Xiaomi 17T Hits 60 FPS in Genshin Impact, Challenging $700-Plus Gaming Phones

Q: Can the 17T's Leica-tuned periscope camera match its record-breaking gaming performance, or is it just a clever gimmick?

It appears to be more than a gimmick, though it does not match the 17T’s gaming performance in the same class-leading way. The evidence around the camera is broadly positive. The 17T gets a Leica-tuned 50MP 5x periscope telephoto that is a major upgrade over the previous 2x module, and reviews describe it as one of the phone’s standout features. Sample-based testing says 5x shots are very sharp, with strong contrast and vibrant color, while 10x hybrid zoom remains impressively usable. Portraits from the 115mm equivalent lens were also rated highly, and the camera can focus at roughly 30cm, making tele-macro style shots possible. That said, the Leica branding should not be mistaken for flagship-level imaging across the board. The standard 17T’s main sensor is smaller than the 17T Pro’s, and reporting suggests the main camera is good rather than class-leading. The ultrawide and selfie cameras are more ordinary, with fixed focus and fewer premium touches. Some reviewers note the Leica tuning adds character and creative modes, but the hardware advantage is concentrated mainly in the telephoto. So the periscope is not just marketing. It is a real strength of the 17T and unusually strong for this segment, especially for zoom, portraits and close tele shots. But unlike the phone’s gaming results—which clearly outperform many direct rivals—the camera system looks more like a very capable upper-midrange setup with one excellent zoom feature, not an across-the-board record breaker.

2 articles · Updated · Notebookcheck.net · Aug 15

Nearly 60 fps at maximum settings in Genshin Impact put the Xiaomi 17T on par with far pricier gaming phones, with no significant frame drops in testing.
The MediaTek Dimensity 8500 also drove PUBG Mobile up to 120 fps at low settings, averaged more than 89 fps at HD, and sustained 60 fps at UHD.
GFXBench results topped 30 fps — strong for a mid-range phone — versus 14 fps for Samsung’s Galaxy A57 and 20 fps for Google’s Pixel 10a.
At about $700, the 17T pairs that performance with a 1,268p OLED display, Game Turbo mode and long battery life, strengthening its case as a mid-range gaming pick.