Leica Camera AG today introduces its first international smartphone with the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. This premium smartphone brings Leica design language, imaging expertise and photographic philosophy into the realm of mobile photography.
According to the announcement, “with the Leitzphone, Leica translates its commitment to mobile imaging 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
Designed by Leica, the Leitzphone follows the principle of reduction to the essential, das Wesentliche. The combination of a black fibreglass rear panel with a precisely knurled metal frame results in a restrained and tactile design that is unmistakably Leica. The iconic red dot signifies the family connection as well as Leica’s responsibility for the overall design experience.
The mechanical camera ring is a special feature, which allows users to physically interact with the device much like they would with a camera. The customisable ring allows continuous control over zoom, exposure value, ISO, and shutter speed. It can also be used to select focal length and switch between Leica Looks — encouraging a deliberate and intuitive approach to photography.
Advanced camera system
At the core of the Leitzphone is an advanced triple-camera system, developed to meet the company’s standards for optical performance and image quality. Based on the Vario-APO-Summilux 14–100mm f/1.67–2.9 ASPH lens, 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 75 to 100mm, autofocus and optical image stabilisation.
Leica-designed UI/UX
Leica developed the system design and camera user interface of the Leitzphone, including the home screen, camera application and widgets. The camera app integrates thirteen 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 emphasises this approach. It includes special modes that digitally reinterpret classic Leica aesthetics, such as a Leica M9-inspired colour profile and a monochrome profile inspired by Leica Monopan film, recreating their characteristic tonal qualities within a contemporary imaging pipeline.
Leica has contributed its optical expertise, colour science and imaging philosophy, while Xiaomi has provided a powerful mobile platform that enables high-performance processing and efficient workflows. The result, according to Leica, “is a photographic experience defined by tonal depth, natural colour reproduction and visual coherence”.
Image authenticity and protection
Maintaining 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, while also supporting transparency and trust in digital photography.
Availability
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is available now in designated markets via the official Leica website, Leica Stores and through select partner channels. The recommended retail price is £1,700 / €1,999. Currently, there is no information about the US market.
What do you think of this new device? Will it convince you to give up your iPhone and turn to Leica, Xiaomi, and Android?
Technical specification
Tom’s Guide on the new Leitz phone
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