Xiaomi's flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which features a high-performance camera developed in collaboration with Leica, and the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, which puts the Leica brand front and center, have been released in Japan.
As high-performance smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, these models are ideal for gaming, but they are products that truly deserve to be called the best camera phones in Japan, providing an excellent visual experience that makes you want to use them specifically as digital cameras.
Leica-Look Appearance Is Full of Camera-Like Qualities
Leica-branded Leitzphone models have been sold in limited quantities in the past.
The base models were the Sharp AQUOS R series, and while they featured excellent cameras, they had almost no global recognition, and the buyer base in Japan was also limited.
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi released this time is based on the flagship model from Xiaomi, which has collaborated with Leica for several years. Not only is the camera performance exceptional, but the device's overall performance is also top-tier, making it one of the top-class products among smartphones available in Japan as of March 2026.
Side Design Overflowing With an Analog Feel
The device frame features a textured grip to prevent slipping, and with independent volume buttons, the overall finish evokes an analog feel and a sense of being a precision machine.
You can use it with the sensation of holding a classic analog camera.
This aspect carries over from past models, and the Leitzphone emphasizes through its design that while it is a smartphone, it is also a camera.
The red logo, the symbol of Leica, is placed in the upper left of the back panel, and the Leica lettering is included in the center of the camera.
The back panel features a sandblasted-style finish, but when you actually hold it, it feels smooth with a soft grip rather than a typical glossy finish.
Bezel Rotates Like a Lens
The camera section is surrounded by a large circular bezel, and this bezel part rotates.
For various shooting modes in the camera app, you can rotate the bezel to change the zoom magnification or adjust the brightness.
It can be used just like adjusting a camera lens or a settings dial, making the operation feel truly analog.
The words Leica CAMERA GERMANY are also engraved on the left side of the device.
Completely Simulating Leica Cameras
Xiaomi's Ultra models previously offered two shooting modes: Leica Vibrant, based on Xiaomi's computational photography, and Leica Authentic, which reflects Leica's classic color tones.
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi deepens this collaboration even further, featuring simulation modes for the M9 and M3 models from Leica's legendary history.
This allows you to take photos with color tones that are even more uniquely Leica.
You can add watermarks to your photos, and the Leica logo is included as a watermark unique to the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
Additionally, the position of each item and whether to display parameters can be configured, letting you leave proof of the Leica brand on your shots.
Note that watermarks can be removed or added later on the device.
The Base Model, Xiaomi 17 Ultra
The basic performance of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which served as the base for the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, is identical.
The battery is 6,000mAh and supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.
An Ultra logo is placed on the back of the body instead of the Leica logo.
Along with the Leica lettering in the center of the camera, the design is optimized for holding the device horizontally.
Impressions Change Due to Differences in Side Design
The finish of the buttons on the device is also equivalent, but without the frame textures, it has an appearance closer to a standard smartphone.
Note that the weight of the device is 219.0g for the Green model and 218.4g for the Black and White color variations.
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi weighs 223.4g.
Here are the three color variations.
The Black and White models have back panels finished in a uniform color, while the Green model has a sand-like pattern design similar to the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
Additionally, this Green model serves as the representative color for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
200-Megapixel Telephoto Camera Supports Optical Zoom
Both models are equipped with a 50-megapixel wide-angle, a 200-megapixel telephoto, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.
The telephoto is a periscope type where the lens moves to allow for flexible zooming from 3.2x to 4.3x.
While the bezel on the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi rotates, it is fixed on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
This is the most significant design difference between the two models.
Regarding the camera UI, the Leica M9 and M3 modes found on the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi are not included on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
However, both models provide new shooting experiences, such as a dedicated mode for capturing fireworks and bonfires, and a Red Carpet mode that automatically zooms for short videos.
Dedicated Cases Are Also Included
Cases are included with both the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
Even with the case on, the design remains sleek while firmly protecting the device.
The Leica logo is also clearly present on the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi case.
Transforming Into a Digital Camera With the Photographer Kit
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro is originally sold separately, but it is currently being provided free of charge to Xiaomi 17 Ultra purchasers for a limited time.
Note that it can also be attached to the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, though the case in the kit does not feature the Leica logo.
When attached, the device looks like a standalone digital camera.
It is even possible to attach a 67mm optical filter.
In addition to photo capabilities, it features a dedicated shutter button for video, a zoom lever, and a built-in auxiliary battery inside the grip, making it an essential accessory if you plan to use the device primarily as a camera.
The Best Camera Experience Regardless of Which One You Buy
The main differences between the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi are the price and the fact that the latter is more closely aligned with the Leica brand identity.
In terms of camera image quality and device performance, both are comparable.
If you want a top-tier camera, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is more than sufficient, but if you want to capture artistic works with a specific character, the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi might be the better choice.
Both models will certainly take more beautiful photos and videos than your current smartphone. Since Xiaomi has opened physical Xiaomi Store locations in the Kanto and Kansai regions, be sure to try them out in person.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane
Blog: http://www.hkyamane.com/
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