Tag: Leica partnership

  • Xiaomi 16 Ultra Confirmed with Leica Camera Enhancements

    Xiaomi 16 Ultra Confirmed with Leica Camera Enhancements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15 Ultra less than six months ago as competition for flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    2. CEO Lei Jun confirmed that the partnership with Leica will continue and intensify for the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra.
    3. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra is expected to have significant camera improvements over its predecessor, featuring a revamped triple camera system.
    4. Rumors suggest the new model will include a battery capacity of around 7,500 mAh.
    5. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra is anticipated to be unveiled at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, scheduled for March 2 to March 5, 2025.

    Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15 Ultra just under six months ago as its contender against the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,105 on Amazon) and other flagship devices with the Ultra label. Nevertheless, rumors are already circulating about the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra.

    CEO Comments on Rumors

    Unexpectedly, the CEO of Xiaomi has shared his thoughts on these speculations well ahead of the device’s expected launch. On Weibo, Lei Jun confirmed that the collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica will continue for the upcoming flagship smartphones. Digital Chat Station reports that this partnership will be more intensive this time, a point Lei Jun hints at in his Weibo update.

    Anticipated Camera Improvements

    Additionally, Xiaomi’s head honcho suggests that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will outshine its predecessor in camera technology. Recent whispers imply that the new model may include three significant enhancements within a revamped triple camera system. It is also rumored that Xiaomi’s Ultra flagship will feature a battery capacity of approximately 7,500 mAh. According to current speculation, all these features will be driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. However, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra is anticipated to be unveiled at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, which is scheduled for March 2 to March 5, 2025.

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    Xiaomi 16 Ultra Confirmed with Leica Camera Enhancements
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  • Xiaomi 14T Series Launch on Sept 26, Renders Reveal Details

    Xiaomi 14T Series Launch on Sept 26, Renders Reveal Details

    Xiaomi has set the global unveiling date for its new 14T smartphone series. The Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro are set to be introduced on September 26, aligning with the company’s emphasis on delivering high-performance mid-range devices that offer premium photography capabilities.

    This announcement highlights Xiaomi’s sustained collaboration with Leica, following their successful partnership on the Xiaomi 13T series. The 14T and 14T Pro will come equipped with Leica co-engineered lenses and advanced color science techniques.

    Photography and Design

    Xiaomi’s press release emphasizes “cinematic artistry and humanistic photography,” suggesting that the phones will feature new Leica color profiles.

    Anticipation for the launch has been heightened by leaked full renders of both phones. The images show the Xiaomi 14T in four color variants, while the 14T Pro is available in three. The distinctive Leica branding is visible on the rectangular camera module of both models, which will have a triple-camera setup with an LED flash. A periscope zoom lens is notably missing, a common trait for the Xiaomi T-series.

    The leaked images also highlight a curved back panel for the standard 14T, contrasting with the more linear design of the 14T Pro. Both models retain a flat-edged chassis design.

    Pricing and Specifications

    Xiaomi 14T Pro 12/512 GB – €899
- Titan Gray
- Titan Blue
- Titan Black
    


    Xiaomi 14T 12/256 GB – €699
- Lemon Green
- Titan Gray
- Titan Blue
- Titan Black

    Further information from the leaks reveals that the 14T will feature a 6.67-inch “1.5K” AMOLED display, offering a seamless 144Hz refresh rate and 4,000 nits of peak brightness.

    The devices are expected to operate on MediaTek Dimensity chipsets — the 14T will employ the Dimensity 8300-Ultra, and the 14T Pro will utilize the more advanced Dimensity 9300+. Both phones will come with 12GB of RAM, with storage options of 256GB for the 14T and 512GB for the 14T Pro.

    Camera and Durability

    Both models will be equipped with a 50MP main camera, complemented by a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. A 32MP front-facing camera will complete the photography suite. Additionally, both phones are projected to have IP68-rated water and dust resistance.

