Tag: Leica camera

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Stunning Night & Portrait Photos with Leica Optics

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be launched on February 27, with extensive promotional content shared on Weibo.

    2. Camera Enhancements: The device features significant camera improvements, including the first “Leica Super-Low-Reflection-Lens-Glass” to reduce reflections by 1.5%.

    3. New Camera Specs: It boasts a new 200 MP periscope telephoto lens and a 1-inch main camera, although the LYT-900 sensor remains unchanged.

    4. Photography Capabilities: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra aims to excel in low-light conditions, with claims of impressive portrait photography.

    5. Promotional Strategy: Xiaomi is actively promoting the camera’s speed and performance through engaging content on social media platforms.


    In the lead-up to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s launch on February 27, the company is unleashing a flurry of promotional content, staying true to its usual style. Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, has become a hotspot for Xiaomi enthusiasts. Recently, numerous teaser images and posters showcasing the new Leica camera flagship have emerged, and we are excited to share them with our readers.

    Exciting New Features

    The teasers, which have been translated (see below), reveal a variety of fresh features, particularly for the quad-camera setup. Reports suggest that the camera optics have seen significant enhancements. This model introduces the first “Leica Super-Low-Reflection-Lens-Glass” on a Xiaomi device, also referred to as “Leica Ultrapure Optics.” It is claimed to minimize reflections effectively, boasting 24 layers that reduce unwanted reflections by 1.5%. Furthermore, with new sensor tech, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra aims to earn the title of the “Night God” in the smartphone arena—an accolade recently attributed to Oppo’s Find X8 Ultra.

    Camera Specifications

    Xiaomi is also promoting a new 1-inch main camera; however, there haven’t been any known changes to the LYT-900 sensor. A highlight is the introduction of a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens with a 100mm equivalent optical focal length, featuring an F/2.6 aperture and a 1/1.4 inch sensor. All this impressive capability is showcased in the images shared below. While the sensor is already known from Vivo’s offerings, like the Vivo X200 Pro, the partnership with Leica gives the Xiaomi 15 Ultra a distinct character.

    Impressive Performance

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra seems to capture great portraits, with many of the images presented taken in lower lighting conditions. It’s wise to approach official sample photos with caution, as not everyone can instantly master photography with a new camera. Moreover, some brands have faced allegations of dishonesty in the past.

    After the Xiaomi global account on Instagram transformed a pigeon into a larger-than-life creature, they’ve now turned their attention to capturing athletes in motion on X (formerly Twitter). Regardless, the video below suggests that this Leica camera is capable of taking very rapid shots.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Key Features of Primary and Periscope Sensors

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Key Features of Primary and Periscope Sensors

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a “Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System” for enhanced clarity and light capture, focusing on night photography.
    2. It includes a 1-inch primary sensor and a 200 MP periscope telephoto with lossless zoom capabilities from 0.6x to 17.3x.
    3. The camera system includes a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP telephoto lens with a macro mode, protected by low-reflection lens glass to reduce glare.
    4. The expected price for the 512 GB model is €1,099 in Europe, making it competitive against similar flagship models.
    5. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is codenamed “Night God,” highlighting its focus on superior low-light photography performance.


    Xiaomi is preparing to fully reveal its new flagship camera phone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Recently, the company has shared teasers that highlight the design of this Snapdragon 8 Elite device, along with details about its primary and periscope telephoto cameras.

    Camera Features

    The latest teasers indicate that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature a “Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System.” According to the company, this imaging system is designed to improve clarity and enhance light capture. Notably, this flagship phone is codenamed “Night God,” which underscores its emphasis on superior performance in night photography.

    Specifications Breakdown

    For its camera arrangement, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will have a new 1-inch primary sensor and pair it with a 200 MP periscope telephoto. The company has confirmed that this periscope telephoto will utilize a 1/1.4-inch sensor size and have an f/2.6 aperture. Although there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, recent leaks suggest that the sensor used may be the Samsung HP9.

    Past information has also mentioned that the periscope telephoto will provide lossless zoom capabilities ranging from 0.6x up to 17.3x. Regarding the other two rear cameras, one is rumored to be a 50 MP ultrawide with an f/2.2 aperture, while the other is said to be a 50 MP telephoto with an f/1.8 aperture that supports a telephoto macro mode. Another teaser from Xiaomi revealed that the rear camera system is protected by “Leica super low-reflection lens glass,” noted for its reflectivity as low as 1.5%, which should help reduce glare in low-light photos.

    Pricing and Availability

    Although there’s no official pricing yet, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with 512 GB of storage is anticipated to be priced at €1,099 in Europe (in comparison, the 512 GB Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently $1,299.99 on Amazon). It is also expected to come with the Watch S4 as part of a pre-order promotion.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Leica Camera Flagship Launched in 3 Colors

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Leica Camera Flagship Launched in 3 Colors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Color Options: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be available in three colors: dual-tone, black, and white, with the dual-tone being a new feature.

    2. Launch Dates: The phone will be unveiled in China on February 27 and globally on March 2.

    3. Camera Upgrades: The camera layout has changed, with a top-positioned 200 MP periscope telephoto lens and three additional cameras below it.

