The smartphone industry has long been obsessed with prestige. For years, a flagship phone wasn’t truly a flagship unless it had a camera partnership with a legendary optics brand or a badge from a luxury automaker. Logos like Hasselblad, Leica, Zeiss, Porsche Design, and Lamborghini were more than design flourishes. They were status symbols, reassuring buyers that the phone in their hands had photographic or luxury legitimacy. But as we step into 2026, it feels like that era is quietly fading.

Walking Away From the Logo

Take the recent breakup between OnePlus and Hasselblad. That collaboration began as a bold statement: OnePlus was ready to play in the big leagues. For five years, the Hasselblad logo was welded to the “Pro” identity of OnePlus flagships, promising more than just marketing fluff, Hasselblad Natural Color Calibration, improved image tuning, and a shot at true photography-grade performance. But with the OnePlus 15, the logo is gone. In its place? A self-branded “DetailMax Engine.”

And… it barely registered.

To the average user, the absence of the logo doesn’t impact purchase decisions. In fact, some see it as a natural evolution. After half a decade of collaboration, maybe OnePlus doesn’t need the training wheels. Maybe it’s time to stand on its own. In this light, dropping the name isn’t a downgrade, it’s a signal of confidence.

Where Partnerships Still Work

That doesn’t mean all collaborations are dead. Xiaomi and Leica are going strong and going deeper. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra might be the most Leica-integrated smartphone yet, even featuring the iconic Red Dot, a design privilege Leica rarely extends beyond its own cameras. This isn’t just tuning, it’s full co-engineering, down to lens profiles and authentic Leica color modes.

Same goes for Vivo and Zeiss. Devices like the Vivo X300 Pro don’t treat Zeiss as a vanity sticker. These phones integrate Zeiss T* lens coatings, APO-certified optics, and deliver pro-level output that photographers actually care about.

For this niche of users, enthusiasts, content creators, mobile photographers, the branding is the value. It’s a comfort zone. If you’re looking for a specific color science or lens behavior you’re already familiar with, these collaborations bring reassurance that specs alone can’t offer.

Luxury Labels Are Mostly Gone

Compare that to the forgotten supercar collabs. Remember Huawei’s Porsche Design models? Or Oppo’s Lamborghini Editions? These luxury tie-ins once justified huge price tags. Today, they’re nearly extinct. The market has spoken: a Lamborghini logo doesn’t add megapixels or increase battery life. In an age where every dollar is scrutinized, flashy brand badges feel hollow.

This decline is partly due to shifting consumer priorities. People care more about software support, camera performance, AI smarts, and display quality than a co-sign from an unrelated luxury house.

What Really Matters Now?

The market is beginning to stratify.

For enthusiast devices like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra or Vivo X300 Pro, partnerships still make sense. These phones are crafted for people who want a Leica or Zeiss look baked into their mobile photography. The brand is part of the feature set.

But for the average consumer shopping in the $500-$800 range? These logos don’t carry the same weight. In that space, people want performance, value, and long-term reliability. The camera should be good, regardless of what name is printed next to it.

So we ask: do you still care about collaborations like Xiaomi x Leica? Or has the smartphone world matured to a point where branding doesn’t matter, only the results do?

When you pick your next phone, what’s going to sway your decision? A red dot? Or just how good your next photo looks?

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Leica has introduced the Leica Q3 Monochrom, a black-and-white version of the Q3. Leica has been making monochrome digital cameras since the M9 Monochrom in 2012, and the new model brings the same idea to its compact full-frame line, with updated hardware and a refined design.

The Q3 Monochrom uses a 60 MP monochrome sensor that records only brightness data. There are no colour filters, which helps the camera produce higher detail, stronger sharpness and better tonal range. The sensor supports Triple Resolution Technology that lets users shoot at 60, 36 or 18 MP. The ISO range is 100 to 200,000. The camera records video at up to 8K resolution. It comes with the fixed Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, which delivers low-noise results in low light. Macro mode is available with a close focusing distance of 17 cm.

The design keeps the familiar Q-series look but switches to a full monochrome finish. The all-metal body and lens hood are black, and the engravings on the top plate and lens use black or grey. The leatherette covering has a clean, textured finish. Leica has also removed the red logo on the front to keep the design simple. The camera is made in Germany and has an IP52 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

Key hardware features include a 5.76 MP OLED viewfinder, a tilting touch display and a fast hybrid autofocus system. Digital zoom expands the focal range from 28 to 90 mm. Wireless options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C and Micro HDMI, along with full support for the Leica FOTOS app for fast transfers.

The Q3 Monochrom is the first Q-series camera to support Content Credentials, which adds a CAI-compliant digital signature to each image for secure verification. Leica is also rolling out a new interface that separates photo and video menus, which will come to both the Q3 and Q3 43 through a firmware update at the end of the year.

The camera works with existing Q3 accessories. Leica is also releasing a wireless charging handgrip, a red filter and new carrying straps. The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be available worldwide on 20 November 2025 for EUR 6,750 including VAT.

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Leica has officially launched the Cine Play 1 Plus, a projector designed to deliver a cinematic experience right in your living room. Capable of projecting massive screen sizes at ultra high resolutions. This is a premium projector model from the brand, so here’s everything you need to know.

Leica Brings the Cinema Home with the Cine Play 1 Plus

The company just unveiled the Cine Play 1 Plus in the Chinese market. It is capable of projecting up to 300 inches screens at 4K resolution with a throw ratio between 0.9 and 1.5. This projector supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards along with DTS Virtual:X audio. Leica’s Cine Play 1 Plus is a laser projector with 3,500 CVIA lumens brightness and 110 percent BT.2020 color gamut.

The premium projector has a 25,000 hour operational life for its RGB laser light source and uses the Leica Summicron zoom lens. It is equipped with the MT9655 chipset and houses 10W stereo speakers as well. The projector has a built-in tilt stand, although users can also put it on top of an optional stand. Leica’s new Cine Play 1 Plus runs on the VIDAA OS that brings popular streaming platforms like Netflix.

Connectivity options include an HDMI 2.1 port, USB, and an Ethernet jack. The brand has just announced the Cine Play 1 Plus in China for 11,888 Yuan, which is roughly around 1,670 US Dollars. Buying it with the optional stand bumps the price to 13,887 Yuan (about 1,950 US Dollars). This model also arrived a year after the brand unveiled the Leica Cine Play 1, which is another 4K projector.

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Leica Camera AG has introduced the Leica SL3 Reporter, a rugged version of its SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera made for professionals who work in tough conditions.

The SL3 Reporter comes in a matte olive-green finish and features an aramid fiber trim that resists scratches and provides a stronger grip. The material also protects the body from abrasions and weather exposure. Over time, the trim develops a patina that gives each camera a unique look. The red Leica logo has been removed for a more low-profile appearance suited for field photography.

Inside, the camera uses a 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, allowing users to shoot at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. It supports 8K video recording and includes In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). The Hybrid Autofocus System combines phase detection, contrast detection, and object detection for faster and more accurate focusing.

The SL3 Reporter is equipped with a 5.76-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.2-inch tiltable touchscreen with 2.3 million dots. It offers Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi (MIMO) for quick connectivity to the Leica FOTOS app, allowing smooth image transfer and editing.

Built to IP54 standards for dust and splash resistance, the camera is made in Germany using premium materials to ensure durability and long service life.

Key specifications:

• Matte olive-green finish and aramid trim
• 60 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor (60/36/18 MP output)
• In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and L-Mount bayonet
• 8K video, H.265 and ProRes formats
• 5.76M-dot OLED EVF and tiltable 3.2″ touchscreen
• Hybrid Autofocus (Phase, Contrast, Object Detection)
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (MIMO), IP54 protection

Pricing & availability

The Leica SL3 Reporter is available now worldwide through Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized retailers at €7,200 including VAT.

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Leica Camera AG has announced the Leica M EV1, the first M-System camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF). The camera is designed to make focusing simpler and more accurate, especially when using fast Summilux or Noctilux lenses with shallow depth of field, or when shooting with ultra-wide, telephoto, or macro lenses.

The Leica M EV1 features a 5.76-megapixel electronic viewfinder that delivers high clarity and natural color reproduction. It provides a real-time exposure preview, showing exactly how the image will appear based on focal length and aperture. Users can view exposure settings such as shutter speed, ISO, and exposure value around the frame. The view automatically switches between the EVF and the touchscreen via an eye sensor. A dioptre adjustment wheel allows customization from -4 to +2 for comfortable use.

Focus assist tools such as focus peaking and focus zoom help users achieve sharp results in manual focus. The traditional front lever, previously used for frame preview, now activates features like focus assist or digital zoom (1.3x or 1.8x).

Built on the Leica M11 platform, the M EV1 uses a full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, capturing images at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. The Maestro III processor handles image data quickly, storing it on a 64 GB internal memory or SD card. Files can be saved in DNG or JPEG format. The camera connects easily through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cable and supports the Leica FOTOS App for image transfer. It also supports Content Credentials for image authenticity verification.

