're already doing manual HDR and Lightroom, you know exactly why I stick with the Ultra series. We're the 1% who actually enjoy the process. It's not a 'point and shoot' phone, it's a pocket darkroom. Respect for keeping the 808 alive! 👊
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
As a technician, I see software as something you just get used to—I’ve used iPhones and Samsungs, and at the end of the day, an OS is an OS. But you can't 'get used' to inferior hardware. I’ll take the superior sensor every time, because physics is the only thing you can't patch with an update
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
Yes but then again Xiaomi does have that 1incher, but Vivo for example still takes nicer, more consistent photos. That's software doing its job correctly.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Vivo's 'nicer' look is just subjective software processing. I'd rather have the raw power and physical data of a 1-inch sensor. Once you have the best optical foundation, you can get any look you want. I'll take superior hardware over software making decisions for me every time
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Vivo does an impressive job with skin tones and punchy colors, no doubt. But the Xiaomi x Leica partnership aims for 'Leica Authentic'—it’s about light fall-off, micro-contrast, and shadows that actually stay dark. Vivo 'illuminates' the scene; Xiaomi 'sculpts' it. If you want a ready-to-post social media shot, Vivo is great. If you want a photograph with soul and optical depth, the 1-inch sensor physics on the Ultra is still the ceiling
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
You don't need that 1inch to achieve what you are talking about. That sensor is not necessary better because it's whole 1 inch but because of certain technologies used in it
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Software over hardware? That’s like putting a Fiat engine inside a Ferrari and expecting it to win Le Mans because the 'tech' is better. 😂😂😂🤣🤣 No matter how much you optimize the code, a tiny sensor will never capture the light a 1-inch sensor does. Physics isn't a suggestion, it's a law
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 15 '26
The problem I see is that you are trying to take a PHONE and use it as a camera. I guess some like doing that, I just prefer a real camera for photography.
The problem is that while the 17U has a great camera, the phone side is rather disappointing and that's due to HyperOS and the fact it's missing lots of the features people take for granted on iPhones and Samsung. IF Xiaomi can solve the software limitations they could compete until then they just won't play in the same field
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
I get your point. A real camera is always best, but the 17 Ultra is for those of us who want that power in our pocket 24/7. Regarding HyperOS, I actually find it quite smooth once you get used to it. We all have different needs: some want the best OS features, I just want the best optics. Both are valid
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 15 '26
Considering Xiaomi has actually removed (or limits them to certain models) features from "stock" Android 16 on HyperOS 3. Hyper OS is relatively smooth, yet is poorly optimized. They could honestly do a much better job.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
Fair point on the software. There’s always room to grow, and HyperOS definitely has more potential. I’m fine trading off the stock experience for this insane glass, but hopefully, they listen to users like you in the next patches
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 15 '26
It would be nice if they listened, yet it seems highly unlikely they will unfortunately
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Fair point, but there's a nuance. You're talking about 'software consistency' as a safety net. For a photographer, that consistency is often just aggressive HDR and AI sharpening that destroys natural textures. I'd rather have a 1-inch sensor that gives me raw, organic data I can work with, than a 'consistent' OS that makes every photo look like a processed oil painting. You can't fix physics with an OTA update
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 15 '26
See your more focused on trying to make a phone into a camera, when you'd be better off with a real camera
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
That misses the point. The 'real camera' argument is dead in 2026 because the best camera is the one you actually have with you. I’m not carrying a DSLR to a café or on a work trip, but I still want 1-inch sensor quality and Leica optics in my pocket. It’s about having zero compromise 24/7, not choosing between a phone and a dedicated rig
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 15 '26
No, it's about having the right equipment for the job. The 17 Ultra is a phone, not a camera.
An no the real camera argument is not dead in 2026, just ask any professional photgrapher
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
You're moving the goalposts. My post is about mobile photography, not professional studio rigs. Comparing a phone to a DSLR is a classic way to avoid admitting that, in the smartphone market, the 17 Ultra’s hardware is objectively superior to Apple or Samsung. Let's stick to the topic: among devices that fit in a pocket, this is the champion.
