THE XIAOMI 17 ULTRA HAS CONTINUOUS ZOOM, DEDICATED CONTROL RING
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been introduced with a telephoto camera that supports continuous optical zoom and a new physical control ring around the camera module, according to initial information from the company. Unlike fixed-step telephoto lenses common in current smartphones, the system is described as offering a smooth transition across a range of focal lengths. Xiaomi states that this design is intended to keep image quality more consistent when moving between zoom levels. The control ring, positioned around the rear camera housing, can reportedly be assigned to camera functions such as zoom, focus, or mode switching. Early promotional materials indicate that these features are central to the device’s imaging pitch.
Based on official statements, the continuous zoom module covers multiple common focal lengths used in mobile photography, including portrait and mid-range telephoto. This approach resembles compact camera zoom lenses more than the periscope systems typically seen in smartphones. Industry analysts note that continuous zoom has been a technical challenge in thin devices due to space and complexity constraints. Xiaomi’s implementation appears to rely on a periscope-style arrangement with moving lens elements inside the body. However, the company has not yet disclosed full details of the optical construction or exact focal length equivalents.
The control ring is framed by Xiaomi as a hardware complement to on-screen camera controls. According to briefing materials, users will be able to map different functions to the ring, allowing for adjustments without relying solely on touch gestures. This design is similar in concept to the control dials found on dedicated cameras, which are often used for aperture, shutter speed, or zoom. Xiaomi indicates that the ring will provide incremental control feedback, though the exact level of customization is still being documented. The company also suggests that third-party apps may gain access to the ring through software updates, but that integration has not yet been detailed.
Review units of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra are beginning to reach select media and testers, and independent evaluations of the zoom performance are underway. Early hands-on reports focus on the transition smoothness between focal lengths and the consistency of sharpness and exposure. Testers are also examining how the control ring behaves in different camera modes, including video, night reported situation, and portrait capture. Battery impact, thermal performance during extended zoom use,
