Tag: Leica

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leica Camera Review: Zoom King or DxOMark Fail?

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leica Camera Review: Zoom King or DxOMark Fail?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi 15 Ultra has not made it to the top ten in DxOMark camera scores, continuing a trend for the brand.
    2. The device scored well in zoom and texture performance, earning top marks in these areas.
    3. DxOMark praised the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for detail, dynamic range, and texture management in photos and videos.
    4. Critiques included inconsistent photo quality and issues with artifacts like ghosting and flares.
    5. Video stabilization on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was noted as less effective compared to competitors.


    Xiaomi generally faces challenges with DxOMark. Amazingly, no Xiaomi phone has made it to the top ten for camera scores until now, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues this trend. However, this device did manage to score two to three favorable results in the camera assessments conducted by the French evaluation team. Even though it fell significantly behind the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the leading Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which sits at 13th place, the new Xiaomi flagship, featuring a Leica camera setup, did manage to clinch the top spot for both zoom and texture performance.

    Camera Performance Insights

    DxOMark highlighted that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra showcases impressive detail across all focal lengths, alongside a strong dynamic range in both photos and videos. Additionally, it excels in texture and noise management. On the downside, DxOMark’s evaluation pointed out several areas where Xiaomi stumbled. For example, the consistency of photos was questioned, with testers noting that images taken in succession do not always yield similar outcomes. There were also issues with various artifacts, including ghosting and flares, despite Xiaomi promoting Leica Ultrapure Optics in its advertising. Video stabilization reportedly isn’t as effective as that of some rival models.

    Review Highlights

    The detailed review comes with a variety of sample photos and videos, allowing you to compare this phone with others. In a separate post on social media by DxOMark, you can find several side-by-side comparisons of telephoto zoom capabilities that tend to favor the Xiaomi Ultra 15. Interestingly, some viewers disagree with the ratings given by DxOMark, and their reviews often face scrutiny. It’s up for debate whether such concerns are well-founded or not.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra 1-Inch Sensor and 200MP Telephoto Camera Details

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra 1-Inch Sensor and 200MP Telephoto Camera Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and Competition: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be launched in China on February 27, aiming to compete with other flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra.

    2. Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System: The smartphone will feature a new “Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System” designed to enhance image sharpness and low-light performance, known by its codename “Night God.”

    3. Advanced Camera Specs: It includes a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with superior light reception, capable of lossless zoom at 200mm and 400mm.

    4. Quad-Camera Setup: The leaked camera arrangement consists of a main 50-megapixel camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto macro camera.

    5. Enhanced Telephoto Performance: The periscope lens supports various levels of lossless zoom, enhancing its versatility for photography at different distances.


    Xiaomi has made the big announcement regarding the photography features of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with the release of new promotional images. This smartphone is set to be launched in China on February 27 and aims to elevate mobile photography standards even further. In various regions, it will compete with other flagship devices branded as “Ultra,” like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Vivo X200 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Ultra.

    Leica-Enhanced Imaging System

    As per the promotional materials, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will introduce a fresh “Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System,” which is crafted to boost image sharpness and light reception. Known by its codename “Night God,” this phone is particularly focused on capturing stunning low-light images. It will include a new 1-inch primary sensor and a robust 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, both designed to enhance image quality and dynamic range. Xiaomi asserts that this pairing will set a new standard for its Ultra lineup.

    Camera Specs and Features

    Xiaomi’s second promotional image emphasizes the 200-megapixel periscope lens that features superior light reception with an aperture equivalent to 9.4mm. This sensor can handle ultra-high resolution, with a 100mm focal length and an f/2.6 aperture. Moreover, it offers lossless zoom capabilities at both 200mm and 400mm, promising noteworthy enhancements in telephoto performance. This camera, likely the Samsung HP9 lens, is expected to replace the previous 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 periscope telephoto camera found in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

    Rumored Camera Setup

    A reliable source, Digital Chat Station, has recently leaked the quad-camera arrangement for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The leak indicates that the main 50-megapixel camera will have a 1/0.98-inch sensor, a 23mm focal length, and an aperture of f/1.63. The highlight of this camera setup is the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, which reportedly supports various levels of lossless zoom, such as 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4.3x, 8.7x, and 17.3x.

