Xiaomi showed two new add-ons for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra phone at a big phone show called Mobile World Congress. They are the Photography Kit for €140 and the Photography Kit Pro for €200. These are special cases with grips that make taking photos feel like using a real camera. They add buttons and controls to the phone’s great Leica cameras without needing extra lenses. Both protect against dust and light splashes, so you can shoot in mild weather.
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The Pro kit stands out as the more expensive option. It comes with a magnetic case that snaps right onto the phone. The case has threads for filters, like ones that reduce glare from water or sun, or make motion look dreamy. You can still twist the phone’s own zoom ring through the case to adjust focus or brightness quickly. The Pro grip plugs in via USB-C and features a large 2,000 mAh battery. This battery automatically charges the phone if its power drops below 20 percent. It even supports super-fast 90W charging.
The controls on the Pro grip feel very natural to use. It has a shutter button that works like a real camera. You can press it halfway to focus, and press it fully to take the photo. Around the button, there is a small slider that lets you zoom in and out.
There is also a separate button for recording video and a dial that you can set for things like brightness, shutter speed, ISO, or color balance. On the back, there is a small thumb rest that makes it easier and more comfortable to hold the phone with one hand while taking photos.
A lock lever keeps the grip and the phone case firmly connected so it does not move or fall off. The only drawback is that wireless charging cannot be used when the grip is attached, because it blocks the back of the phone.
For super-fast shooting, turn on Fastshot mode in the phone’s settings and pick the grip option. Press the shutter, and the phone wakes up and snaps a photo in under a second at your set zoom. It’s ideal for catching street moments without fumbling. The whole setup has a grippy texture for secure hold.
The basic Photography Kit keeps things simple. It’s one piece a case with the grip built right in. It connects to the phone by Bluetooth, so no cables needed. The grip has a tiny 270mAh battery you charge with a two-pin cable. Buttons are just a shutter and video one, without the zoom slider or dial. But Fastshot mode works here too. It comes in black, white, or purple colors, while the Pro is only black. No wireless charging magnets, but it’s lightweight with a strap.
Public reactions on (X) Twitter show both curiosity and enthusiasm about the product.
One user asked why the Pro version is not being launched in India, showing concern about availability and hoping that the higher-end model will also reach the Indian market.
Another user reacted in a positive way. They said the product is not just an accessory but feels like a real upgrade, meaning it adds useful features and improves the device.
Both kits unlock the full power of the 17 Ultra’s cameras a huge main sensor, wide-angle lens, and strong zoom. They make everyday snaps look pro and videos smooth. At €140 to €200, they’re a cheap way to upgrade without buying a full camera.
Phone cameras today are very powerful, almost like small professional cameras. Xiaomi works with Leica to create photos with soft backgrounds and clear pictures even in low light. At the event, brands like Vivo and Honor also showed similar ideas, showing that this is where phone cameras are heading in the future.
The cases feel tough and easy to grip. Batteries mean no mid-shoot panic. They’re perfect for walkers snapping candids, video fans, or travelers who hate bulky bags. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra itself is a beast with a top chip, tons of memory, and sharp screen, starting at €1,300. Kits are out now in some spots and coming wider soon.
Samsung, Apple, and others might jump in, but Xiaomi keeps it simple and cheap. These add-ons turn your phone into a fun, capable photo machine hold it right, press real buttons, and capture better moments every time.