    4. Camera Specs: Expected camera specifications include a 50 MP ultrawide lens, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a primary 50 MP sensor with optical image stabilization.

    5. Potential Bundles: Speculations suggest that the global edition may include a Watch S4 as a pre-order incentive.


    Xiaomi has revealed more details about its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which is made in partnership with Leica. As previously reported, this new phone will come in three distinct color options: a dual-tone variant, black, and white. The black and white options were also offered with the previous model, but the dual-tone is a special feature of this new Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship.

    Launch Dates Confirmed

    Along with the color choices, Xiaomi has announced the launch dates for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. While it will officially be introduced globally on March 2, the unveiling event in China is happening earlier, on February 27—just a mere three days from now.

    Camera Configuration Changes

    Returning to the design, the official images show a revamped arrangement for the back camera setup. Unlike its predecessor, which had a symmetrical layout for its camera modules, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will have its periscope telephoto lens positioned at the top.

    Below this sensor, there are three additional cameras. Although Xiaomi hasn’t provided complete details about the rear cameras yet, earlier reports indicate that the top periscope telephoto lens will feature a 200 MP HP9 sensor. The other three cameras are expected to include a 50 MP Samsung JN5 ultrawide lens, a 50 MP IMX858 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a primary 50 MP LYT900 sensor equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS).

    Additional Features and Leaks

    Recent leaks have hinted that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may come with a new photography kit, which might include more buttons compared to previous versions. Furthermore, it’s been speculated that the global edition could come bundled with the Watch S4 as a pre-order incentive (currently priced at $244.99 on Amazon for the LTE Pixel Watch 2).

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Gets Certification Before March 2 Global Launch

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Gets Certification Before March 2 Global Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been certified for the UAE market with model number 25010PN30G, set for global release on March 2, 2025.
    2. It features a 50MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 4.3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, enhancing image quality and low-light performance through a partnership with Leica.
    3. The device will have a 6,000mAh battery in China (5,400mAh globally), offering 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging.
    4. It is equipped with a 6.73-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.
    5. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will have an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.


    Xiaomi’s latest flagship has made another appearance online. Recently, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was listed on a certification platform in the UAE, just weeks before its global launch. Here are the key points to note.

    Certification Details

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been identified on the TDRA database with the model number 25010PN30G (source: TheTechoutlook). This listing pertains to the international version of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. However, the certification did not disclose detailed specifications, design elements, or other important details. It does confirm that this model will be available in the UAE. For those who may not know, Xiaomi plans to introduce this photography-focused flagship to the worldwide market on March 2, 2025.

    Expected Features

    Recent reports suggest that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature a 50MP Sony LYT900 1-inch sensor for its main camera, along with a 200MP periscope telephoto lens that provides 4.3x optical zoom, plus a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The device is likely to offer better image quality for zoomed images and in low-light situations. Sample images shared by the company’s CEO, Lei Jun, showcase this improvement. Importantly, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues its partnership with Leica for camera enhancements.

    Battery and Display

    From what we’ve gathered, the device is set to include a large 6,000mAh battery in China (5,400mAh for global models), with 90W wired fast charging and 80W wireless charging capabilities. It will also feature a tall 6.73-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Additionally, it will have an IP68/IP69 rating for protection against water and dust.


  • Sharp AQUOS R9 Pro: High-Performance Smartphone with Leica Cameras

    Sharp AQUOS R9 Pro: High-Performance Smartphone with Leica Cameras

    Sharp is getting ready to launch its top-of-the-line smartphone, the AQUOS R9 Pro, which will first hit stores in Japan in early December 2024. Following that, the phone will also be released in Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore. The R9 Pro is designed to attract mobile photographers and tech enthusiasts, emphasizing photography, performance, and advanced features. Before it officially arrives in stores, the company has shared most of the AQUOS R9 Pro’s specifications through a press announcement.

    Advanced Photography Features

    Focusing on photography, the AQUOS R9 Pro comes with a triple-camera setup created in partnership with Leica. Each camera—standard, wide-angle, and telephoto—boasts impressive 50.3 MP sensors. The main camera is equipped with a sizable 1/0.98-inch sensor, making it perfect for low-light environments and enhancing night photography.

    Versatile Lens Options

    The wide-angle lens provides a 122° field of view, which is great for both landscape and macro photography, while the telephoto lens offers 2.8x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom, enabling users to capture sharp images of far-away subjects. Support for Dolby Vision improves video quality, making colors more vibrant and clear. Plus, a conveniently placed large shutter button on the side of the device allows for quick access to the camera and ensures focus locking without the need to touch the screen.


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  • Xiaomi 15 Pro Launches: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6100mAh, Triple 50MP Cameras

    Xiaomi 15 Pro Launches: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6100mAh, Triple 50MP Cameras

    Xiaomi has revealed the much-awaited Xiaomi 15 Pro, right after the Xiaomi 15 launch. This flagship device comes with top-notch features and introduces Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Let’s look at its main specifications.