Price and availability

The Leica M EV1 will be available starting October 23, 2025, at Leica Store Amsterdam, Leica Store Lisse, and authorized dealers in the Netherlands for €7,950 including VAT. A matching leather handgrip will be available for €395.

(Source)

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Xiaomi has officially responded to recent rumors suggesting an end to its collaboration with Leica, firmly denying any plans to break ties. The speculation originated from a leak posted by tipster Digital Chat Station, which claimed that Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica was coming to a close. The rumor quickly gained traction across social media and news outlets. We covered it too.

Wang Hua, Xiaomi’s General Manager of Public Relations, publicly addressed the claim and dismissed it as baseless. Referring to a similar rumor from June 2023, Wang reiterated his earlier stance with added emphasis. “Last time, a blogger said the Xiaomi 14 would be the last in the Leica series. I called it nonsense then. This time, there’s even a named author, so my reply needs an upgrade: it’s still nonsense,” he said.

Xiaomi emphasized that its partnership with Leica remains strong and is actively expanding. The company has made several moves over the past year that demonstrate its commitment to the collaboration. In May, Xiaomi’s camera team updated its watermark design to align with Leica’s global visual identity. In June, the company shared a detailed explanation of Leica’s “Authentic” and “Vibrant” image profiles, along with plans to bring Leica’s shutter sounds to older models.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues to serve as a flagship example of the co-branded effort. The device features Leica-tuned optics, signature Leica color modes, and a red-accented user interface inspired by Leica’s branding. It also includes six Leica-style tone presets and custom image processing algorithms developed in partnership with Leica’s imaging experts.

Adding to the official rebuttal, Xiaomi India reached out directly to us to confirm what Wang hinted at with sarcasm: the Leica alliance is very much intact. “Together, Xiaomi and Leica have collaborated closely to integrate advanced optics and imaging technologies into Xiaomi devices,” a spokesperson told us. “This partnership continues to thrive, grounded in a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging. Recent rumors suggesting the end of our collaboration are entirely unfounded.”

In short: if you were hoping for a Xiaomi-Leica divorce, don’t hold your breath. The two companies remain creatively aligned and strategically committed. Whatever’s next, it’s clear the story of Xiaomi and Leica is still being written together.

In related news, Xiaomi recently launched a new 20,000mAh compact power bank in India featuring a built-in cable, and also introduced an 8000W modular track socket equipped with child-safe design and smart functionality.

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UPDATE– Xiaomi India reached out directly to us to confirm that the Leica alliance is very much intact. “Together, Xiaomi and Leica have collaborated closely to integrate advanced optics and imaging technologies into Xiaomi devices,” a spokesperson told us. “This partnership continues to thrive, grounded in a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging. Recent rumors suggesting the end of our collaboration are entirely unfounded.”

Xiaomi is making a major shift in its smartphone imaging strategy by ending its co-branding partnership with Leica for all upcoming SM8850 sub-series devices. These phones, expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, will instead rely on Xiaomi’s in-house imaging technologies.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, future Xiaomi and Redmi models will use proprietary imaging brands or apply customized color tuning inspired by the main flagship series. These devices will not feature any external branding, such as Leica logos.

The move reflects Xiaomi’s confidence in its internal research and development teams and is also expected to reduce manufacturing costs. Co-branding with Leica reportedly added $3–$5 per device in licensing fees, along with additional authorization charges.

This change will apply to several upcoming models, including the Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, 16 Ultra, and 16 Ultra Max, as well as the Redmi K90 Pro and Poco F8 Ultra. Redmi and Poco, which compete in price-sensitive markets, are likely to benefit the most from the cost savings.

Xiaomi plans to redirect the money saved from branding fees into hardware upgrades. Upcoming devices are expected to include better sensors, improved computational photography, bigger batteries, and updated flat-panel displays. Digital Chat Station also said that Redmi’s camera capabilities will undergo a significant upgrade, calling it an “epic-level” enhancement.

This pivot follows a broader trend among smartphone makers to move away from third-party imaging partnerships. Huawei now uses its own XMAGE system after ending its collaboration with Leica. Meanwhile, brands like Vivo, Oppo, and Honor continue to work with Zeiss, Hasselblad, and Harcourt, respectively.

By cutting co-branding deals and strengthening its in-house solutions, Xiaomi is positioning itself to deliver flagship-level features while keeping pricing competitive. All upcoming SM8850 series phones are also expected to include large batteries and flat displays, pointing to a clear focus on core user experience.

In related news, Xiaomi has launched a new 8000W modular track socket featuring a child-safe design and smart power controls. The company has also introduced a floor-standing air conditioner with fast cooling and heating, a 115° wide-angle swing, and HyperOS integration.

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Leica has launched the M11-P Safari, a special edition of its M11 series, featuring the signature olive-green finish that’s been part of Leica’s Safari line since the 1970s. The camera keeps all the core features of the M11-P, but adds a few design changes that set it apart.

The top plate is made of solid brass and finished in matte olive-green. The matching green leatherette adds grip and continues the color scheme. The dials and controls on the top and front are silver, and the usual red Leica logo has been replaced with a simple silver screw. The back of the camera has black-finished controls. Other visual details include the engraved Leica script and “Leica Camera AG” with “Wetzlar Germany” text.

The M11-P Safari is identical in performance to the standard M11-P. It has 256 GB of internal storage and supports UHS-II SD cards. It can shoot in both DNG and JPG formats. The LCD screen on the back is covered in scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating for better visibility in bright light.

The camera uses a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. Users can shoot at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cable options. Bluetooth Low Energy support lets users transfer images in the background using the Leica FOTOS app.

It also includes Content Credentials technology, which adds tamper-proof metadata to every image. This includes camera model, copyright info, file creation dates, and editing history.

The M11-P Safari comes with a black carrying strap and ships in plastic-free packaging made in Germany. It’s priced at $10,495 and is available at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and through authorized dealers.

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Leica and Burton Snowboards have partnered to release the Leica Sofort 2 Burton Special Edition instant camera, a tribute to snowboarding pioneer Jake Burton and his passion for photography. This special edition camera boasts a striking “Jake Blue” and black color scheme, featuring the Burton logo prominently on the top cover. It comes bundled with a custom Burton camera bag, adding to its exclusivity.

Leica Sofort 2 Specifications

The Leica Sofort 2 is a hybrid instant camera that seamlessly blends digital and analog photography. It features a 4.9-megapixel 1/5-inch CMOS sensor and sports a 2.4mm f/2 lens (28mm equivalent) with an aperture range of f/2 to f/16. The camera offers shutter speeds from 1/4 to 1/8000 seconds and an autofocus system that operates from 10 cm to infinity.

For storage, the Sofort 2 includes internal memory for approximately 45 images and supports microSD/microSDHC cards for expanded capacity. It equips a 3-inch TFT LCD for clear image review and menu navigation.

The camera uses Leica’s instant film packs, producing 62 x 46 mm prints. Measuring 123 x 86 x 44 mm and weighing approximately 320 grams without film, it houses a 740mAh built-in lithium-ion battery that supports around 100 instant prints per charge, with a charging time of 2 to 3 hours.

The Burton Special Edition offers multiple shooting modes, including selfie, landscape, and macro, along with ten lens and film effects for creative customization. Beyond instant printing, it connects to the Leica Fotos app via Bluetooth, allowing users to print photos from their smartphones or other Leica cameras, blending the digital and analog experience.

The collaboration celebrates Jake Burton’s legacy, as he frequently used Leica cameras to document his life and snowboarding journey. The “Jake Blue” color scheme is inspired by his personal style, and the camera serves as a reminder of his influence on the sport.

Pricing and Availability

The Leica Sofort 2 Burton Edition will be available globally from February 11, 2025, through Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. It is priced at €595 (including VAT) / ¥4,680 / $599. For those who prefer the standard version, the regular Sofort 2 is available in black, white, and red, retailing at $399.

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Leica Camera AG has unveiled the Leica SL3-S, the latest addition to its SL-System lineup. The SL3-S is the first SL-System camera to feature Content Credentials technology, aligning with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) to establish photo authentication and transparency.

The SL3-S includes a 24 MP BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor with Multi-Shot resolutions of 48 MP and 96 MP. With an ISO range of 50–200,000, the sensor delivers high dynamic range and consistent quality in various lighting conditions. Its advanced phase-detection autofocus system offers precise tracking and up to 30 fps continuous shooting.

The SL3-S uses Content Credentials technology, embedding secure metadata into images, such as camera details, author information, and editing history. The SL3-S supports up to 6K video recording with 3:2 Open Gate formats for greater versatility. It features ProRes 4:2:2HQ recording, HDMI RAW output, USB-C SSD recording, and a timecode interface for synchronization in professional workflows. Powered by the Maestro IV processor, the camera delivers precise color, wide dynamic range, and low noise in Leica’s L-Log color space.