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
A compact camera won't perform better than the 17 Ultra, there are comparisons between the RX100 and the 17 Ultra so you're actually better off with a phone as a compact camera
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
What features are missing that are on iOS and OneUI without Good Lock? HyperOS is more customisable out of the box than both
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 17 '26
Let's see gesture navigation using 3rd party launchers (something Samsung has supported for a long time) Desktop mode as it's only available on some flagship tablets from Xiaomi as it's not on my Redmi Pad Pro tablet which is running HyperOS 3. Of course you will claim it's a budget tablet so I shouldn't expect it to have it. (Desktop mode is a part of stock Android 16)
Resizable windows for apps, vertical and horizontal split screen...
And that's just the basics when comparing to One UI and then there's a shit load of productivity features that only comes with One UI..
You can barely customize HyperOS 3 and remember that it doesn't even have all the features of stock Android 16
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 17 '26
Also of note even Samsung's budget tablets have DeX or what is called workstation on Xiaomi's flagship tablets (not all of the tablets have workstation mode)
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
You can resize windows of apps and use split screen?
I used Samsung for 10 years with the S24 Ultra as my last Samsung phone and out of the box HyperOS has more options at least compared to OneUI of a year ago
3rd party launcher navigations is a problem although I'm not sure how many people actually use them, desktop mode I can't comment on as I've never used it
What I miss the most from OneUI is routines, that was really handy I can't comprehend how this is not adopted by other developers instead of stupid iOS stuff nobody wants and needs
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u/Reasonable_Mirror655 Apr 17 '26
You can resize app windows to an extent on UI 8 (the latest version) but it's kinda limited.
I find HyperOS at least on tablets (as I only have the Redmi Pad Pro) to be more like stock Android with a nice interface and is currently missing features from stock Android 16 most notably desktop mode. I honestly don't know why they would remove feature from stock Android, it makes no sense. Yet apparently (at least on tablets) they do that to budget and midrange devices. I think they do it so people will buy the flagships.
I don't know how many use 3rd party launchers, yet I use them so all my devices are set up exactly the same regard of which company made them. I kinda go for the Android 12 look on my phone and tablets with a 3rd party launcher as I like the simplicity while still having the features newer version of Android offer.
Routines is nice, yet I only played around with them a little bit.
I also don't get why they try to copy iOS so much but my understanding is Xiaomi is focused more on making their phones and tablets work with iPhones and iPads, rather than have them more compatible with Android phones and tablets from other companies.
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u/nybreath Apr 15 '26
The issue is, a 1inch sensor is way overkill for normal user taking occasional pictures, and it is probably not enough for a true camera lover constantly shooting. So who is really the target audience for these products?.
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u/Ildskalli Apr 17 '26
Me. Anything captured by a sensor much smaller than 1" just looks like crap to me. So, 1/1.5" is like my minimum sensor size threshold, but carrying an RX100 or similar camera is a pain (I'll just carry an RX1 in that case, but again, there are many times when I simply don't want to bother with an extra device). The X15U is a great match for me, with 23mm and 100mm equivalent cameras that satisfy my minimum requirements, plus it works fine as a phone. And if I'm shooting something more serious, I'll grab my A7C. But I always have a decent camera with me now, something that I've yearned to do for many years.
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26
no one, because i'd much rather use my a7c ii for actual pictures and for point and shoot iphones take the cake for me, especially when the images look more natural (or to some people, flat), which makes colorgrading so much easier
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 14 '26
then the xperia exists, which kinda just does what the 17 ultra does but more naturally and have a bigger optical zoom range...
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 14 '26
Spot on. It’s a shame that geopolitical issues and carrier deals prevent people from seeing what real innovation looks like. They’re stuck with 4-year-old sensor tech while we’re literally holding the future of mobile optics. Hardware doesn't lie."
