Xiaomi Launches Leica Leitzphone: Luxury Meets Retro Photography in Europe
Xiaomi finally brought its most ambitious photo project to Europe — the Leica Leitzphone. If you thought the Xiaomi 17 Ultra was the pinnacle of technological ostentation, think again. This device is for those ready to pay extra for the legendary red logo and the physical feel of mechanics in the era of soulless touchscreens. Essentially, this is a global version of a Chinese exclusive, but with certain nuances that make you ponder the company's strange priorities for the European market.
Optics and the Magic of the Mechanical Ring
The main entertainment here is not just megapixels, although there are plenty of those. The rear panel features a one-inch 50 MP sensor, paired with a 200-megapixel telephoto lens. The latter offers a variable focal length of 75–100 mm, which already sounds serious. But the real "killer feature" is the Leica Camera Ring. This is a physical ring around the camera module that can be turned with your fingers. It allows you to manually adjust the zoom and exposure, just like on a real lens. German engineers have also added software that mimics the shooting style of classic Leica M3 and M9 cameras, giving digital photos that same "vintage" look.
Hardware and Screen without Compromise
Under the hood runs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 - a chipset whose computing power is sufficient for processing heavy drafts in a matter of milliseconds. It has 16 GB of RAM, and the built-in 1 TB storage allows you not to save space when shooting in RAW format. The 6.9-inch OLED display delivers a peak brightness of 3500 cd/m². This means that even under the direct sun of Barcelona, you can clearly see how well you set the exposure using that same ring.
European Taxes and Strange Limitations
Interestingly, for the global market, the battery capacity has somehow been "trimmed." While the Chinese version boasted 6800 mAh, Europeans will have to settle for 6000 mAh. Fast charging at 90 W wired and 50 W wireless remain, as does the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and body protection to IP68 standards. Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo sound is also present, although it is unlikely anyone would purchase this device just for listening to podcasts.
The price in Europe is 2000 EUR (about $2160 or 93000 UAH). If you're a true enthusiast, you can purchase the Photography Kit Pro — a special handle with an additional 2000 mAh battery for 200 EUR ($216 or 9300 UAH). Xiaomi company makes it clear: this device is not for the masses, but for those to whom tactile sensations and brand mean more than rationality.
While Leica focuses on optics and mechanical sensations, other manufacturers are looking for ways to cut costs and improve screens. Particularly, TCL CSOT's printing technology instead of coating could significantly change the display market in the near future.