The camera offers dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards, USB-C tethering, and full-size HDMI 2.1 output. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi integrate seamlessly with the Leica FOTOS app for fast DNG image transfers. Certified under Apple’s “Made for iPhone and iPad” program, it connects directly to Apple devices.

The SL3-S works with Leica and L-Mount Alliance lenses. Adapters expand compatibility to cine lenses, supported by dedicated video settings. Its in-body stabilization, offering up to five stops, improves performance with Leica M lenses.

The SL3-S features a 3.2-inch tiltable touchscreen and a high-resolution EyeRes electronic viewfinder with a 120 fps refresh rate. The interface supports seamless transitions between photo and video modes. Compact and lightweight, it is designed for comfortable use during long sessions.

Availability and Pricing

The Leica SL3-S is available globally through Leica Stores, authorized dealers, and the Leica Online Store at €5,190 (including VAT). For more information, visit leica-camera.com/sl3-s.

(Source)

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Leica has just unveiled two exciting new additions for photography enthusiasts: the Leica M11 glossy black camera and the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. glossy black lens. As per the brand, these are more than just tools—they’re a celebration of Leica’s timeless style paired with modern tech.

A Throwback to Leica’s Roots

The Leica M11 glossy black is a nod to the brand’s iconic M3 camera from 1954. The glossy black paint finish on the brass top plate is more than just for looks—it develops a unique patina over time, making each camera feel personal.

Leica has gone for a clean, minimalist design, skipping the usual red logo. Details like the engraved “Leica” logo, silver-chromed shutter button, and textured ISO and time dials make it clear that this camera is built with care and precision.

A Lens That Completes the Look

To match the M11, Leica has also introduced the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. glossy black lens. Known for its ability to handle low-light situations and create beautiful blurred backgrounds (bokeh), this lens is a favorite for capturing striking images.

The glossy black finish extends to the lens hood and caps, making it a perfect companion for the M11. It’s stylish but also built for photographers who demand high performance.

Accessories That Add a Touch of Style

Leica has also launched some accessories to go with the new camera and lens. You can now get a leather carrying strap, an M11 protector, and an M-System case in a new taupe color. They’re made from premium cowhide leather and designed to keep your gear safe and looking great.

Price and Availability

The Leica M11 glossy black is priced at EUR 8,950, and the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. glossy black lens costs EUR 7,900. Both are available now at Leica stores, online, and at specialist retailers.

(Source)

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Leica has launched the Cine Play 1 smart mini premium projector in China, available on JD.com. Originally priced at 15,888 Yuan ($2,213), it is currently offered at a discounted rate of 13,888 Yuan ($1,934) through a subsidy. Let’s check out the key specs of this projector.

Leica Cine Play 1 Specifications:

The Leica Cine Play 1 projector sports a compact, portable design with advanced laser technology. It features 4K resolution support and can project images up to 300 inches, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.

The projector equips RGB triple-laser technology with a lifespan of over 25,000 hours, providing a brightness of 3000 CVIA lumens, which ensures clear, high-contrast visuals even in well-lit environments. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG.

It comes with a high-performance Leica Summicron zoom lens, which maintains 4K image quality across a range of screen sizes from 65 to 300 inches. To enhance image quality, it features Leica Image Optimization (LIOTM) technology, which supports natural color reproduction, smooth gradients, and high contrast.

For audio, the Cine Play 1 equips dual 10W speakers that deliver powerful bass and clear sound. It also supports DTS Virtual technology, offering a 3D surround sound experience for a more immersive viewing experience.

The projector sports multiple connectivity options, including Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ports such as HDMI, USB, and LAN. This allows users to seamlessly stream content from various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and external drives.

It comes with an intuitive built-in smart system, giving users quick access to popular streaming apps. The projector also supports smart home integration and voice control for ease of use.

The Cine Play 1 offers automatic calibration and focus, allowing easy setup without manual adjustments. It comes with a lightweight, Bauhaus-inspired design, featuring aluminum and a glass front, providing a premium look suitable for any interior.

Just yesterday, Xiaomi ecosystem company Xming launched its affordable Q5 Neo projector, featuring 300 CVIA brightness, 4K decoding, and a 360° gimbal for versatile viewing.

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Photography enthusiasts looking for a premium compact camera can set their sights on the new Leica D-Lux 8. Announced today by Leica Camera AG, the D-Lux 8 arrives 21 years after the first iteration and is set for a July 2nd release at Leica stores and authorized retailers worldwide. The price tag is US$1,595 (approximately 11,564 yuan).

The D-Lux 8 also has a new internal system and new controls.

While the D-Lux 8 retains the familiar design and basic specs of its predecessor, the D-Lux 7, it boasts a new internal system and revamped controls for a more intuitive user experience. This includes a new button layout and a simplified interface inspired by the Leica Q system.

At its core, the D-Lux 8 features a 4/3-inch 21-megapixel CMOS sensor (with 17 million effective pixels) and a versatile Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 ASPH lens (equivalent to a 24-75mm focal length on a 35mm camera). The camera also offers DNG format shooting for photographers who prefer more control over their raw images.

For seamless connectivity, the D-Lux 8 integrates with the Leica FOTOS app, allowing for easy image transfer and remote control. The camera also comes equipped with a flash unit, expanding creative lighting possibilities. Leica is offering a range of colorful accessories to personalize the D-Lux 8, catering to photographers who love a touch of individual style.

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(Via)

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The Leitz Phone 3 is the successor of the Leica Leitz Phone 2 which was released in November 2022. The series is the result of a partnership between high-end camera and lens manufacturers Leica, Sharp, and SoftBank. The highlight of this phone is its imaging capabilities and Leica camera modes. Just like the predecessors, this phone will only be available in Japan starting from April 19. Unfortunately, the company has not revealed the pricing yet. That being said, let’s take a look at all the notable aspects of the phone.

The body of the phone comes with a premium polycarbonate texture, which offers a feel of the Leica cameras. This phone weighs 209 grams.

Camera system and its features

This phone resembles the predecessor Leitz Phone 2 in terms of the camera system, with the same 47.2MP 1-inch sensor with an “eight phase detection autofocus” function. According to Leica, the sensor offers fast and accurate focusing and superior image quality even in challenging situations like low-light environments.

The main camera comes with a 19mm focal length, which rests in between the main and ultrawide of most of the mainstream smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. For selfies, there’s one in the front with 12.6 megapixels with a 78-degree wide viewing angle and f/2.3 aperture.

It’s reported that the image quality has mainly improved in three aspects – more accurate representation of light spots (both shape and color), more refined object segmentation, and better Leica color simulation. The phone also adds “vivid” and “enhanced” Leica tints which capture more vibrant and contrasty images.

A spatial feature of the phone is the “Leica Perspective Control,” which was previously only available on Leica cameras. Additionally, the camera system in this phone measures the camera tilt when shooting, and then generates a corrected picture with software processing. You’ll also see “Leica Style” and “Leica Tone” in the camera app. One of them enables you to apply the aperture effect of various classic lenses to your photos.

Other specifications

The display is a 6.6″ 2730 x 1260 resolution OLED that supports a refresh rate of 240Hz and a peak brightness of 2000 nits.

Moving on to performance, the phone boasts last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which might not compete with this year’s flagship, but is still very capable and the phone won’t have to struggle with image processing. It comes with 512GB storage and supports up to 1TB UHS-1 memory card. This phone also offers a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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(Source)

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Leica enthusiasts have a whole new reason to rejoice. The highly anticipated Leica SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera has arrived, available for pre-order in China for 51,800 yuan (~$7,200). Let’s dive deeper into more details of this highly-anticipated camera.

The camera is priced at 51,800 yuan (~$7,200) in China, and is available for pre-order

This premium camera boasts a stunning all-metal body with elegant leather accents and a revolutionary full-frame back-illuminated sensor. The unique triple variable resolution technology allows users to capture high-quality images in 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, utilizing all pixels for exceptional detail across lighting conditions. The impressive 15-stop dynamic range and 50-100,000 ISO range ensure excellent performance in any situation.

Leica equips the SL3 with a cutting-edge autofocus system combining three powerful technologies for sharp, clear photos even in low light. The camera also boasts smart object recognition, perfect for capturing fleeting moments.

Photographers will appreciate the SL3’s adherence to the Leica L-mount standard, ensuring compatibility with the entire Leica lens collection and various ultra-wide-angle to ultra-telephoto zooms from L-mount Alliance partners.

For traditionalists, the high-resolution EyeRes viewfinder offers a premium viewing experience. The 3-inch touchscreen folds for increased flexibility, while efficient codecs like H265 and Apple ProRes empower videographers with stunning 8K footage. A dedicated timecode interface facilitates professional-level image and sound synchronization.

Powering the SL3 is the new Maestro-IV processor, handling large amounts of data for exceptional color expression and noise control. Connectivity options include dual memory card slots, a high-speed USB-C interface, and a standard-size HDMI2.1 port. The camera also features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and is “Made for iPhone and iPad,” allowing direct connection with Apple devices. With its impressive features and functionalities, the Leica SL3 caters to both seasoned professionals and aspiring enthusiasts, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the high-end mirrorless camera market.

