Xiaomi has made significant advancements in mobile photography lately, to the extent that it is one of the smartphone manufacturers offering the first 1-inch camera sensor. The partnership between Xiaomi and Leica has led to the birth of much more powerful camera hardware and software in Xiaomi phones. Now, the two companies have announced the creation of an optical institute together.

Xiaomi & Leica’s optical institute in China

The purpose of this institute, established by Xiaomi and Leica, is stated to be designing ultra-precision optical lenses in a compact form factor, achieving ideal performance in computational photography, upholding the strictest optical standards for lenses, and conducting research and application of cutting-edge optoelectronic technology on Xiaomi’s official website.

Key contributors from both Xiaomi and Leica are involved in the establishment of this institute. Peter Karbe, an important figure in the design of Leica’s premium Noctilux and APO lenses, is one of those included in this institute and will serve as an optical expert. Zeng Xuezong, Senior Vice President of Xiaomi Group and President of the Xiaomi Mobile Phone Department, will serve as the Director. Yi Yan, Head of Xiaomi Group’s Software Technical Team, and Wang Xuanran, General Manager of Xiaomi Camera Department, will serve as Deputy Directors.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The institute created as a result of the partnership between Xiaomi and Leica has not been established yet. Currently, three major laboratories are planned in Beijing, focusing on Camera Hardware, Imaging, and Objective and Subjective Image Quality Evaluation.

It seems that Xiaomi aims to take mobile photography to a even more advanced level. While Xiaomi 13 Ultra has already a powerful camera setup, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to bring even better hardware. You can check out recently shared images captured on Xiaomi 14 Ultra from our previous article.

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