Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is officially confirmed, launching February 28

Xiaomi has officially confirmed the Leica Leitzphone, a rebranded version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition that will launch internationally. The device will make its debut at the global Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra launch event in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28 at 2PM local time.

The confirmation came through Xiaomi's Spanish X account, which posted a teaser clearly identifying the device as the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. This marks a significant expansion of Xiaomi's partnership with Leica, bringing the camera-focused collaboration to markets outside of China.

For those unfamiliar with the device, the Leica Leitzphone is essentially the international version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, which we've already extensively reviewed. Our comprehensive written review and video review are available for those wanting to dive deep into the specifications and performance of this camera-centric flagship.

While the core hardware is expected to remain consistent with the Chinese version, rumors suggest some minor aesthetic changes for the international market. Most notably, the two-tone dark colorway featured on the Chinese model appears to be replaced with a fully black back panel. Additionally, both Leica logos on the device will reportedly be rotated by 90 degrees - a curious design choice that has sparked discussion among tech enthusiasts.

This launch represents an interesting strategy by Xiaomi to leverage Leica's prestigious brand recognition in photography while maintaining its own hardware and software ecosystem. The Leica Leitzphone sits at the intersection of Xiaomi's technological prowess and Leica's legendary optics expertise, potentially appealing to photography enthusiasts who might not have considered a Xiaomi device previously.

The timing of the launch, coinciding with the global Xiaomi 17 series unveiling, suggests Xiaomi is positioning this as a premium offering within its flagship lineup. By bringing the Leica-branded experience to international markets, Xiaomi is expanding its reach in the high-end smartphone segment where brand perception and camera quality are particularly important factors for consumers.

As we approach the February 28 launch event, more details about pricing, availability, and any final design changes are likely to emerge. The Leica Leitzphone represents an intriguing experiment in cross-brand collaboration, and its reception in international markets could influence future partnerships between smartphone manufacturers and traditional camera brands.