Xiaomi 18 Ultra with four sensors and Leica lenses: is the goodbye to the triple camera already here?

The MWC in Barcelona has been the usual stage for Xiaomi announcing the new smartphones in its flagship lineup. Unmissable Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the latest-generation Camera Phone developed in collaboration with Leica — the partnership between the two brands is stronger than ever.

We didn’t have time to enjoy the current series, and already talk about the next models, in particular the Xiaomi 18 Ultra: for the future flagship device a return to a quad-camera setup is expected, while the launch should take place by the end of the year.

Xiaomi 18 Ultra with four cameras: is there already a release window for the next Camera Phone

The jump from Xiaomi 15 Ultra to 17 Ultra has seen not only a generational leap, but also a “reduction” of the photographic department. From four sensors the latest model moved to a triple camera composed of a main sensor of 1″ Light Hunter 1050L, accompanied by an ultra-wide and a Leica APO periscope telephoto.

The whole package is based on Leica optics while among the year’s novelties there was the addition of LOFIC technology and the new continuous optical zoom system.

In breve, poche ma buone would be the philosophy behind the Ultra model’s cameras. However the latest rumors speak of a U-turn: Xiaomi 18 Ultra could return to a Quad Camera, though at the moment more precise details are lacking. In the meantime, the emergence of a new ultra-wide sensor has also surfaced, currently in testing.

Moreover it seems that the future flagship will again feature a large 6.9-inch diagonal display. It remains to be seen whether it will continue to be flat or if there will also be a return to micro-curvatures on all four sides. Regarding the release, the China debut is expected for the month of December — while for the Global launch we are already looking to MWC 2027.

While waiting to know more, here are the latest: according to a recent leak the next flagship series might change name.