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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.

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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The post Xiaomi and Leica announce a breakthrough for mobile photography appeared first on Gizmochina.

Leica, the renowned German camera manufacturer, has unveiled a new limited-edition model of its ZM 1 watch, the ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition. This exquisite timepiece pays homage to the IA Luxus, a revered Leica camera released in 1929 that featured a striking gold and black color scheme.

Limited to just 50 pieces, the ZM 1 Gold LE is a collector’s dream, crafted for Leica’s devoted clientele. It has the same functionality as the original ZM 1, but with a different case and dial colorway.

Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition Overview

The ZM 1 is a 41mm watch that houses a custom movement from Lehmann Präzision, offering time, date, a power reserve indicator, and a special function for controlling whether you’re winding the power reserve or setting the time.

The watch has a red-capped button set into the crown at three that controls a special function. When you press the button, the movement stops, the seconds display snaps to zero, and you can turn the crown to set the time.

Likewise, the pusher above the crown advances the date, and there is a small aperture that is white when the watch is in winding mode (running) or red when the watch is in setting mode. In another camera-inspired flourish, the ZM 1 has a power reserve that opens from the center, mimicking the blades of a camera shutter.

The crown and pusher set are made of titanium, and the ZM 1 Gold LE comes on a brown alligator with a matching 18k rose gold case with titanium pushers. The ZM 1 Gold LE is priced at $28,000.

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(Via)

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Xiaomi, in collaboration with Leica, recently released its brand new next generation of premium camera phones, the Xiaomi 14 series, on its original shores of China. The Xiaomi and Leica partnership has been ongoing since July 2021, the launch Xiaomi 12S series, and since then, Xiaomi has released 10 smartphones (excluding foldables) with the Leica branding on them. And today, in this guide, we are planning to clear up some confusion on which Leica-branded Xiaomi smartphone has the best camera setup for its users to take photos and videos.

This guide will be ranked based on the versatility of the camera setup, then the lens sported on setup, according to the Leica rating branded on Xiaomi’s camera phones. And now without further ado, here’s the full list of the Leica-branded Xiaomi smartphones from least versatility to most versatility in photography.

Least Versatility

Let’s start with the least versatile Leica-branded Xiaomi camera setups, which are respectively found on the 4 flagships: Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 13T Pro, Xiaomi 12S, and Xiaomi 12S Pro. 

All camera systems of the 4 devices sport a camera setup that has a Leica VARIO-SUMMICRON rating, an aspherical lens, and a 15 mm to 50 mm lens range for ultra-wide (15 mm, 0.65x optical), standard (23 mm, 1x optical) and zoom (50 mm, 2.17x optical) shots, with an exception to 12S Pro which has an ultra-wide of 14 mm, 0.61x optical. 

The Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro have a shorter aperture range of f/1.9 to f/2.2, compared to the longer aperture range of f/1.9 to f/2.4 found on the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro. Although these 4 devices have the lowest-rated versatility among the 10 Leica-branded Xiaomi smartphones, these devices still sport the same Leica custom photographic styles in their camera interface, Leica’s master-lens system for bokeh photos, as well as the signature Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic looks to provide the user the choice of either true-to-life photos with their smartphone or the more saturated and punchier look that can be obtained from the device.

Nonetheless, the Xiaomi 13T series and Xiaomi 12S series sport a great camera setup that makes the user want to experiment with their cameras more due to the Leica shooting experience, and for the majority of users, these 4 devices are more than enough for shooting great photos in the outdoors and in the indoors. Not to mention, the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 12S are currently the cheapest Leica-branded smartphones in the market as of November 2023. Thus, providing the premium Leica shooting experience for those on a lower budget.

Moderate Versatility

Next, we have the 4 smartphones ranked with a moderate versatility ranking in their camera setup, which are respectively the Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. 

These devices feature a longer lens range, giving better versatility than the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 12S. The lens ranges of the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series are respectively ultra-wide (14 mm, 0.61x optical), standard (23 mm, 1x optical), 2x zoom (50 mm, 2.17x optical), and 3x zoom (75 mm, 3.26x optical). The exception is the Xiaomi 13 which goes from 15 – 75 mm instead of the 14 mm – 75 mm found on the other 3 devices.

With a longer lens range, better versatility is provided in the camera setup as photos and videos have less noise at when shot at different focal lengths. In turn, you can take better photos when zooming into your subject, as less camera noise is in the shot. All 4 devices sport an aspherical lens and are able to shoot up to a max f/2.2 aperture for the photos. However, it should be noted that the Xiaomi 13 series uses Leica’s VARIO-SUMMICRON lenses which have a lower aperture range that starts at f/1.8, whereas the Xiaomi 14 series uses the Leica VARIO-SUMMILUX lenses which are known for its wider aperture and outstanding low-light shots in the dark. Thus, the Xiaomi 14 series, like the Xiaomi 14 Pro also has a longer variable aperture range from f/1.42 to f/2.2 for great shots, no matter in low-light or bright lighting conditions.

The Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 strike a balance between the lineup with its great camera hardware and accessibility towards the buyers. And users will be more satisfied towards these devices over the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 12S if they want more camera versatility in their pockets.

Most Versatility

Last but not least, the the Leica-branded smartphones with the most versatile camera setup in Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone lineup, are none other than the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Ultra. 

With the longest lens range out of all the 10 Leica-branded smartphones (13-120 mm and 12-120 mm), these devices are capable of taking photos in ultra-wide (12 mm at 0.52x optical on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra) (13 mm on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), standard (23 mm, 1x optical), 2x zoom (50 mm, 2.17x optical), 3x zoom (75 mm, 3.26x optical), and 5x periscope zoom (120 mm, 5.22x optical).

With so much versatility between 0.5x ultra-wide to 5x optical zoom shots, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Ultra provide unparalleled Leica shots whether near or far away from the subject. Both are the best camera smartphones that Xiaomi has to offer, and probably sport one of the best camera setups in the entire smartphone industry. The aperture range of the Ultra devices is also the biggest range in the Leica-branded lineup, with f/1.9 to f/4.0 on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, and f/1.8 to f/3.0 on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

However, this guide only focuses on the camera rating that Leica has branded on the Xiaomi smartphones. A smartphone is not only for taking photos, but also used for daily tasks such as gaming, checking social media and browsing the Internet. And the newly released Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro sport the world’s fastest chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 onboard. To learn more about these devices, check out our hands-on of the Xiaomi 14 series here.

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The post The Best Leica-Branded Xiaomi Smartphone Cameras (October 2023) appeared first on Gizmochina.

HyperOS is not the only new thing on the Xiaomi 14 series, because the Xiaomi 14 series is also the first Xiaomi flagship smartphones to sport Leica’s high-end Summilux lenses. And today, Xiaomi has officially revealed the camera specs of its Xiaomi 14 in collaboration with Leica.

As shown in Xiaomi’s official announcement on Chinese social media Weibo, the Xiaomi 14 will be sporting a Leica VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.6-2.2/14-75 ASPH camera setup on the back. Simplifying the abbreviation, it means that the Xiaomi 14 is equipped with an aspherical lens, and is capable of taking photos and videos from the wide aperture of f/1.6 to f/2.2, in distances from 14 mm to 75 mm with Leica DLSR-level quality. 

Speaking in more mainstream terms, the Xiaomi 14’s camera setup has a standard main lens (23 mm), an ultra-wide angle lens with a 0.6x view (14 mm), and a telephoto camera capable of 3.2x optical zoom (75 mm). The device is now upgraded to a variable aperture of between f/1.6 and f/2.2, improved from last year’s f/1.8 to f/2.2.

For comparison, the table below showcases the main Leica-rated camera quality of the Xiaomi 14 vs the Xiaomi 13.

The Xiaomi 14 will be Xiaomi’s first flagship smartphone to feature Leica’s premium Summilux lenses, which are normally found on Leica’s digital and DSLR cameras for above 2000 USD. Xiaomi says that the company’s upcoming Xiaomi 14 flagships are the next big step in mobile photography.

Stay tuned to our coverage of the launch of the Xiaomi 14 this October 26 Thursday night, only on Gizmochina.

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(Via)

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Photography brand Leica has unveiled its first 4K cinema TV. The Leica Cine 1 laser TV is coming a year after it was announced during IFA 2022. The iconic photography brand is shifting some of its focus to projecting perfect images in our living rooms.

Features

The Leica Cine 1 laser TV exemplifies the Leica philosophy in its camera design. Leica has continued to deliver precise optical engineering gadgets with a minimalist design. The new Leica TV uses 4K triple RGB laser technology in combination with a Teutonic modern design. The projector has a perforated silver aluminum case design that bears a striking semblance to Leica’s cameras.

The precise surfacing and perforated detailing stretching across the exterior of the projector is also impressive. The perforated plates are designed to support the gadget’s built-in Dolby Atmos surround sound system and enable seamless ventilation.