    Key Specifications of Xiaomi 15 Pro

    The Xiaomi 15 Pro features a 6.73-inch 2K OLED curved display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440. It utilizes TCL CSOT’s M9 luminous materials, incorporating a dual-layer microcavity emission structure that cuts power use by 24% in comparison to the Xiaomi 14 Pro. The display supports LTPO adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1-120Hz and includes a three-level screen partition refresh.

    With a 300Hz touch sampling rate and an instantaneous 2,560Hz touch sampling rate, interactions are incredibly responsive. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 3,200 nits and is protected by Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 2.0, which offers 25-30% better drop resistance.

    Performance Enhancements

    Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and the second-generation Oryon CPU, the Xiaomi 15 Pro shows a 45% boost in both single-core and multi-core performance, alongside a 44% increase in energy efficiency when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    The device includes LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for smooth multitasking and rapid data speeds. Additionally, it features a wing-shaped circular cooling system with a heat dissipation area of 4,053mm², while Xiaomi’s HyperCore microarchitecture scheduler enhances overall performance.

    Running on Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 2, this system is tailored to improve user experience and system performance. It comes with updated features, better integration within Xiaomi’s ecosystem, and improved power management for longer battery life.

    Impressive Camera Features

    One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 15 Pro is its camera system. It has a Leica-powered triple-camera arrangement with a 50MP main sensor (Sony LYT900, 1/1.3″, f/1.44 aperture, OIS), a 50MP ultra-wide sensor (Samsung S5KJN1, f/2.2), and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens (Sony IMX858, OIS).

    The periscope lens provides 5X optical zoom and 10X lossless zoom, thanks to Xiaomi’s ALD ultra-transparency coating and Leica-custom optics for enhanced image clarity. It also includes UltraZOOM-20X for capturing finer details. The front camera is a 32MP OmniVision OV32B40 sensor for great selfies.

    The Xiaomi 15 series brings dynamic photos (Live Photos), marking it as the first Android device to allow sharing and viewing on platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu, making it easy for users to capture and share memorable moments.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The Xiaomi 15 Pro is equipped with a 6,100mAh battery constructed from high-voltage cobalt lithium and silicon-carbon nanotubes, achieving 850Wh/L energy density and retaining 80% capacity after 1,600 cycles. It supports 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging, with Xiaomi’s Surge P3 and G1 chips enhancing charging efficiency and battery longevity.

    The device also offers satellite connectivity for 3.5km offline communication via its Surge T1S signal enhancement chip. It includes Goodix Technology’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, and supports Wi-Fi 7. Other features include stereo speakers, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), an X-axis linear motor, and an infrared remote control.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi 15 Pro comes in three colors: Spruce Green, Rock Grey, and White, along with a Bright Silver edition.

    Currently, the phone is available for pre-order in China and will officially go on sale starting at 10 AM (CST) on October 31, with the base price set at 5,299 Yuan ($742) for the 12GB+256GB model. The 16GB+512GB version is priced at 5,799 Yuan ($812), while the 16GB+1TB variant costs 6,499 Yuan ($910), with an extra 200 Yuan ($28) for the Bright Silver edition.

    You can purchase the Xiaomi 15 Pro through Xiaomi’s official website, Xiaomi Mall, and authorized retail partners.


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  • Xiaomi 15/15 Pro Camera Improvements: Official Image Samples

    Xiaomi 15/15 Pro Camera Improvements: Official Image Samples

    Xiaomi has released image samples for the upcoming Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro prior to their official launch, highlighting improvements in their camera technology. The company has combined a compact Leica optical system with Xiaomi AISP 2.0, asserting that the AI-based image processing algorithm now processes images 82% faster. Samples from both the main and telephoto cameras were shared, showcasing better detail, more vibrant colors, and enhanced overall image quality.

    Analyzing the Xiaomi 15 Pro Samples

    The telephoto lens in the Xiaomi 15 Pro has been upgraded from 3.2x to 5x. Sample photos taken in various lighting conditions show rich details and bright colors, with minimal noise in low-light images. While the low-light shots are a bit softer, they retain clarity without obvious graininess, thanks to advances in computational photography. The main camera shots also display excellent detail retention and a wide dynamic range.

    Overview of the Xiaomi 15 Samples

    In the case of the standard model, it keeps a 3.2x telephoto lens, but digital cropping at 120mm (5x) still provides a solid amount of detail along with bright colors. Images taken at 60mm (within the 2x-3x range using digital zoom) presented decent details, few artifacts, and a pleasing background blur. Both models come equipped with a triple 50MP camera setup, underscoring the brand’s focus on camera performance.

    Additional Features and Specifications

    On another note, the Xiaomi 15 Pro boasts a 6,100mAh battery, which offers a 38% enhancement in battery longevity compared to its predecessor. Although the battery capacity for the standard model is yet to be revealed, it is expected to provide a 23% increase in battery life. Both phones sport a flat design, but the Pro variant features a micro-quad-curved glass around the camera area and on the front, while the standard model opts for a more straightforward flat glass design.

    Both devices will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, promising significant upgrades in CPU and GPU capabilities. In conclusion, the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro seem to be robust options for anyone considering an upgrade in 2024, even with a possible price hike.


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