For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi's deep collaboration with Leica in recent years has indeed produced many coveted flagship models. However, the most exclusive "Leica special editions" are often only available in the Chinese market, leaving overseas users only able to look on with envy (or seek out resellers).
However, according to the latest certification information, this convention is about to be broken. It is expected to feature ultra-powerful imaging specifications.Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra Leica Special EditionRumors suggest that it will officially enter the international market under a brand new identity – "Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi".
From Sharp to Xiaomi: A New Chapter for Leitz Phone
According to foreign media reports, a new phone with the model number 25128PNA1G recently passed NBTC certification in Thailand. What's most surprising isn't its specifications, but its registered name: Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
The name actually carries a deep meaning. "Leitz" comes from the surname of Leica's founder, Ernst Leitz (the brand name Leica is an abbreviation of Leitz + Camera). In the past few years, Leica has collaborated with Sharp of Japan, exclusively launching [a product/service] on SoftBank in Japan.The third generation of Leitz PhoneAt the time, those phones were basically re-skinned versions of the Sharp Aquos R series. Although they had Leica backing, they were only available in the Japanese market and their hardware was limited by Sharp's product strategy.
Now, with the release of certification documents, it seems to indicate that Leica has decided to shift its hardware partner for its own-brand mobile phones from Sharp to Xiaomi, with whom it now has a closer relationship. This also means that the future Leitz Phone will no longer be a Japan-exclusive model, but a top-tier flagship phone with global competitiveness.
Specifications revealed: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, price likely to be high.
In addition to the confirmed name, this prototype, codenamed 25128PNA1G, is also listed in the Geekbench AI database.現身.
Unsurprisingly, this new phone will be equipped with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor (the same as the Chinese version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra) and up to 16GB of RAM. On the software side, it will come pre-installed with Android 16 and Xiaomi's latest HyperOS 3 operating system.
Of course, with the "Leica Leitzphone" name attached, the price will inevitably be significantly higher than the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Referring to the pricing strategy of Leitz Phone in the Japanese market in the past, this phone is not only selling hardware, but also the century-old brand premium of Leica and exclusive photography software tuning (such as exclusive Leitz Looks filters and interface).
Rumored to be released globally on February 28th
Current market rumors indicate that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra series (including this Leitz Phone) is expected to be officially launched globally on February 28th. This date usually follows MWC (Mobile World Congress), a time when mobile phone manufacturers showcase their capabilities.