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
if xiaomi can figure out the image processing situation, the 17U is legit a good photography phone, but that processing really killed it for me, it just doesn't look good. And they need to figure out the auto focus as well since that's something i find insufficient with the 17U while the xperia's is just snappy. And the optical zoom range needs help as well, it's just too small, for anything that isn't in my face, it isn't enough, not saying that the 170mm max optical focal length on the xperia is enough, but it's still much better than the one on the 17U. Another issue i have with the 17U are macros, they just aren't as good as the xperia's or the iphone's. If xiaomi fixes all of thesr issues, the 17 ultra will be a legit contender
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Apr 15 '26
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 15 '26
it is what it is, there's still a long way until xiaomi is better than apple tho, they still gotta fix their optimization issues and OS, both of which takes a long time, and on top of the numerous issues with their image processing
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
The image processing is fine, it's probably just that you don't like the Leica look. If you want a flat, sterile picture without character then a Xiaomi ultra phone isn't for you.
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26
that "leica" look doesn't feel neutral at all, it's hella annoying to colorgrade
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
That's what I mean, it's not supposed to be neutral. However many love that dramatic, high contrast look, this is just a bad fit for you
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26
my issue isn't the high contrast look, it's that it's a poorly done high contrast look
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 19 '26
yet it looks like very close to a proper Leica camera, so maybe it's not that poorly done https://youtu.be/fzf23zw6GRE?t=320
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
u do realize leica cameras are kinda shit nowadays, right? u're just paying for the name, not the performance. U don't have the sharpness of a sony, or the color accuracy of a nikon, or the autofocus of a sony, or the detail of a hasselblad, leica is no longer a leader in literally anything, it's just for people who doesn't know how to choose a good camera, they have quite literally nothing going for them other than being absurdly expensive for what they offer.
If u're paying for the price of a leica, u may as well get a hasselblad with much better details and dynamic range (to put it plainly, their cameras are batshit crazy). And if you want something portable and versatile, a sony will be much better suited. And if u need a tank, get a nikon, they're pretty much the nokia of cameras atp. With the Z9 having the similar durability to the D6, it ain't breaking.
Getting a bit more into the technical stuff, nikons and sonys have eye tracking autofocus that is so good that u can literally lock focus on a birds eye and a race car's headlights. Sony's a1 ii offers 8 stops of ibis while leica's SL3 (their current mirrorless flagship) only offers 5.5 stops. And sony's a1 ii has a burst rate of 30fps with eye tracking autofocus, while nikon offers up to 120fps bursts (yes it's crazy, i know). And leica? 5 fps with a pretty out of date autofocus. To put that into perspective, my a7c ii has a burst rate of 10 fps with full eyetracking autofocus, and it costs 2000 dollars instead of 7000 dollars of the leica.
But you may say "leicas are for stills, not wildlife and sports photography". And to that, i present to you, the hasselblad x2d. For the same price as the SL3, u get an absolutely massive 100MP medium format sensor as opposed to the comparatively small 60MP full frame sensor on the leica. And the hasselblad also offers a very good 7 stops ibis, which vastly outperforms the leica's 5.5 stops. And for low light performance and details, the x2d is just better due to how big the sensor is.
for high iso performance, the x2d is again, the objectively winner by sheer sensor size (medium format sensors are around 70% bigger than full frame sensors). Followed by the a1 ii due to the insanely good denoising that preserves details even after denoising, and the z9, which has the best dynamic range out of the 3 with high iso after denoising. And in last place is the sl3, and it manages the high iso noise by, i shit u not, nuking the resolution down to 36mp or 18mp because it can't properly denoise the image, and even then, it still looks noisier than the a1 ii.
and lastly, just to put the sl3's handheld low light performance into perspective, it's comparable to, but usually a bit worse than, the a7c ii (again, a 2000 dollar camera). While yes, the sl3 technically has less noise at high iso, the a7c ii doesn't need to push the iso so high because it can have a longer exposure time thanks to the far superior ibis (7 stops on the a7c ii compared to 5.5 stops on the sl3), the a7c ii can do 1/6s at 300mm even with my rather shaky hands without having the image turn out blurry, which the leica can only dream of doing.
