Leica’s Leitzphone by Xiaomi has a huge 1-inch camera sensor and a stylish new design
Source: Engadget
Announcement
Alongside a global launch for Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra, the company announced a further deepening of its relationship with Leica. Leica CEO Mattias Harsch took the stage to unveil a new Leitzphone, marking an even deeper collaboration than the Leica‑branded 17 Ultra.
Design
Leica has returned to a single‑tone body color, giving the phone a more “Leica” aesthetic. The Leitzphone follows the legacy of the Leitzphone series originally launched by Sharp in Japan in 2021, which also featured a 1‑inch camera sensor. Xiaomi’s version retains this large sensor and adds a customizable ring for controlling camera settings.
Camera Features
- 1‑inch sensor – same size as the original Sharp Leitzphone models.
- Leica‑designed camera interface – aims for intuitive use, including a new Essential mode that strips away extra modes and labels to focus on the subject.
- Customizable ring for quick access to camera settings.
Image by Mat Smith for Engadget
Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: 6.9‑inch, 120 Hz, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness
- Camera: 1‑inch sensor with Leica‑tuned software and hardware controls
The Leitzphone shares a very similar spec sheet with the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Leica edition, positioning it as a flagship device by any metric.
Pricing and Availability
- Price: €1,999 (approximately $2,362)
- Availability: It is unclear whether the phone will launch in the United States.