The Cine 1 has a maximum brightness of 2,500 lumens. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet. Furthermore, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, One HDMI 2.0 port, a USB 2.0, and a USB 3.0 port. One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is compatible with eARC connectivity. The projector is compatible with Google TV and Apple Airplay 2.

The Leica Cine 1 projector is outfitted with a Summicron lens to drive home clearly the Leica identity. The projector has an automatic dust cover that protects the Summicron lens when it is not operational. Although an ultra-short throw projector, the Leica Cine 1 has two fixed projection image size options namely 100 inches and 120 inches. An 80-inch model is also available in some other markets outside the United States.

Pricing & Availability

The 100-inch Leica Cine 1 laser TV is priced at $8,995 while the 120-inch variant costs $9,495. Leica is also offering a matching Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) high-contrast screen for the projector. Availability is expected to extend beyond the United States subsequently.

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German camera giant Leica may have carved a niche for itself on the photography turf, but the company has also ventured into other areas relatively unknown including smartphones with the Leica Leitz Phone models, projectors with the Cine 1, and mechanical wristwatches with its existing Z series watches. The company has added its brand logo to a new watch model – the Leica ZM 11 series. This is coming not too long after the company unveiled a new instant camera that supports printing from smartphones and other Leica cameras.

Features

The ZM 11 series comes in a double-layer dial design that presents subtle color gradients based on the viewing angle. The time scale is adorned with the Super-Luminova A1 paint which is highly luminous. The hands of the watch are made of diamond-shaped cutting which signposts a beautiful design.

The Leica Caliber LA-3001 movement was jointly developed by Leica and Chronode, a Swiss company. The movement can run at a precise frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It has an accuracy of -4/ +6 seconds per day and is set with 35 gems. The Leica ZM 11 has a power reserve of 60 hours and provides several strap options including rubber, fabric, titanium, and stainless steel.

Price

The ZM 11 series will be released in designated Leica stores globally at the end of November 2023. The prices of the Leica ZM 11 series of watches are priced between €6,800 – €8,150 EUR (~$7,207 – $8,638). It is available in a stainless steel model with rubber or fabric strap options. There is also a titanium alloy version with a pricier titanium alloy strap version. It remains to be seen what kind of reception the new Leica ZM 11 series watch gets from the global audience.

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German camera manufacturing giant Leica has launched the Leica Soft 2 hybrid instant film camera. The Sofort 2 is the direct successor of the Leica Sofort and it is coming seven years after the company first announced the Sofort. The Sofort 2 instant film camera carries a decent price tag of $389 and will be available to buy from November 8.

The Leica Sofort 2 is quite different from its predecessor in that it has been transformed into a hybrid instant camera. It features a 1/5-inch digital sensor which allows users to choose which photos they want to print, offering greater control over their instant photography experience.

What stands out for me is that me is that the camera allows users to print images captured on their smartphones. This makes it a versatile tool for capturing and preserving memories. In addition, the Sofort 2 allows users to transfer photos taken on other Leica cameras to the Sofort 2 for printing. This is done via Leica’s companion app, FOTOS.

For those who appreciate design and aesthetics, Leica has introduced two new color options: striking red and classic black, in addition to the timeless white version. The camera also features multiple lenses, a printing lever for added convenience, and ten film effects to enhance creative expression. The inclusion of a macro mode enables users to capture intricate close-up shots with ease.

The Leica Sofort 2 is a direct rival to the likes of Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo and it offers unique advantages, including USB-C support and an expanded range of lenses.

As stated earlier, the Leica Sofort 2 is priced at $389. This is approximately $90 more than its predecessor but given the added features, it appears to be a fair price.

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Xiaomi 13T is expected to be the global variant of the Redmi K60 Ultra, it will bundle most of the same specifications. But, this time Xiaomi seems doing something differently as they are coming with two different variants of Xiaomi 13T. If famous tipster @Sudhanshu Ambhore is believed, then Xiaomi 13T will launch a Leica-branded version and a standard version which we have already seen in the recent leaks.

Must See: Xiaomi 13T Pro full design revealed, live images surface on NCC

The new Leica-branded version will be limited to some regions including Europe. However, other details are not present, but we expect the same specifications on both variants. In the new render, we can see a slightly different Leica-branded camera module.

Further, the overall camera setup would have improved sensors than the Redmi K60 Ultra.

Xiaomi 13T Specs (Expected)

As per previous leaks, the smartphone will launch in Black and Mint color options. It will house the same 6.67-inch OLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and 1220×2712 pixels resolution. There’s a 5000 mAh battery with 120W fast charging support.

It will be an IP68-rated device and will embed MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus flagship SoC. It will be coupled with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 13T could come with a Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Unfortunately, there would be no microSD slot or a 3.5mm audio jack.

The camera details are also expected to be similar to the Redmi K60 Ultra, but as per new claims, there might be some changes for the better.

related: Xiaomi 13T Pro camera details leak reveal it will be a tweaked version of the Redmi K60 Ultra

The Xiaomi 13T might retail for £549 in the UK, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro’s 12GB RAM/512GB storage could launch for £699.

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Xiaomi has recently confirmed the upcoming launch of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra flagship smartphone. The device will be debuting in China on April 18. Ahead of the launch, the device has been spotted in the hands of Leica’s CEO Matthias Harsch.

A recent social media post by Leica’s mobile business vice president Marius Eschweiler revealed that he visited Xiaomi HQ in Beijing along with Leica’s CEO Matthias Harsch to meet with Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun to discuss their strategic cooperation in mobile imaging and future R&D plans.

Based on the pictures of their meeting, it appears that Leica CEO Matthias Harsch is holding a new green phone with a substantial rear lens module that protrudes prominently. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s back panel has curved edges. According to notable tipster DCS, this is the olive-colored edition of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Based on the pictures of their meeting, it appears that Leica CEO Matthias Harsch is holding a new green phone with a substantial rear lens module that doesn’t protrude prominently. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s back panel has curved edges. According to notable tipster DCS, this is the olive-colored edition of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

For those who are not familiar, Leica is a German company that specializes in producing cameras and optical lenses. In 2022, the company terminated its partnership with Huawei and teamed up with Xiaomi to enhance its flagship smartphone cameras. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is anticipated to perform well in terms of camera capabilities, as it was developed with the help of Leica. In previous collaborations, Leica has contributed to producing some of the most advanced smartphone camera systems of their time, such as the Huawei P50 Pro.

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(source, via)

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Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its latest flagship smartphone in the form of the Xiaomi 13 series in its home market in China. While the exact launch date is not yet known, the lineup is expected to go official in the coming weeks.

Ahead of the launch, some of the key details about the upcoming Xiaomi 13 series smartphones have leaked online, revealing what we should expect from the premium devices.

The latest report from Digital Chat Station claims that all the models in the Mi 13 series will come powered by the newly announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is manufactured using the 4nm process.

Further, it is said that all the Xiaomi 13 series smartphones will be equipped with a camera module tuned by Leica. This means that Xiaomi and Leica are continuing their partnership after the Xiaomi 12S smartphone.

Coming to the software department, the smartphones will be running the MIUI 14 custom user interface on top of the new Android 13 operating system. This new UI is currently being tested by the company, which reportedly has a new design and is lightweight. We will know more about it once the company officially launches this new operating system.

Based on the previous leak, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is expected to come with a Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor which the company has used for the Mi 12S Ultra. The Pro model could feature a 6.7-inch OLED 2K E6 curved display made by Samsung.

We will get to know the phone’s specifications and features for sure when the devices go official. While Xiaomi has not yet revealed the launch date for the Mi 13 lineup, we expect the phones to go official in late November or early December.

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Last year, Leica partnered with Sharp and SoftBank to launch its first self-branded smartphone called Leitz Phone 1 in Japan. Today, the German camera maker has unveiled its second generation handset aptly named Leitz Phone 2.

Just like the Leitz Phone 1, which was based on the Sharp Aquos R6, the latest Leitz Phone 2 is built on the Aquos R7 released this year. The only major differences between the original phone and the rebranded model are colorway and software.

Leica Leitz Phone 2 Specifications

The Leica Leitz Phone 2 arrives in a single white color option called ‘Leica White’. For the unaware, the Leitz Phone 1 came in black.

Interestingly, there’s no ‘Leica’ branding anywhere on the smartphone’s body. Instead, it uses ‘Leitz’ branding. It can be seen on the camera ring, at the center of the rear panel, and on the aluminum lens cap accessory included in the box.

The device boots Android 12 with a customized interface inspired by Leica. It comes with a special LFI widget showcasing pictures shot by Leica photographers.

The camera app offers features like ‘Leitz looks’ that stimulate Leica M lenses. The quick settings in the app are based on the Leica camera UI and there are also options to choose Leica M series shutter sound and Leica filters.

Apart from the aforementioned differences, the Leica Leitz Phone 2 is a Sharp Aquos R7 inside out.

