Leica Releases Leitzphone Powered by Xiaomi
Leica Camera has announced the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, marking the company’s first internationally available smartphone developed in close partnership with a Chinese manufacturer. Previous Leitzphone models were produced by Sharp and limited to the Japanese market: the new version instead is based on Xiaomi’s flagship platform but incorporates Leica-specific design and software elements.
“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.”
The camera system consists of three rear modules co-developed with Leica. The main camera uses a 50-megapixel 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor with an f/1.67 aperture and optical image stabilization; the sensor incorporates LOFIC HDR technology, with a claimed dynamic range of up to 14 stops. The telephoto module employs a 200-megapixel 1/1.4-inch sensor paired with a periscope lens offering an equivalent focal range of 75–100mm and optical zoom between 3.2× and 4.3×, depending on focal length. Optical stabilization is included, and the system supports tele-macro functionality. An additional 50-megapixel ultrawide camera provides a 115-degree field of view and supports close focusing at approximately 5 cm. A 50-megapixel front-facing camera completes the imaging configuration. The system supports 8K video recording, Leica color profiles, and software-based bokeh simulations modeled on Leica lenses. A distinguishing hardware feature is a mechanical rotating camera ring integrated around the circular camera module: the physical control allows users to adjust parameters such as zoom, focus, ISO, shutter speed, exposure value, and bokeh rendering. It can also be used to switch between lenses and predefined image profiles.
The camera application includes 13 Leica Looks and five dedicated bokeh simulations. A Leica Essential Mode simplifies the interface, emphasizing manual control and image composition, and incorporates color profiles inspired by the Leica M9 and Monopan film simulation. The device also supports the Content Authenticity Initiative and C2PA standards, embedding cryptographically secured metadata to verify image origin.
Beyond imaging, the Leitzphone is equipped with a 6.9-inch 2K LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2608×1200 pixels, a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz, and peak brightness of up to 3,500 nits. The panel supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and is protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage in a single configuration. A 6,000mAh battery supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Additional features include IP68 certification, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio support. An optional Photography Kit Pro accessory adds a grip with a shutter button and an additional 2,000mAh battery. The Leitzphone runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, with a Leica-designed user interface layered on top.
The Leica Leitzphone is priced at €1,999 in Europe and £1,699 in the United Kingdom for the 16GB/1TB black model. The device is not officially distributed in the United States, although import remains technically possible.
