Xiaomi 17 Max Camera Leak: 200MP Sensor, Periscope Zoom and Leica Power Revealed

The Xiaomi 17 Max is already shaping up to be a phone that doesn’t play it safe. While most flagship leaks focus on chips and charging speeds, this one goes straight for the camera, and that’s where Xiaomi seems ready to flex the hardest.

A fresh leak from trusted tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims the Xiaomi 17 Max will pack a massive 200MP main camera, paired with a periscope telephoto lens. If this turns out to be accurate, Xiaomi is clearly aiming at photography lovers who want more than just “good enough” cameras.

Xiaomi 17 Max camera setup details 

According to the leak, the Xiaomi 17 Max camera system will include:

• 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE main sensor (1/1.4-inch)
• 50MP Sony IMX8-series periscope telephoto (1/1.953-inch)
• 50MP ultrawide camera
• Continued Leica imaging partnership

This is a noticeable step up from the standard Xiaomi 17, which reportedly sticks to three 50MP sensors across the board. The jump to a 200MP main sensor isn’t just a numbers game, larger sensors usually mean better low-light shots, improved dynamic range and more flexibility for cropping.

From a photography standpoint, this setup suggests Xiaomi wants the 17 Max to sit comfortably between the vanilla model and the Ultra, without stepping into full “camera monster” territory.

Xiaomi 17 Max vs Xiaomi 17

Let’s be blunt, with this leak, Xiaomi is clearly creating space between models.

• Xiaomi 17: Triple 50MP cameras, solid but safe
• Xiaomi 17 Max: 200MP main + periscope zoom, clearly more ambitious

In my opinion, this is the right move. Buyers who care about camera performance now have a real reason to upgrade to the Max, instead of settling for the base model. It seems Xiaomi has understood that in 2026, camera quality, not raw benchmarks, will be the real key to selling flagship phones.

Xiaomi 17 Max expected specs beyond the camera

While the latest leak focuses on cameras, earlier reports have already painted a broader picture of the Xiaomi 17 Max:

• Approx. 6.8-inch display
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
• Massive 8,000mAh battery
• 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
• No secondary rear display (unlike Pro and Pro Max)

That battery size alone is eye-catching. If Xiaomi manages to balance weight and heat, the 17 Max could become a rare flagship that doesn’t make users panic by evening.

Xiaomi 17 Max design and positioning

Since it’s a non-Pro model, the Xiaomi 17 Max is expected to skip the secondary rear display seen on the Pro lineup. Instead, leaks suggest a design closer to the regular Xiaomi 17, clean, minimal and familiar.

I don’t see that as a downside. Secondary displays are cool, but they’re still more gimmick than necessity. Most users would happily trade that for better battery life and a stronger camera system.

Xiaomi 17 Max launch timeline and availability

Digital Chat Station claims the Xiaomi 17 Max will launch in China in Q2 2026. Global availability, however, looks unlikely.

Current expectations suggest:

• China: Xiaomi 17, 17 Max, Pro, Pro Max
• Global markets: Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra only

That’s disappointing, but not surprising. Xiaomi has been increasingly selective with global launches and the Max may remain a China-exclusive power user device.

Xiaomi 17 Max could be Xiaomi’s smartest move yet

If these leaks hold true, the Xiaomi 17 Max feels like a phone built by people who actually listen to users. Big battery, serious cameras, fast charging and no unnecessary gimmicks, that’s a combo many flagships still fail to deliver.

From where I stand, Xiaomi isn’t just chasing specs anymore. It’s shaping a phone that knows its audience. And if the camera performance matches the promise, the Xiaomi 17 Max could quietly become one of the most respected flagship phones of 2026.

Stay tuned, this one is worth watching.

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