    Furthermore, the quad-camera arrangement will also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 14mm focal length and an f/2.2 aperture. Completing the configuration is a 50-megapixel 70mm telephoto camera with an f/1.8 aperture, which is also capable of capturing telephoto macro shots.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leak: New Camera Kit and Pre-Order Bundle Deal

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leak: New Camera Kit and Pre-Order Bundle Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is set to launch the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor at MWC 2025.
    2. A new “Photography Kit Legend Edition” will accompany the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, featuring additional buttons whose functions are yet to be revealed.
    3. A pre-order bundle for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may include the Xiaomi Watch S4, aimed at providing a high-end smartwatch at a lower price.
    4. The Xiaomi 15 will also be launched globally, while the Pro version will only be available in China.
    5. The global version of the Xiaomi 15 will have a reduced battery capacity of 5,240 mAh compared to the 5,400 mAh in the Chinese version.


    Xiaomi is preparing to introduce its latest camera flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. This phone, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, is scheduled to be fully revealed at MWC 2025. Just one week prior to its launch, a new leak has highlighted the camera kit that will accompany this upcoming Leica flagship device.

    New Photography Kit

    The leaked images, shared by leaker Sudhanshu Ambhore, reveal that the new camera kit will be named “Photography Kit Legend Edition.” In comparison to the earlier kits, these new renders imply that the kit will include additional buttons, though the specific purposes of these extra buttons remain unclear for now.

    Pre-order Bundle Deal

    Furthermore, Ambhore has provided details about a potential pre-order bundle for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. According to the leak, the global version of this new Leica camera flagship will be bundled with the Xiaomi Watch S4, which is Xiaomi’s attempt to offer a high-end smartwatch at a more accessible price (the 44 mm Galaxy Watch 6 is currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon).

    Global Variants and Battery Changes

    In addition to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the company will also launch the Xiaomi 15 in the global market. However, similar to the previous series, it appears that the Pro version will only be available in China. Notably, Ambhore mentions that the global variant of the standard model will experience a reduction in battery capacity.

    Specifically, the global Xiaomi 15 is expected to come with a 5,240 mAh battery, down from 5,400 mAh in the Chinese version. It remains uncertain if the charging speeds will be the same as the Chinese model, which supports 50 W wireless charging and 90 W charging with a wired connection.

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  • Leica Launches 50mm f/1.4 Summilux Lens for Modern M Cameras

    Leica Launches 50mm f/1.4 Summilux Lens for Modern M Cameras

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 is inspired by the original lens designs from 1959 and 1962, expanding the Classic series.
    2. The lens is constructed from brass, weighs 14.7 ounces, and features a manual lens hood attachment.
    3. It consists of seven elements in five groups, has twelve aperture blades, and can focus on subjects as close as 27.6 inches.
    4. While it offers sharp center images suitable for portraits, its optical performance in corners and edges is not as strong as modern lenses.
    5. Priced at $3,895, the Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 Classic is made in Germany and does not include autofocus capabilities.


    Leica has broadened its Classic series with the introduction of the Summilux-M 1:1.4/50, which draws inspiration from the second iteration of this lens that debuted in 1962. The design of this new model pays homage to the original Summilux released in 1959. Lenses following this optical blueprint were available until 2004, when the Summilux-M 1.4/50 ASPH was launched.

    Build and Features

    Constructed from brass, the Leica M lens weighs in at 14.7 ounces, making it quite substantial. A lens hood comes with the purchase but needs to be attached manually, unlike Leica’s newer models where it is built into the design. The lens consists of seven elements arranged in five groups, features twelve aperture blades, and has a filter thread size of 46 millimeters. A notable update is its ability to focus on subjects as close as 27.6 inches.

    Optical Quality

    Examining the MTF curves reveals that the lens’s optical performance isn’t quite contemporary. Specifically, the image corners and edges lack the detail seen in more modern lenses. Nonetheless, it captures images with a relatively sharp center, making it ideal for portrait photography. Below, you can see sample images that showcase what customers might anticipate from the Summilux lens.

