Leica Leitzphone officially announced



The previously reported new Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is now officially announced.

The new Leitzphone will again not be available for sale in North America (in the US, Xiaomi phones are sold at Amazon). Check availability at our sponsors:

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Here are the main features of the new Leitzphon:

  • Leica-designed premium build: All-black fiberglass back cover, knurled aluminum-alloy frame with nickel-anodized finish for grip, Leica red dot logo, engraving, and “reduction to the essential” aesthetic (distinct from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra).
  • Signature rotating Leica Camera Ring: Physical mechanical dial around the camera island for precise, tactile control of zoom, focus, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, or bokeh – a first for Leica smartphones.
  • Leica-tuned triple camera system (co-developed with Leica):
    • 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L main sensor (f/1.67, OIS, advanced LOFIC HDR for 14EV dynamic range)
    • 200MP periscope telephoto (1/1.4-inch sensor, f/2.39-2.96, 75-100mm equiv., 3.2-4.3x optical zoom, OIS, tele macro)
    • 50MP ultrawide (115° FOV, f/2.2, 5cm macro)
    • 50MP selfie camera
    • Supports 8K video, Leica Looks, authentic bokeh simulations, and Content Authenticity Initiative (C2PA) metadata.
  • Exclusive Leica software modes: Leica Essential Mode, M9 color profile, Monopan film grain simulation, custom Leica shutter sounds, and full Leica UX/UI on top of HyperOS 3 (Android 16).
  • 6.9-inch 2K LTPO HyperRGB OLED display: 2608×1200 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 protection.
  • Flagship performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1 storage (single config).
  • Battery & charging: 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired, 50W wireless, and reverse wireless charging.
  • Other highlights: IP68 rating, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, optional Photography Kit Pro (grip with shutter button + extra 2,000mAh battery).
  • Pricing & availability: €1,999 / £1,699 (16GB/1TB Black model only); global launch in Europe, UK, and select markets (not officially in the US).

The detailed technical specifications can be found here.

Additional information:

First international smartphone with the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi

A revolutionary imaging tool. Designed for those who see what truly matters – crafted by Leica, powered by Xiaomi.

Leica Camera AG today introduces its first international smartphone with the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. The premium smartphone brings the Leica design language, imaging expertise, and photographic philosophy into the realm of mobile photography.

For more than a century, Leica has been committed to enabling meaningful images – guided by precision, clarity, and a deep respect for the photographic moment. As photography has evolved, Leica has continuously explored new ways to bring its expertise into emerging fields. Mobile imaging has long been part of this journey, understood not as a departure from classic photography, but as an opportunity to complement and extend it.

With the Leitzphone, Leica translates this commitment into a device designed for everyday use. It reflects a belief that photography today happens across contexts – sometimes with a camera, sometimes in the immediacy of a mobile moment – and that each situation deserves the same dedication to image quality, intent, and authenticity.

“The Leitzphone reflects how we see the evolution of photography today,” says Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “It brings our design principles, imaging expertise, and photographic intent into everyday moments, while remaining true to the passion that has defined Leica for generations.”

Leica design and photographic intent
Designed by Leica, the Leitzphone follows the principle of reduction to the essential. The combination of a black glass-fiber rear panel with a precisely knurled metal frame creates a restrained and tactile design that is unmistakably Leica. The iconic red dot signifies this authorship and the design responsibility assumed by Leica for the overall experience.

A defining element is the mechanical camera ring, which introduces a physical, camera-inspired way of interacting with the device. The customizable ring allows continuous control over zoom, exposure value, ISO, and shutter speed, as well as focal length selection and switching between Leica Looks – encouraging a deliberate and intuitive approach to photography.

Advanced camera system shaped by Leica standards
At the core of the Leitzphone is an advanced triple-camera system, developed to meet the Leica standards of optical performance and image quality. Based on the Vario-APO-Summilux 1:1.67–2.9/14–100 ASPH. lens concept, the system combines versatility with optical precision across focal lengths. This is especially valuable for telephoto shots with high-contrast edges – such as cityscapes or intimate portraits – where it helps keep chromatic aberrations under control.

The main camera features a 1-inch sensor with LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, which significantly expands dynamic range by storing excess charge directly at the pixel level. The periscope telephoto camera uses a large 200-megapixel sensor within a compact optical structure inspired by classic zoom lens designs, enabling optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm, autofocus, and optical image stabilization.

Leica-designed UI/UX and image aesthetics

The system design and camera user interface of the Leitzphone have been developed by Leica, including the home screen, camera application, and widgets. The camera app integrates 13 Leica Looks, five Leica bokeh simulations, and photo-centric widgets – reflecting Leica’s UI philosophy of clarity, restraint, and focus on the image.

A dedicated Leica Essential Mode further emphasizes this approach. It includes special modes that digitally reinterpret classic Leica aesthetics, such as a Leica M9-inspired color profile and a monochrome profile inspired by the Leica Monopan film, recreating their characteristic tonal qualities within a contemporary imaging pipeline.

Leica contributes its optical expertise, color science, and imaging philosophy, while Xiaomi provides a powerful mobile platform that enables high-performance processing and efficient workflows. The result is a photographic experience defined by tonal depth, natural color reproduction, and visual coherence.

Image authenticity and protection
In keeping with Leica’s commitment to photographic integrity, the Leitzphone supports the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). A dedicated security chip adds cryptographically secured metadata to original images, providing proof of origin and copyright protection in accordance with C2PA standards supporting transparency and trust in digital photography.

Availability
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi will be available from today in selected markets via the official Leica website and Leica Stores and through selected partner channels. The recommended retail price is €1,999.

Xiaomi announced a new 17 Ultra Leica Edition smartphone with manual zoom ring, 200MP high-end camera setup, and CAI Photo Authenticity Protection technology

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