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| Xiaomi's official Leica Leitzphone teaser. |
Xiaomi is gearing up for a major international launch event this Saturday, February 28, strategically timed just days after Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy S26 series. The tech community is buzzing with anticipation, and new teasers have confirmed that the company has more than just its standard flagship models up its sleeve.
The Leica Leitzphone Era Begins
Initially, the rumor mill focused on the global debut of the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra as the natural successors to the Galaxy S26 lineup. However, Xiaomi has officially confirmed a third, highly anticipated device: the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi .
This new variant is a global evolution of the special Leica Edition that launched with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China late last year . By branding it as the "Leitzphone," Xiaomi is doubling down on its partnership with the legendary German camera manufacturer, aiming to create a distinct identity that appeals to photography enthusiasts .
As you can see in the official teaser , the device will feature a unique design language that sets it apart from its counterparts.
A Design Confirmed by Leaks
Leading up to the event, leaked device photos surfaced online, giving fans their first look at the potential design of the new Leica Leitzphone. Now, Xiaomi has confirmed that these leaks were accurate .
The most distinctive feature is the treatment of the Leica branding. Unlike the Chinese model or the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the Leitzphone rotates the Leica logo by 90 degrees. This means the iconic red dot and lettering are oriented to be read when the phone is held vertically, much like a traditional Leica camera . The back panel also appears to feature a cleaner, darker, single-tone finish, moving away from the two-tone look of its predecessor for a more understated, premium feel .
Despite the name change and aesthetic tweaks, the core photography hardware is expected to remain top-tier. The device is rumored to retain the mechanical rotating zoom ring found on the Chinese Leica Edition, a feature that allows for precise, camera-like control over focal lengths and settings .
Global Availability and What to Expect
The February 28 event, set to take place in Barcelona ahead of Mobile World Congress, will serve as the global launch pad for this trio of devices . While the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra will serve as the company's flagship contenders against the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the Leica Leitzphone is positioned as a halo product for the most dedicated mobile photography fans.
Pricing for the Leica Leitzphone remains a mystery for now, though it is expected to command a premium over the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra. For comparison, the current generation Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available at major retailers .
Check the latest price of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4s895Y0
All will be revealed in just a few days. With its official confirmation and the validation of leaked designs, the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is shaping up to be one of the most interesting smartphone releases of the year. Stay tuned for full coverage from the February 28 event.
Rooted in Leica's century of light and shadow and shaped by four years of collaboration, Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi takes mobile imaging forward.
— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) February 26, 2026
Tune in to witness the birth of a new legend at Xiaomi Launch.
Mark your calendar: 📝 February 28, 14:00 (GMT+1). pic.twitter.com/bqQcp5fJnn