    Production and Availability

    Leica highlights that the lens is manufactured in Germany, comprising 105 distinct parts. As with all Leica M lenses, the new Summilux covers the full image circle of a full-frame sensor, but it does not offer autofocus capabilities.

    The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 Classic is now on the market, priced at an MSRP of $3,895 through B&H Photo Video. For comparison, the more current Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH is available for $4,695 on the official site of the German company.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leaked Image Reveals Stunning Leica Camera Design

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leaked Image Reveals Stunning Leica Camera Design

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is about to make its first appearance at the end of this month in China. As the launch date draws near, we can expect more solid information to come out about this device. Today, a fresh image of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which takes inspiration from Leica cameras, was spotted on Chinese social media. The photo reveals a unique dual-tone design that gives off a vibe of a professional photography setup.

    Design Influences

    The image of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra reflects a design borrowed from the Leica M1 rangefinder camera. Just like the Leica, the 15 Ultra boasts a striking silver-black dual-tone finish, which is likely crafted from glass and leather materials. This design choice not only enhances aesthetics but also adds to the premium feel of the device.

    Camera Features and Specifications

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is equipped with a large round camera module that almost fills the entire upper section of the device. This module includes a pill-shaped LED flash, the Leica logo, and four cameras, one of which is a periscope telephoto lens. With a possible 6,000mAh battery, the device’s weight might exceed 200 grams, making it a solid piece of tech.

    The text found beneath the Leica branding, stating “LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.63-26/14-100 ASPH,” gives us insights into the camera performance of the 15 Ultra. This flagship phone features a Leica Summilux lens, with a primary camera aperture of f/1.63, which is the same as its earlier model, according to insider Experience More.

    Telephoto and Ultra-Wide Angle Specs

    The periscope telephoto lens has an aperture of f/2.6, with a 100mm equivalent focal length and an effective aperture of f/9.828. It also has a physical focal length of 26.4mm, which can be compared to Samsung’s earlier 10x zoom setup. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide-angle lens offers a 14mm focal length, making it slightly narrower than the last generation’s model.

    For comparison, Vivo’s similar aperture is f/10.09 with a focal length of 22.49mm, while Honor holds the record for the largest equivalent aperture for telephoto lenses at f/7.1.

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is anticipated to launch alongside the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra car on February 28 in China.

  • Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro: Leica Summilux Lenses & Light Fusion 800 Sensor

    Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro: Leica Summilux Lenses & Light Fusion 800 Sensor

    Xiaomi has given a sneak peek into the camera system of the Civi 4 Pro, set to be unveiled on March 21st. This system boasts a Leica Optical Summilux lens (akin to the one found in the Xiaomi 14 Pro) featuring a wide f/1.63 aperture and houses the 50MP OmniVision Light Fusion 800 sensor.

    Camera System Details

    The primary Light Fusion 800 sensor has a 1/1.55″ format, 2.0 µm pixel size, and a dynamic range of 13.2EV. Initially introduced in the Redmi K70 Pro towards the end of the previous year, this sensor is marginally smaller than the Xiaomi 14 Pro's Light Fusion 900 (OVX9000) main sensor.

    Advanced Features

    Leica Summilux lenses are renowned for their prowess in low-light photography, leveraging special glass properties for unique light reflection. The phone is anticipated to deliver exceptional master portrait and professional camera functionalities, leveraging the embedded hardware to its fullest extent.

    Technical Specifications

    The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro is anticipated to sport a 6.55-inch 1080p (2400×1080) OLED display, featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate and 240 Hz touch sampling rate. In terms of design, it closely resembles its predecessor, the Xiaomi Civi 3, with a slightly enlarged circular camera module that incorporates the flash within it.

    Power and Performance

    In terms of performance, the phone is expected to be powered by the newly announced Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a variant derived from the processors driving the 2024 flagship models such as the Galaxy S24 Series. This chipset could position the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro as a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone segment.

    Moreover, teasers have hinted at the availability of the phone in four distinct color variants, amplifying the anticipation surrounding its imminent launch.

  • Leica Introduces Exclusive ZM 1 Gold Watch – Price Tag: $28,000

    Leica Introduces Exclusive ZM 1 Gold Watch – Price Tag: $28,000

    Leica, the renowned German camera manufacturer, has introduced a new limited-edition model of its ZM 1 watch, called the ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition. This exclusive timepiece pays tribute to the IA Luxus, a revered Leica camera that was launched in 1929 and featured an eye-catching gold and black color combination.