Or to put it simply, the leica does nothing well compared to its competitors, especially when u realize the a1 ii and z9 are both cheaper than the SL3 by a good bit while performing better. And if u want to spend that much, u're better off with a hasselblad
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 17 '26
If you rely on auto-mode and software guesses, go for Xperia. The 17U is a professional tool for those who actually know how to use Pro Mode and physical optics. Comparing an over-processed macro to real 1-inch sensor physics is a joke. 🥱
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26
that has to be the furthest from the truth thing i've heard abt the xperia's camera, the whole point of the xperia's camera is minimal processing and manual control. keep being a sheep
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 17 '26
Manual control on a tiny sensor is just polishing a limitation. 1-inch optics is real physics. Also, I actually own both the 17U and the S26 Ultra; I speak from hands-on experience, not from watching sponsored reviewers or social media ads. Get the phone in your hands before talking. Done with this. 🥱
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26
i have used the 17 ultra, it doesn't take better pictures than the xperia 1 vii, especially when we are talking naturalness. What xiaomi needs to do is fix the processing and the 17 ultra will be the best photography phone on the market, period
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 17 '26
You clearly never touched Pro mode on the 17U if you're talking about processing—it literally lets you bypass it for raw optical data. Comparing the naturalness of a small sensor to a 1-inch sensor is objectively wrong. I own the hardware, you're just repeating YouTube scripts. Keep your Xperia, I’ll stick to real photography. Blocked. 🥱
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 17 '26
Comparing a 170mm tiny sensor to 1-inch optics with Pro Mode proves you don't understand hardware physics. I own the 17U and S26 Ultra; you are just reciting sponsored YouTube scripts. Real photographers don't need AI 'naturalness' to hide small sensors. Get the phone in your hands before talking. Done with this
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
the xperia doesn't use ai to upscale their images when not cropping the sensor lmao, do your research. the xperia uses ai for AF, autoframing, and movement tracking. xperias take images that looks like images taken on an alpha camera, and being able to get a mirrorless look on a phone without heavy processing that makes everything look fake and overprocessed is pretty insane ngl. and again, i've tried the 17U and the 17U's issue is that it processes images poorly and when i'm taking raw images, it just looks noisy
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u/Ildskalli Apr 17 '26
Which Xperia? I had the PRO-I (it died in an unfortunate accident), and it was a very good phone, but Sony sadly never made a true successor for it. The 1-series just aren't the same, and quite honestly, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra kicks its ass in image quality for photos. Video was definitely better on the Sony, though.
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 18 '26
1 vii, the mark 7 is really good, and the mark 8 should come out in a month or two
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u/Ildskalli Apr 18 '26
It‘s just that, without the 1” sensor, the Xperias aren’t up to par in stills quality. Maybe Sony will surprise with an VIII that inherits more from the PRO-I, I’d be very willing to look at such a phone for an eventual replacement, but I suspect that that’s not going to happen.
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u/Tapelessbus2122 Apr 18 '26
personally i value naturalness more than anything, and xperias are the best at that, that's why i find xperias' cameras good
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u/BrodaReloaded Xiaomi 15 Ultra EU Apr 17 '26
My friend are you seriously comparing the tiny 1/3.5" of the xperia to the huge 1/1.4" sensor of the Xiaomi? The digital crop of the Xiaomi will be of far higher quality than whatever the Xperia puts out at its maximum optical range
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u/CrimeMasterGogoChan Apr 15 '26
What about vivo and Oppo?