Hence, it comes with a 47.2MP 1-inch image sensor sporting an f/1.9 lens. This main camera is paired with a 1.9MP depth sensor. On the front, there is a 12.6MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

The handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. It has a MicroSD card slot to further expand the storage by up to 1TB.

It flaunts a Pro IGZO OLED display with a resolution of 2730 x 1260 pixels (WUXGA+), 10-bit color depth, 240Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits peak brightness. The centered punch-hole panel supports Dolby Vision and houses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor underneath it.

Other features of the smartphone include a 3.5mm headphone jack, IP68 rating (dust and water resistant), sub-6GHz 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, NFC, USB Type-C, 5,000mAh battery, USB PD (PPS) charging, and wireless charging.

Leica Leitz Phone 2 Price and Availability

The Leica Leitz Phone 2 is priced at ¥225,360 ($1,540) in Japan. It will be available for purchase starting November 18.

Just like the Leitz Phone 1, this one may also remain exclusive to the Japanese market.

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Last year, the Huawei P50 series had launched as the company’s then flagship smartphone models. This series included the P50 and P50 Pro, which was later joined by the new P50E model earlier this year. The company has yet to launch a successor to this premium lineup and has continued to sell this series. But it seems, the latest batch of the phones has a slight difference than the original launch variants.

The latest batch of Huawei P50 series have just recently been spotted on the Chinese tech giant’s Vmall online website. Here, we can see that there is one small change in the rear design of the P50 series, which is the lack of the Leica camera lens branding on the back. For those unaware, the Leica logo was typically found underneath the camera module of the P50 series, but this has since been removed in the new batch of the premium grade handsets.

The P50 lineup was officially the last smartphones from the brand to partner with Leica and this change officially marks the end of their cooperation with one another. So now, the base P50, the top end P50 Pro, and mid range P50E will no longer ship with the Leica logo. But despite this change, the price tag of the smartphone series is still the same as it was before.

Although, back in July 2022, the company announced its new imaging solution called Huawei Imaging XMAGE, which would also carry the exclusive logo of Huawei Mobile Imaging. With this, the brand aims to step into imaging technology and showcase its maturity and expertise in the field after years of research and development guided breakthroughs.

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Leica, the globally renowned photography brand, recently announced the Leica Cine 1 – an ultra-short throw (UST) laser projector, which the brand calls a laser TV, and the brand claims to have revolutionized the future of television. 

In collaboration with Hisense, Leica launched the Leica Cine 1 at the annual 2022 IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin. And before we get into the specifics of the Leica Cine 1, here’s the pricing of the Leica Cine 1.

The Leica Cine 1 will be available in 80-inch and 100-inch setups. The Leica Cine 1 projector will set you back around 6900 USD for the 80-inch projector unit, and 7900 USD for the 100-inch projector unit. As for the screen, Leica is selling its exclusive ambient light rejection (ALR) screens that are compatible with the Leica Cine 1 at 1600 USD and 1800 USD for the 80-inch and 100-inch screens respectively.

However, users can still opt for third-party projector screens as well, but Leica recommends users that its Leica Cine 1 UST laser projector be paired with its ambient light rejection (ALR) screens for the best viewing experience. So if you were to have the full 100-inch Leica Cine 1 setup, it will cost you a total of 9700 USD to own this “laser TV”. 

So what makes the Leica Cine 1 cost almost 10 thousand dollars? And should you get one yourself?

The Leica Cine 1 is a UST projector with a triple RGB laser as a light source and an integrated TV tuner. The technology which Leica calls Laser TV, will fundamentally change the television display market according to the brand. Leica claims that according to market experts, the new technology will quickly establish itself in the range of display sizes from 80 inches.

The Leica Cine 1 enters the market as a large-scale TV and home cinema alternative. With brilliant picture quality in 4K resolution, but significantly lower consumption values at the same time compared to traditional LED televisions, consumers will be able to have a real home cinema experience in the comfort of their own living room in the future with display sizes up to 140 inches.

At its core is the projection system with triple RGB laser technology has a sophisticated optical system manufactured in accordance with Leica’s optics expertise and high standards. The system will be available in 2100 to 2500 ANSI lumens of brightness and can refresh up to 60Hz.

Leica claims that the Leica Cine 1 laser TV can last more than 25,000 hours in a single continuous session. In terms of the sound system, this laser TV has 2 built-in 20W speakers and supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus.

Ports-wise, the Leica Cine 1 has three HDMI slots (one HDMI 2.1 port with eARC), one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0, a built-in TV tuner, and a Common Interface slot. 

The Leica Cine 1 will be available for sale in Europe starting Q2 2023, meanwhile, a release for China and the US is slated for Q3 2023 and Q4 2023 respectively.

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(Source, Via)

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Xiaomi has been growing steadily over the past decade to establish its brand presence in the global market. Whether it be smartphones, tablets, earphones, dashcams, or even weighing scales, this Beijing-based consumer electronics company is now a household name for many regions across the world.

Recently, the Xiaomi Corporation published its quarterly report on the company’s financials and market share for Q2 2022, and surprisingly, the company shares that the brand is now the 2nd most popular smartphone brand in Europe, overtaking Apple.

In a published report on the brand’s official global newsroom, Xiaomi states that the company is growing its global footprint, and increasing its market share globally steadily for the past few years. As of Q2 2022, the company quotes that it now accounts for 21.7% of all smartphone shipments in Europe, ranking 2nd whilst overtaking Apple in 3rd and behind Samsung at 1st.

Across the world, Xiaomi is ranked within the Top 3 in 55 markets globally in smartphone shipments for Q2 2022, and within the Top 5 across 67 markets globally in smartphone shipments. The Xiaomi corporation states that it has recorded quarter-on-quarter growth in market share across the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa in Q2 2022.

In terms of revenue, Xiaomi has announced that its overseas revenue now accounts for 48.4% of total revenue earned by the company, meaning that almost half of the company’s total revenue is now reliant on its overseas operations outside of China, reducing its reliance in the domestic market in China. For Q2 2022, the company recorded 34 billion RMB (4.95 billion USD) in overseas revenue in a single quarter alone.

Global brand recognition wise, in August 2022, Xiaomi was named on the Fortune Global 500 list for the fourth consecutive year and ranked 266th, advancing 72 spots from 2021. And the Xiaomi Corporation expects its brand recognition on the global stage to continue to rise.

To quote the report, “In May 2022, Xiaomi announced its long-term strategic partnership in imaging technology with Leica, another milestone in Xiaomi’s premiumization development. In July 2022, Xiaomi announced its first model with Leica, Xiaomi 12S Ultra. It features Leica Summicron lenses and a Sony IMX989 one-inch image sensor, along with the Leica Authentic Look and the Leica Vibrant Look imaging profiles, delivering a highly texturized smartphone photography experience.”

Xiaomi is heavily ramping up R&D investment to establish itself as a premium brand in the market, and with both the professional Leica-branded Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 announced, the brand is more closer and confident than ever to claiming the crown in the smartphone industry.

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(Source)

The post Xiaomi Overtakes Apple as the 2nd Most Popular Smartphone Brand in Europe appeared first on Gizmochina.

Besides flaunting its new smartphone camera partnership with Leica, the Xiaomi 12S series of devices are also the world’s first to sport Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. As the devices are arriving in reviewers’ hands, the Xiaomi 12S continues to shock reviewers because in one of the latest performance review videos circulating online, it is shown that the Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra outlast Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max in a screen-on-time (SoT) endurance test.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra full review:

Chinese-based technology YouTuber, Geekerwan, recently posted on his YouTube channel comparing the performance of Xiaomi’s latest flagships with its competitors in the current market. In the video, the Xiaomi 12S Pro and 12S Ultra go up against the Xiaomi 12 Pro, Realme GT 2 Pro, Redmi K40, Redmi K50 Pro and of course the gold standard of smartphone performance – the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.

On the 3DMark Wildlife Stress Test benchmark, it can be seen that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 found on the Xiaomi 12S Pro and 12S Ultra outperforms all other Android flagships in raw CPU and GPU performance, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 on the Realme GT 2 Pro and the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC on the Redmi K50 Pro. The 8+ Gen 1 SoC however is still behind the Apple A15 Bionic SoC on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Stability-wise, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is also a major upgrade from the 8 Gen 1, as it now can perform within the same league as 2022 flagship SoC chips like the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 and Apple A15 Bionic chipsets.

Next is the smartphone endurance test, and here is where the results get spicy, the Xiaomi 12S Pro and Ultra manage to dethrone Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max as the overall smartphone endurance champion!

In the video, it is shown the Xiaomi 12S Pro and 12S Ultra have managed to achieve a mind-boggling 7 hours and 50 minutes, and 7 hours and 47 minutes of screen on time respectively, surpassing Apple’s previously thought to be untouchable record of 7 hours and 42 minutes of screen on time. 

Compared to the measly and disappointing 5 hours and 44 minutes of screen on time achieved by the Xiaomi 12 Pro with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC that has the same 4600mAh battery, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 has managed to greatly improve battery life by a whopping 2 hours on the Xiaomi 12S Pro.

