Xiaomi is reportedly developing a smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, featuring a camera-style physical zoom ring. This tactile control, located on the camera module, aims to enhance the photography experience by mimicking professional cameras. The ring can be reprogrammed for zoom, focus, or white balance adjustments, bridging the gap between phone and dedicated camera functionality. While moving parts raise durability concerns, the innovation is seen as a move to inspire photography, though its small size and potential to smudge the lens are noted.