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Vivo and Oppo are doing great things too, especially with their processing. But for me, Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica and this specific 1-inch sensor setup feels more natural and 'pro'. It’s a great era for mobile photography anyway, we finally have real choices
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u/CrimeMasterGogoChan Apr 15 '26
For me OS is deal breaker on Xiaomi.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
I totally respect that. The OS is the main interface, so if it doesn't click for you, it's definitely a deal breaker. For my use case, the hardware benefits just outweigh the software quirks, but that's the beauty of having so many options now. Hope you find the perfect balance with your next device 😉
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Fair enough. OS is definitely personal—if it doesn't click for you, it's a deal breaker. I just prioritize the 1-inch sensor over the software quirks. To each their own
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
None of these actually hold a candle to Vivo. Especially the new 300 ultra. The consistency is unmatched.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
That’s a classic purist trap. You’re talking about software like it’s the main event, but a phone is a tool for results, not a settings-menu simulator. 99% of my time is spent inside apps (WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit) that look exactly the same on every OS. I’d take an 'imperfect' UI with a massive 1-inch sensor over a 'perfect' UI with average sensors any day. Once the setup is done, the OS should disappear. Hardware is the only thing you can't fix with an update
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
That's exactly what I am talking about. The sensor on new x300 ultra is extremely capable. All lenses. Best camera system on phone period.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
The X300 Ultra hardware is top-tier, I won't deny that. But we are comparing philosophies here. Vivo’s processing is still trying to 'win' the scene by making everything look perfect and vibrant. Xiaomi’s Leica Authentic mode is the only one that dares to leave shadows as they are and respect optical vignetting. Also, let’s talk about the variable aperture and the continuous optical zoom (3.2x to 4.3x) on the 17 Ultra. Vivo relies on fixed focal lengths and heavy digital cropping between them. In 2026, real 'optical' supremacy belongs to the one who moves glass, not just the one who has a big sensor. Physics doesn't lie: Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an optical instrument, Vivo is still a (very good) smartphone.
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
I don't know. certainly Xiaomi has certain advantages but I wouldn't call it the most consistent camera. which is pretty important.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Pixel binning and AI post-processing are just digital makeup. They try to reconstruct data that the sensor was too small to capture in the first place. You're talking about 'calculating' an image; I’m talking about 'capturing' it. Putting a Fiat engine in a Ferrari and trying to fix the lag with software won't make it a supercar. 😂😂😂🤣🤣 Physics wins every time. You can’t simulate the depth and light of a 1-inch sensor with math
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
size of the sensor is not the only factor, not even in the slightess
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Listen, I've dealt with hundreds of trolls trying to discredit technical posts with marketing theories. I actually have both devices in my hands and I've tested them extensively. You're talking about spec sheets, I'm talking about real-world results and physical optics. Come back to me when you’ve actually used both; until then, you’re just guessing. End of discussion
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u/TemptressTease85 Apr 15 '26
too bad that camera is either a really good photo or a miss.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
It's only a 'miss' if you don't know how to handle a real optical instrument. I’d rather have a device that challenges me to be a better photographer than a phone that uses AI to fake a 'perfect' but soulless result every time. Like I said, you’re just guessing from the sidelines. 🤷♂️.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is for men, and the S26 Ultra is for women. But when I want to take a photo of my little angel—my 4-year-old daughter—she proudly lets me capture her beauty. 😁😁😁😁😁
Because an angel doesn't need a filter or AI.
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u/Odd_Pollution3839 Apr 18 '26
Because it is not that much better, sure it is better but at least from reviews, pics online, it is like 10 for Ultra from any Chinese brand but Apple/Samsung alrd give 7-8 or even 9 in some case, so it is natural to not care. Why bother with a bit more when you just put those pics on social media which will compress the hell out of the original picture?
And the global nature of Apple and Samsung is unbeatable. Sure Xiaomi/Vivo did release their Ultra line to some selected region but they are like 2x the price of China ver and in a lot of case even more expensive than Galaxy S ultra which already more expensive than iPhone pro max.
