After shifting their partnership from a research and development model to a strategic cooperation framework last December, Leica and Xiaomi officially announced the launch of the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi during the MWC 2026 exhibition in Barcelona.
The phone represents the latest fruits of cooperation between the two companies, after the Xiaomi 17 series of phones.
This version carries the slogan “Focus on the Basics,” as the phone was designed to bring the traditional photography experience closer to modern technology. Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica, explained that the goal is to enable users to employ technology to unleash their creativity, while maintaining the German company’s philosophy that spans more than a century.
The Leitzphone features an aluminum alloy metal body with an anodized nickel finish, and features a Leica camera ring on the back unit to emulate the tactile feel of traditional cameras, allowing zoom and aperture to be manually adjusted by rotating.
Although the phone shares most of the basic specifications with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, it stands out through its exclusive software and specialized lenses, which include:
- Main sensor: 50MP “Light Fusion 1050L” 1-inch sensor and LOFIC technology for improved dynamic range and HDR performance.
- Telephoto sensor: 200MP Leica lens with 75–100mm variable focal length and up to 400mm equivalent optical-mechanical zoom.
- Software: “Leica Essential Mode” and “Leica Looks” to emulate the aesthetic of classic Leica models such as the M9 and M3.
The phone also supports professional video recording at 4K/120 fps with Dolby Vision and ACES Log, and is offered as a luxury version at a price of approximately 1,999 euros in select markets.
To enhance photography capabilities, Xiaomi also introduced the Photography Kit Pro, which features a lighter and smaller design, featuring a wrist strap and professional control buttons, including a dual-stage shutter button and a dedicated video button.
It is also inspired by the engineering of classic Leica cameras, and carries an IP54 certification for dust and water resistance, with a slip-resistant PU grip, a built-in 2,000 mAh battery to increase shooting time, and a removable shutter button for a comfortable experience depending on the user’s preferences.