The SoT endurance tests consisted of mixed usage with gaming on Genshin Impact, WeChat messaging, voice calls, video calls, web browsing, TikTok and also video streaming, each task took around 30 minutes of usage until the battery was depleted. 

However, do note that these tests were done on China models of the Xiaomi 12S Pro, Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and other devices, which were running on Chinese software applications. So an endurance done on global models of these devices running on software outside of China may yield different endurance results.

Still, we now know that the Xiaomi 12S Pro and 12S Ultra are a massive jump in terms of power efficiency and battery endurance compared to the Xiaomi 12 series launched back in December 2021, now they can even surpass the current flagship smartphone market leaders like the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra are now available on Giztop from only US$ 899 and US$ 1199 respectively.

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(Source)

The post Xiaomi 12S Pro and Ultra Dethrone iPhone 13 Pro Max in Endurance Tests appeared first on Gizmochina.

A couple of days ago, Xiaomi announced its latest flagship smartphone in its home country China — Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro, along with a couple of other products.

Today, both the smartphones — Xiaomi 12S and Xiaomi 12S Pro are officially available for purchase in the Chinese market for a starting price of 3,999 yuan (~$595).

The 8GB + 128GB model is priced at 3,999 yuan while the 8GB + 256GB model costs 4,299 yuan. The 12GB + 256GB model costs 4,699 yuan while the 12GB + 512GB model is priced at 5,199 yuan.

As for the Xiaomi 12S Pro, the 8GB + 128GB model costs 4,699 yuan while the 8GB + 256GB model is priced at 4,999 yuan. The 12GB + 256GB model costs 5,399 yuan while the 12GB + 512GB is available for 5,899 yuan.

Coming to the specifications, the Xiaomi 12S features a 6.28-inch display while the 12S Pro model has a 6.73-inch display, both of them offering an AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor, coupled with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 internal storage.

In the camera department, the phones have a Leica-branded camera setup on the back. The regular model has a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP telephoto sensor. On the other hand, the Pro model features a 50MP Sony IMX707 primary sensor coupled with a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP telephoto lens. Both the phones have a 32MP snapper on the front for taking selfies and video calling.

The Xiaomi 12S series runs the Android 12 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own MIUI custom interface on top. The 12S is powered by a 4,500mAh battery with 67W fast charging while the 12S Pro is powered by a 4,600mAh battery and supports 120W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

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The post Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro goes on sale in China; price starts at 3,999 yuan ($595) appeared first on Gizmochina.

Yesterday, Xiaomi debuted the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which is the successor of the highly acclaimed Xiaomi 11 Ultra. Going by Xiaomi’s launch presentation, the device appears to be one of the top contenders for the best smartphone of this year.

However, many of you might remember the hype surrounding the Xiaomi 12 Pro, and how the device failed to live up to it. So can the brand be trusted this time? Is the device really as good as it’s made out to be? Let’s find out by going over each upgrade one by one.

Starting with the biggest upgrade of the device, the new camera main camera packs the Sony IMX989 sensor that has a large 1-inch sensor size and a 50-megapixel resolution. The increased sensor size will allow for more light to be captured resulting in sharper and more color-accurate images. However, what grabs our attention, even more, is the brand’s partnership with Leica in co-developing this camera.

As many of you would know, Leica recently ended its partnership with Huawei to join hands with Xiaomi. While with Huawei, Leica provided its custom tuning on devices like the Huawei P50 Pro which is currently one of the best camera smartphones in the world.

Xiaomi 11 Ultra’s camera is known to produce pictures that are a bit bland and lack contrast and saturation. The white balance on the device is also a bit much on the cooler side. But going by Xiaomi’s sample pictures clicked on the 12S Ultra, these shortcomings appear to have been dealt with and probably have Leica to thank for it.

The second major upgrade is the new chipset. The 12S Ultra houses a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip which promises many improvements over its predecessor, mainly thanks to TSMC’s 4nm node that it’s manufactured on. However, the brand made similar promises with the release of the Snapdragon 888 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and we remember how that turned out.

Another issue with Xiaomi phones is the decay in performance over time. Last year, we bought a Xiaomi 11 Ultra which averaged 55 FPS in Genshin Impact on the Highest settings. Now, the same device is only able to run the game at a meager 38 FPS.

So, before giving an opinion on the performance, we will conduct our personal testing on a device bought from a Xiaomi offline store and not one given to us by the brand to make sure it’s as close as possible to a device that a normal user will get.

We are also not excited about the Samsung E5 AMOLED panel on the Xiaomi 11S Ultra as all the E5 panels made by Samsung this year have had an issue where they appear green if you look at it from the side. The panel also has an LTPO function which makes DC dimming impossible making the panel rougher on the eyes.

The back design of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra has so far gotten mixed reviews with some loving while others not so much. However, what we find dissatisfactory about this back panel is the lack of options. Xiaomi has only released the phone with a vegan leather back, leaving out materials like glass or ceramic. This makes a phone case pretty much a necessity for the 12S Ultra as the vegan leather material is not as scratch-proof as either of the two mentioned above.

The battery of the device has also received a reduction in capacity compared to its predecessor at 4860mAh. This is 300mAh less than the last-gen device. Xiaomi has promised that the new Surge P1+G1 chip will allow the device to have a longer battery life than its predecessor, but that claim might be a little far-fetched and the additional battery capacity would’ve been better for the long run.

If we consider these facts and uncertainties, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra doesn’t look that much impressive compared to last year’s Xiaomi 11 Ultra. However, if all the claims made at the launch turn out to be true, we might have the most all-rounded flagship of the year on our hands. So stay tuned for our upcoming full review of the device.

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The post Xiaomi 12S Ultra Preview: Will it be really good? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi is preparing for its highly anticipated Xiaomi 12S flagship series launch event in China, happening tomorrow July 4th (Monday) at 7:00 pm Beijing Time (GMT +8)  / 4:30 pm IST (GMT +5:30)  / 12:00 pm London Time (GMT +1). 

The launch event will be officially live streamed via the brand’s official channel on Bilibili in China, globally, the live stream will also be live-streamed on Xiaomi’s official YouTube channel.

Link to Xiaomi 12S Launch Event Youtube Livestream here.

Link to Xiaomi 12S Launch Event China Livestream here.

The well-renowned smartphone brand is to announce three models of its Xiaomi 12S flagships tomorrow, which are the Xiaomi 12S, Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra. 

All three models in the lineup will be sporting the brand’s first-ever Leica-branded camera setup for industry-leading photography, an ergonomic premium finish on the back, and under the hood, all 3 models will be sporting Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 flagship SoC that is built on TSMC’s championing power-efficient 4nm node process.

The highlight of the event is expected to be the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, it will be sporting the industry’s biggest main camera sensor, the 1-inch Sony IMX989 lens. Xiaomi has spent US$ 15 million on developing the Sony IMX989 sensor in collaboration with both Sony and Leica, and with that much research and development poured in, we can see why Xiaomi is confident in claiming that its upcoming flagship will usher in a new era of smartphone photography.

As for the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro, both devices will be sporting a flagship Sony IMX707 main lens instead. The Sony IMX707 is a great camera sensor nonetheless as it was the same sensor found on the Xiaomi 12 Pro that we reviewed back earlier in January of this year. The Xiaomi 12S will be the smallest device in the Xiaomi 12S family with its compact yet ergonomic design and a 6.28-inch LTPO 2.0 120Hz AMOLED display that supports variable refresh rates from 10 Hz to 120Hz.

For more details of the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro, you can head on over to our Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro roundup article here, and for further details on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, you can visit our Xiaomi 12S Ultra roundup article here.

And for pricing in regards to the Xiaomi 12S series, stay tuned to Gizmochina tomorrow, as we will be also covering the launch live here on our website!

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(Source 1, Source 2)

The post How to Watch Xiaomi 12S Launch Event Live appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier today (28th June 2022), it was finally confirmed that the Xiaomi 12S series will finally be launching on July 4. However, prior to its announcement, the company’s CEO shared a video in which it answered a number of FAQs (frequently asked questions).

Looking at this video, Lei Jun, the CEO and Founder of the Chinese tech giant talked about the cooperation between the brand and Leica and even talked about how the 12S series won’t be passing through DxOMark camera rating test. Lei Jun stated that the reason for the first one is more professional while the second is expenditure. To elaborate, he said that Leica was the one that approached Xiaomi.

For those unaware, Leica is a known German based company that specializes in making cameras and lenses. The senior official stated that the camera maker reached out to the smartphone brand to seek a partnership. Jun stated that “I think we are quite proud and thank them for their recognition of Xiaomi.” With the new cooperation, he believes that Xiaomi will be able to move forward with imaging technology and the photography experience its smartphones offer.

Lastly, the CEO also revealed why the company is not having the Xiaomi 12S series undergo the DxOMark rating. Apparently, the rating tests are quite expensive, so expensive that the brand decided to skip it entirely. Rather, it is placing its bets with the optimization and collaboration efforts from Leica.