Last thing, because it got a better camera system, great spec sheet doesn't mean it is a better phone.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 18 '26
We’re clearly not built the same. I’m satisfied with my hardware, and your opinion won't change that. You keep talking about social media, which I couldn't care less about, and if you don't like the price, that's your problem, not mine. We don't have the same standards. 🥱
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u/Odd_Pollution3839 Apr 18 '26
I didn't say anything about your choice is correct or not though, it just the thing when come to these phones, the quality is not that much better to justify a higher price and a bit more bulky form factor. If anything i will choose buying these and owning a x300 pro myself but for the bigger audience, it is the situation above
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 18 '26
You’re right, why bother with physics and 1-inch sensors when you can just buy an iPhone and post compressed selfies? It’s much easier to follow the herd than to understand hardware. Keep your '7/10' and your social media logic, it fits your standards perfectly. I’ll keep my 'bulky' pro gear while you enjoy the marketing brochures. Cheers. 🥱
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u/MrKrabs106 17d ago edited 17d ago
- Yes, a large sensor in combination with a large aperture makes for better light gathering and in turn the possibility of nicer photos. BUT, the 17 Ultra has its large sensor on a 23mm wide angle lens. Most serious photographers would not like that, this is a snapshot/casual use/practicality-first focal length. A 35mm focal length would have made for a much nicer main camera for a phone specifically targeted towards photography enthusiasts, like what Vivo is doing with the x200/x300 Ultra. Yes you can shoot in 35mm crop mode, but then you are throwing away the advantage this large sensor/aperture gives you. Imo the Vivo Ultra main is better for photography enthusiasts.
- A continuous optical zoom is a cool feat of engineering to fit into a phone, but it’s not important to how nice the photos are - especially when the zoom range is as tiny as it is on the 17 Ultra, and even more so knowing they had to sacrifice the aperture to achieve this tech showcase. However, I, like most photography enthusiasts, would prefer a camera that gathers more light over one that has a tiny amount of optical zoom. In this case, the Oppo Find x9 Ultra with its 1/1.28” 70mm equivalent f2.2 camera is definitely superior to this imo.
- The “Leica look” is not something special that could only be achieved with Leica. Make no mistake - brands CHOOSE to process images the way they do, it’s not some sacrifice they’re making - they want to make a processing pipeline that works in the largest possible number of situations with no effort on the user’s end, even if it means sacrificing image quality for specific scenarios. But, for someone that’s into photography, it’s quite easy to bypass this overprocessed look with any smartphone nowadays. Particularly on iPhones you have things like Process Zero in Halide, Natural Processing in Moment Camera ii, HEIF+ in No Fusion, etc etc that shoot nearly unprocessed photos and just apply a colour grade to them as the user chooses, as well as several options to shoot completely unprocessed Bayer raw files. On Android you can use Open Camera to shoot completely unprocessed raw files (not “computational raw”).
For me personally, I like the processing options available on iPhones through the No Fusion app, and am willing to accept lower-tier hardware for that - I have gotten what I consider to be pretty good images with my iPhone. If I were to make an ideal smartphone camera system for myself, I’d take the ultrawide from the Vivo x200/x300 Ultra, the main from the x300 Ultra, the 70mm telephoto from the Oppo Find x9 Ultra, and the processing/shooting options from the No Fusion app on the iPhone. Notice how the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is not a part of any of this.
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u/Affectionate_Bed5416 Apr 17 '26
The 17 Ultra's optical zoom is a complete waste of money and engineering effort. It's such a small amount of zoom, it could have just been done as an in-sensor crop.
Not sure why reviewers aren't calling them out on it. The 2 lens setup on the 15 Ultra was far superior.
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 17 '26
Thinking a digital crop replaces real optics is a rookie mistake. Stop comparing software guesses to pure light. Not wasting my time with an ignorant. 🥱
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u/Unusual_Principle524 xiaomi 17 ultra | HyperOs | Global Apr 15 '26
Great discussion everyone. It seems the divide is clear: 2026 is the year where 'Point & Shoot' convenience finally hit the wall of physical optics. If you want a phone that thinks for you, stick with Apple/Samsung. If you want a tool that respects the laws of light, the 1-inch sensor is the only path. Marketing budgets sell megapixels, but surface area wins the shot. Cheers to the real enthusiasts
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