The Leica Leitzphone, powered by Xiaomi, is a new flagship Android phone from Xiaomi that, as its name suggests, was made in very close collaboration with Leica. The primary focus of the Leitzphone was to make a very capable mobile imaging device.
arguably more camera than it is phone, with a large main image sensor, telephoto zoom that employs actual moving elements and a function ring around the camera unit that you can turn to control zoom or other settings.
Leica’s triple camera system combines a large sensor, bright lenses, and calibrated colour profiles. The 23mm main camera is claimed to deliver a wide dynamic range, good low-light performance, and 50-megapixel resolution. The 75–100mm optical zoom lens, with its 1/1.4-inch sensor and 200-megapixel resolution, enables users to capture subjects from portraits to distant scenes. There is also a 14mm ultra-wide-angle lens with 50-megapixel resolution and a minimum shooting distance of 5cm. These three modules are said to combine the most advanced imaging system ever developed by Leica for a smartphone.
As far as video recording goes, the Leica Leitzphone is capable of shooting:
- 8K (7680×4320) video recording at 30fps
- 4K (3840×2160) Dolby Vision video recording at 30fps, 60fps, 120fps
- 1080p (1920×1080) Dolby Vision video recording at 30fps, 60fps
- 720p (1280×720) video recording at 30fps
- Log video recording up to 4K at 120fps
- Slow motion video recording up to 1080p at 120fps
- ShootSteady video recording up to 2.8K at 60fps
- Night video recording up to 4K at 24fps
- Time-lapse video recording up to 4K at 30fps
Users can assign functions such as lens selection, focal length, focus, and aperture control so the phone can be operated like a camera.
The camera app’s user interface was designed so that users feel like they are holding a Leica camera. You can choose from a digitally reinterpreted collection of classic lenses, 13 distinct ‘Leica Looks’, plus two additional Looks: ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Authentic’. Five unique bokeh styles are also available.
The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. The 3D Bionic IceLoop cooling system maintains stable high processing speeds, while the ultra-bright display and optimised power management support extended battery life.
Designed for extended use, the Leitzphone features a 6000mAh battery. Alongside 90W fast wired charging, it supports 50W wireless charging.
There is also a 6.9-inch 2D-LTPO-OLED display.
Pricing & Availability
The Leica Leitzphone retails for £1,799 (1,999 euros). Unfortunately, it isn’t available to purchase in the US.
Specifications