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The post Xiaomi approached by Leica for partnership, no DxOMark testing for Xiaomi 12S series: Lei Jun appeared first on Gizmochina.

After announcing a partnership with Leica for its upcoming flagship series of premium smartphones, Xiaomi is slated to launch its highly anticipated Xiaomi 12S series in July this year. However, although the brand has not officially announced a launch date yet, recent reports from offline electronics retailers in China have indicated that the Xiaomi 12S series may launch as soon as July 5th.

Chinese social media Weibo user, Niuwan Technology, recently shared on their timeline that several offline retailers in the country have started receiving the marketing materials and devices for the upcoming Xiaomi 12S series of smartphones, which include the Xiaomi 12S, Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra.

What is shocking here, is that the highly anticipated Xiaomi 12 Ultra is actually called the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which indicates that the Ultra model is a part of the Xiaomi 12S family. The parcel photo attached in the post states that the device shipped is the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, and an early bird premium gift box set from Xiaomi is shipped along with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra.

In that case, Xiaomi’s flagship naming convention makes actual sense this time around as from what we have gathered from previous leaks, all 3 models are equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC from Qualcomm, alongside Xiaomi’s first-ever flagship camera setup that is co-engineered with Leica, for all 3 devices in the Xiaomi 12S flagship family.

The Weibo post also shows the marketing materials and invitation cards for the Xiaomi 12S series launch, and it highlights the partnership between Xiaomi and Leica in creating a new era of smartphone photography. All cards have been printed with signatures from the Chairman of Leica, Andreas Kaufmann, and from the CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun as well. Xiaomi seems to have spent more on printed marketing this time around for the Xiaomi 12S series too because the amount of cards in one box shown in the Weibo photo seems to be a lot.

Xiaomi is expected to announce the launch date for its Xiaomi 12S series launch event this week. And for more technology news from China, stay tuned to our coverage here at Gizmochina!

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(Source)

The post Xiaomi 12S Ultra Already Shipped to Offline Retail Channels in China; Launching Soon this July appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi and Leica recently announced that they will be joining hands in a partnership to create new smartphones. The duo promised an announcement in July but didn’t reveal which smartphone they will be launching but it is expected to be the long-rumored Xiaomi 12 Ultra. However, before the official announcement, we have some newly leaked information regarding the design and material of the smartphone. Let’s have a look at all the details.

According to the latest Weibo post by a usually reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the new Xiaomi 12 ultra could come in two colorways, first in black with a polished leather cover making it look more professional and the other in white with textured ceramic glass on the back.

Speaking of Ceramic glass, Xiaomi is not new to this material. In fact, the Xiaomi Mi 11 ultra launched last year also came with a ceramic design.

The main highlight of the smartphone is going to be its camera system, Xiaomi’s recent partnership with Leica is definitely going to take the camera of 12 Ultra to a new level. The smartphone has a unique “Oreo” like camera island and houses at least 3 lenses. It is likely to feature a 200-megapixel main sensor accompanied by an ultra-wide-angle sensor and macro sensor.

The front of the new Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra will likely sport an OLED flexible curved screen. In addition, the smartphone is also expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor under the hood. The handset is rumored to support a 120W fast charging while incorporating a 4,900mAh battery.

Xiaomi is yet to confirm any details regarding the smartphone. However, the smartphone is reported to see the daylight by the end of June.

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The post Xiaomi 12 Ultra to arrive in premium materials such as leather and ceramic, says tipster appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this week, the long-standing collaboration between Huawei and Leica came to an end, and at the same time, the Chinses smartphone giant announced the beginning of its new partnership with the Germany-based camera company.

Now, just days after the official announcement, a leaked image has emerged online revealing that Xiaomi already has a new device with Leica’s camera technology ready to launch at any moment.

The leak comes from a Weibo tipster and reveals a Xiaomi smartphone, allegedly the Xiaomi 12S, with a Leica branding on the camera module. The back panel of the device looks pretty similar to the already launched Xiaomi 12 Pro and the only difference appears to be the Leica branding in place of the “50MP” etched on the camera module.

Leaks state that we could see the first Leica branded Xiaomi flagship launching in June, which also corroborates the earlier leaks stating that the Xiaomi 12S series is scheduled for June. So let’s take a look at the specs and features of the upcoming devices.

Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro Specs (Rumored)

The Xiaomi 12S is said to come with a Full HD+ resolution curved panel featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, centered punch-hole, and will be smaller in size. The device will sport a triple camera setup headlined by a 50-megapixel primary camera. It is expected to come powered by the recently announced Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro on the other hand is expected to offer a 2K display panel and launch with SoC variants. These will likely be the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the Dimensity 9000 SoC.

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The post Xiaomi 12S image live leaks, reveals Leica branding appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei is mostly known in the Android flagship smartphone space for its cameras, especially for its Leica-branded camera setups. 

But yesterday, Xiaomi officially confirmed that the company will be in close collaboration with Leica, the Germany-based camera company, to bring Leica’s imagery technology to its upcoming flagship smartphone cameras. So will the new Xiaomi-Leica partnership affect the previous Huawei-Leica partnership?

As reported by Android Authority, their team had officially reached out to Huawei via email, to which Huawei formally replied: “We can confirm that the cooperation between our two companies (Huawei and Leica) ended on 31 March.”

What this means is that, as of May 2022, Huawei is no longer in partnership with Leica, spelling an end for Leica-branded Huawei smartphones. 

For context, the last Leica-branded Huawei smartphones were the Huawei P50 and Huawei P50 Pro which were released last year with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset.

The announcement of the partnership ending truly marks an end of a smartphone era where Huawei was truly considered the best smartphone camera out there that money could buy. Leica-branded flagships like the Huawei P20 Pro, and the Huawei P30 Pro brought the smartphone market with exceptional smartphone camera innovations like the world’s first-ever triple camera setup and 5x optical zoom in a smartphone.

However, this marks a new chapter for smartphone photography as well. Considering the official announcement of Xiaomi partnering with Leica for its camera optimisations, it seems that even after the official breakup with Huawei, the Leica brand is still interested to remain in the smartphone market with a new partner. 

Xiaomi has officially announced that the Xiaomi-Leica partnership will officially bear fruit in the company’s upcoming flagship smartphone slated for launch in July 2022.

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(Source)

The post Huawei is No Longer in Partnership with Leica appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier today (23rd May 2022), Xiaomi had announced that it will be partnering up with Leica for its next generation of flagship smartphones. Now, the company’s CEO talked more about the new collaboration.

Lei Jun, CEO and Founder of the Chinese tech giant, took to Twitter (now deleted) to share some details regarding the new partnership with Leica. He stated that just a few years ago, smartphone photography in low light was just “smears of darkness.” But now, there has been a huge improvement in overall night performance. He added that with the new collaboration, newer milestones will be reached. Lei Jun believes that current smartphones do not capture the true essence of the night and just light up the low light scene. But the collaboration will help make low light scenes have a “sense of night” and not just shots that are bright as day.

The senior official stated that the partnership with Leica was chosen due to their century long years of experience. Leica specializes in a variety of aspects ranging from optics, imaging, image processing, and is even experienced in the smartphone industry as well. Notably, Lei Jun also revealed that the first co-engineered product that takes advantage of the Xiaomi x Leica co-development efforts will be launching sometime in July 2022.

In other words, the next gen flagship smartphone with improved camera performance will be announced soon. As of right now finer details regarding this device is unknown, although, we can expect to hear more regarding this in the coming weeks. The brand is working in depth with Leica to offer an improved camera experience on the upcoming handset.

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The post Xiaomi x Leica partnership will bring improved night mode in next gen flagship phone: CEO appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi has today officially announced its partnership with Leica, under which the company has been developing a new smartphone that is set to launch in a couple of months.

The Chinese company confirmed its “long-term strategic cooperation” with Leica and has revealed that they have been co-developing a flagship smartphone which will be officially launched in July this year.

This marks the fourth company Leica has collaborated with for mobile imaging after Sharp, Huawei, and Panasonic. However, Xiaomi has not revealed anything related to the upcoming flagship smartphone.

Given that the phone is set to launch in a couple of months, we expect it to come powered by the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, has said that the partnership will provide a strong boost to the company’s imaging strategy without revealing the details.

Xiaomi appears to be following the footsteps of other Chinese brands to offer a distinguishing feature on its flagship or premium smartphone to make it stand out among devices from other brands.

The trend was started by Huawei in 2016 when the company partnered with Leica for the camera features on its flagship smartphones. OnePlus and OPPO have also teamed up with Hasselblad, while Vivo has partnered with Zeiss.

While the company has not revealed, the upcoming smartphone is likely to be the Xiaomi 12 Ultra, and if the rumors are anything to go by, then the device appears to be packed with features compared to other premium phones.

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The post Xiaomi partners with Leica to develop a flagship smartphone launching in July appeared first on Gizmochina.