Tag: Leica optics

  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica Camera Confirms Optical Zoom Feature

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica Camera Confirms Optical Zoom Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s successor will feature a 200MP telephoto camera with true optical zoom capabilities.
    2. Zoom options include 0.6x, 1x, 2x, and a range from 3x to 4.3x, with an additional 8.6x zoom option, emphasizing improved optical quality.
    3. The new camera will use a larger 1/1.4-inch ISOCELL HPE sensor, replacing the previous 1/2.51-inch IMX858 sensor.
    4. The aperture will shift from F/2.2 at 70mm to F/2.9 at 100mm, although the telemacro function will be removed.
    5. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch in China on December 25, featuring a Leica APO lens and a new 1-inch sensor.


    Months ago, some insiders hinted that the upcoming Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s successor would feature a 200MP telephoto camera with true optical zoom, but there wasn’t any solid proof until recently. Now, initial images and promotional content have emerged on the Chinese Weibo platform that seem to validate these claims.

    Zoom Capabilities Confirmed

    The pictures reveal that, alongside the standard zoom options of 0.6x, 1x, and 2x, there is also a zoom range from 3x to 4.3x. This range appears to encompass focal lengths from 70mm to 100mm, along with an additional 8.6x zoom option. Notably, the terms “Leica 200 MP continuous optical zoom” and “high-fidelity optical quality” are specifically highlighted, indicating that Xiaomi is not just extending the zoom capabilities from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, but is also focusing on delivering improved quality.

    Specifications and Upgrades

    As reported by Cartidise on X, the aperture shifts from F/2.2 at 70mm to F/2.9 at 100mm zoom, which is a minor decrease compared to the previous model. However, the new 1/1.4-inch ISOCELL HPE sensor marks a significant enhancement over the 1/2.51-inch IMX858 used before. One drawback of the new zoom feature appears to be the elimination of the telemacro function, though it’s uncertain how the leaker got this information.

    Exciting Launch Ahead

    Next week is poised to be thrilling for Xiaomi enthusiasts, as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch in China, right in the festive Christmas period, likely on December 25. There are also confirmations regarding a Leica APO lens and a new 1-inch sensor that will be part of the offering.

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  • Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro Overview: Features and Expectations

    Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro Overview: Features and Expectations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Stylish Design: The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro features a sleek design with a flat back, rounded corners, and comes in multiple colors.

    2. High-Quality Display: It is expected to have a 6.55-inch quad-curved OLED display with 1.5K resolution and a high refresh rate.

    3. Powerful Hardware: The smartphone will run on Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, with options for up to 16GB of RAM and a battery capacity potentially exceeding 6,000mAh.

    4. Advanced Camera System: The Civi 5 Pro includes a 50MP triple-camera setup with Leica optics, enhancing photography, especially in low-light conditions.

    5. Launch Expectations: The launch is anticipated later this month, with rumors pointing to a possible unveiling in China on May 22, 2025.


    Xiaomi’s Civi series has gained a reputation for its stylish smartphones that come with top-tier specifications. True to the brand’s approach, these devices are also offered at competitive prices. The latest addition to this lineup, the Civi 5 Pro, has been making waves with recent certifications, leaks, and promotional material. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you can look forward to.

    Design and Display

    Recent teaser images showcase the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro in several colors, including purple, beige, white, and black. The back of the phone features a flat surface with rounded corners, showcasing a prominent circular camera module housing three sensors. Xiaomi prioritizes aesthetics in the Civi range, promising a slim, lightweight, and elegant design. On the front, it is anticipated that the device will have a 6.55-inch quad-curved OLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a high refresh rate, and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader.

    Hardware

    The Civi 5 Pro is set to pack impressive hardware. A recent GeekBench listing has confirmed that the phone will run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, with at least one variant offering 16GB of RAM. Moreover, it will likely launch with Android 15 OS, possibly featuring a HyperOS user interface. While early speculations suggested a battery capacity of 5,000mAh, newer reports indicate it could actually exceed 6,000mAh. Additionally, a March certification revealed support for 67W wired fast charging.

    Camera

    In terms of photography, the rear camera setup includes a 50MP triple-camera arrangement, with the primary sensor featuring an f/1.63 aperture, while the ultra-wide lens has an f/2.2 aperture and a 15mm focal length. The third camera is a telephoto with a 60mm focal length. For selfies and video calls, the Civi 5 Pro includes another 50MP camera. Like the flagship Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, this model will feature Leica optics. The latest teasers highlight the cameras equipped with LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:6.3-2.2/15-60 ASPH. The telephoto lens employs Leica’s floating design, drawing inspiration from the Xiaomi 15. Xiaomi claims enhancements in the image sensors, resulting in better resolution and a 25 percent boost in photosensitivity due to the new “ultra-transparent nano-prism,” which improves low-light performance.

    Launch timeline

    Xiaomi has officially announced the launch timeline for the Civi 5 Pro. While the precise release date is still unknown, it is expected to occur later this month. Rumors suggest that the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro could be unveiled in China on May 22, 2025.


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro Launch: New Flagship Smartphone and Pad 7 Max

    Xiaomi 15S Pro Launch: New Flagship Smartphone and Pad 7 Max

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15S Pro is expected to be launched soon, following the release of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
    2. An accidental leak by Xiaomi’s Kartikey Singh confirmed the existence of the Xiaomi 15S Pro through a sample image shared on Weibo.
    3. The anticipated launch date for the Xiaomi 15S Pro is rumored to be in April, possibly in the second week.
    4. The device may be unveiled alongside a new high-end tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Max.
    5. The Xiaomi 15S Pro is expected to have a design similar to the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro, and will likely feature the same camera setup with Leica optics and Xiaomi’s own SoC, “XRING.”


    After the global launch of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra at the beginning of the month, it looks like Xiaomi is already focusing on another addition to its lineup. The upcoming device is likely to be named the Xiaomi 15S Pro and is anticipated to make its debut soon.

    Accidental Leak

    According to Kartikey Singh, a director at Xiaomi Software, he seems to have “mistakenly” posted a sample image taken with the Xiaomi 15S Pro on Weibo, which has since been removed. While the image doesn’t reveal much, it appears to confirm the rumors about the flagship phone and its upcoming release.

    Expected Launch Date

    Reports suggest that the Xiaomi 15S Pro is on track for a quick launch, with several sources in China hinting at an April release—possibly as soon as the second week of the month. There are also claims that it will be introduced alongside a new high-end tablet, likely the 14-inch Xiaomi Pad 7 Max.

    Design and Features

    Although many specifics about the Xiaomi 15S Pro are still unclear, it’s believed to have a similar design to the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro. A notable change might be the incorporation of Xiaomi’s own SoC, branded as “XRING.” Rumors indicate that the 15S Pro will sport the same camera setup as the Xiaomi 15 Pro, along with Leica optics.

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