    Limited to only 50 pieces, the ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition is a highly sought-after collector's item, designed specifically for Leica's loyal clientele. While it maintains the same functionality as the original ZM 1, it boasts a distinct case and dial colorway.

    Specifications and Features

    The ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition is a 41mm watch that incorporates a custom movement from Lehmann Präzision. This movement offers various features, including timekeeping, date display, a power reserve indicator, and a special function for controlling the winding of the power reserve and setting the time.

    One notable feature of the watch is a red-capped button located within the crown at three o'clock. This button activates a special function, causing the movement to stop, the seconds display to reset to zero, and enabling the user to adjust the time by turning the crown.

    Additionally, there is a pusher positioned above the crown that allows for easy adjustment of the date. The watch also features a small aperture that appears white when the watch is in winding mode (running) or red when it is in setting mode. Drawing inspiration from cameras, the ZM 1 showcases a power reserve indicator that opens from the center, mimicking the blades of a camera shutter.

    Design and Pricing

    The ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition showcases a titanium crown and pusher set, adding to its durability and aesthetic appeal. It comes with a brown alligator strap that perfectly complements the 18k rose gold case and titanium pushers. The combination of these materials creates an elegant and sophisticated look.

    As for the pricing, the ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition is available at a price of $28,000. This price reflects the exclusivity and craftsmanship associated with Leica's limited-edition timepieces.

    In conclusion, the Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition is a remarkable timepiece that pays homage to the iconic IA Luxus camera. With its unique design elements, superior functionality, and limited availability, this watch is sure to captivate the hearts of watch collectors and photography enthusiasts alike.

  • Xiaomi 14 Series: Mobile Photography with Leica’s Premium Summilux Lens

    Xiaomi 14 Series: Mobile Photography with Leica’s Premium Summilux Lens

    In a world where smartphones are not just communication devices but also primary photography gadgets, the quality of a smartphone camera significantly impacts the user experience. Recently, Xiaomi unveiled its upcoming 14 series, stirring excitement among tech enthusiasts and photography aficionados. The buzz centers around the collaboration between Xiaomi and the iconic photography brand Leica, which is renowned for its high-quality lenses. The Xiaomi 14 series will feature Leica’s higher-end Summilux lens, promising to elevate mobile photography to new heights.

    Pioneering Partnership

    The Xiaomi-Leica partnership isn’t the first of its kind, but it is indeed groundbreaking for both brands. It marks a significant step toward blending premium photography technology with accessible mobile devices. Through this alliance, Xiaomi aims to challenge the status quo in smartphone photography, traditionally dominated by a few players. The inclusion of the Leica Summilux lens is not merely an upgrade; it’s a revolutionary move that underscores Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering top-notch photography solutions to its users.

    Summilux Lens: A Game Changer

    The Summilux lens by Leica is not your ordinary lens. It’s a hallmark of exceptional quality and performance in the photography world. Known for its larger aperture, the Summilux lens allows more light to enter, ensuring brighter images even in low-light conditions. This feature is a boon for mobile photographers who often find themselves in less than ideal lighting situations. Moreover, the lens promises sharp, clear images with a professional touch, something every photography enthusiast craves.

    The integration of the Summilux lens in the Xiaomi 14 series is anticipated to provide a significant boost in the camera’s performance, ensuring crisp, vibrant photos and videos. This collaboration is expected to set new benchmarks in mobile photography, enabling users to capture life’s moments in stunning clarity and detail.

    https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/1714564095247077546

    Anticipated Launch and Availability

    The excitement surrounding the Xiaomi 14 series is palpable, with the official launch confirmed for later this month. While the exact pricing details remain under wraps, the tech community is abuzz with speculations. The inclusion of the Leica Summilux lens undoubtedly adds a premium touch to the Xiaomi 14 series, and many are eager to see how this partnership will reshape the landscape of mobile photography.

    As Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries in smartphone technology, the 14 series with Leica’s Summilux lens is a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and dedication to delivering quality to its users.


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