    Although official pricing details remain unconfirmed, speculations suggest that the Xiaomi 14T will start at €649, while the 14T Pro will be priced at €899.

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  • Xiaomi & Leica Unveil Mobile Photography Breakthrough

    Xiaomi & Leica Unveil Mobile Photography Breakthrough

    Xiaomi has recently been at the forefront of mobile photography advancements, notably being one of the pioneering smartphone manufacturers to introduce a 1-inch camera sensor. Collaborating with Leica has resulted in a significant enhancement of camera hardware and software in Xiaomi phones. The latest development from this partnership is the establishment of an optical institute.

    Xiaomi & Leica’s Optical Institute in China

    The new optical institute, a joint venture between Xiaomi and Leica, aims to design ultra-precision optical lenses in a compact form factor. The primary goals include achieving optimal performance in computational photography, adhering to the highest optical standards for lenses, and exploring cutting-edge optoelectronic technology applications. This initiative is highlighted on Xiaomi’s official website.

    Key personnel from both Xiaomi and Leica are actively involved in setting up this institute. Peter Karbe, renowned for his contributions to Leica’s premium Noctilux and APO lenses, will bring his expertise as an optical specialist. Zeng Xuezong, Senior Vice President of Xiaomi Group and President of the Xiaomi Mobile Phone Department, will assume the role of Director. Additionally, Yi Yan from Xiaomi Group’s Software Technical Team and Wang Xuanran, General Manager of Xiaomi Camera Department, will serve as Deputy Directors.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra

    The collaborative effort between Xiaomi and Leica has not yet materialized into a physical institute. Presently, plans are in place to establish three main laboratories in Beijing, focusing on Camera Hardware, Imaging, and Objective and Subjective Image Quality Evaluation.

    Xiaomi appears to be pushing the boundaries in mobile photography further. While the Xiaomi 13 Ultra already boasts a robust camera setup, expectations are high for the upcoming Xiaomi 14 Ultra, anticipated to offer even more advanced hardware capabilities. For a glimpse of what to expect, recent images captured using the Xiaomi 14 Ultra were shared in a previous article.

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  • Imminent Launch of Xiaomi 14 Series in India with Leica Collaboration

    Imminent Launch of Xiaomi 14 Series in India with Leica Collaboration

    Xiaomi India’s Partnership with Leica Hints at Xiaomi 14 Series Launch

    Earlier today (1st February 2024), Xiaomi India announced its strategic partnership with Leica, suggesting that the Xiaomi 14 series will soon be launched in India. This partnership also raises the possibility of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra featuring Leica branded lenses.

    Xiaomi 14 Series Launch in India Imminent

    The partnership between Xiaomi and Leica was revealed by the Chinese tech giant on X (formerly Twitter). As a quick recap, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro were flagship devices that were released with Leica camera lenses. In addition to these two models, Xiaomi is also working on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is part of the same series. The Ultra models typically launch after the mainline release and offer exceptional specifications and photography capabilities.

    Xiaomi’s Expansion into the Global Market

    While the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro have already been released in China, they have yet to hit the global market, including India. However, it is expected that Xiaomi will unveil the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, along with the base and Pro variants, during the upcoming MWC 2024 event. For those unfamiliar, the Mobile World Congress is scheduled to take place in late February, which suggests that an official announcement may be made around the same time.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Specifications and Features

    Recently, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra was spotted on various databases, including GeekBench, BIS, EEC, and IMEI. This not only confirmed its specifications but also indicated its impending release in India. The flagship phone is rumored to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and may feature an under-display selfie camera. Additionally, there are speculations that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will support satellite connectivity.

    The Xiaomi 14 series, with its Leica partnership, is generating a lot of excitement among smartphone enthusiasts. As the launch date approaches, more details about the devices’ pricing and availability will likely be revealed. Stay tuned for updates on Xiaomi’s highly anticipated flagship series.

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