When Xiaomi introduced the 17 Ultra Leica Edition in China last December, it immediately stood out as one of the more distinctive flagship phones in recent memory. A physical zoom ring wrapped around the camera module, a 200MP telephoto sensor, and deep Leica involvement gave the device a unique identity among premium smartphones. That same handset is now preparing for a global rollout, but it will arrive under a different name.
Xiaomi confirmed through its Spanish social account that the global version will be called the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. The company plans to unveil this model alongside the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra at an event in Barcelona, Spain, scheduled for February 28.
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is more than a simple rebadge of the China-only release. The international model includes a number of visible design refinements. Rather than the two-tone finish of the Chinese variant, the global device adopts a uniform dark gray rear panel for a more cohesive appearance. The Leica branding and the camera module’s engraved text have also been rotated 90 degrees compared to the original edition, giving the module a subtly different orientation on the back of the phone.
Most importantly for photographers and enthusiasts, the mechanical zoom ring appears to be preserved in the global version. That ring is a central feature: it allows users to fine-tune focal length, adjust exposure, and dial in white balance by hand, creating an experience that more closely resembles operating a traditional camera lens than using a typical smartphone camera interface. This hands-on control is one of the chief selling points of the Leitzphone concept and a rare tactile feature in modern flagships.
Under the hood, the international Leitzphone is expected to mirror the hardware of the Chinese Leica Edition. Key specifications should include a high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a large 6.9-inch 2K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a substantial 6,800mAh battery capable of fast 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The standout imaging component remains the 200MP periscope-style telephoto sensor with continuous optical zoom, enabling long-range shooting with improved detail and flexibility compared with conventional multi-lens setups.
A Quick Note on the Name
It is worth clarifying the relationship between the new Leica Leitzphone and earlier products that used the Leitz name. Leica has previously collaborated on Leitz Phones produced by a different partner, but those devices were built by another manufacturer and released primarily for the Japanese market. The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is a distinct product, the outcome of a multi-year collaboration between Leica and Xiaomi. While the Leitz name may be familiar to some consumers, the new device is not directly connected to those earlier Japan-focused models beyond the shared Leica branding lineage.
Xiaomi has not yet revealed official global pricing for the Leitzphone. For reference, the China-only Leica Edition launched at a starting price of roughly $1,140, which suggests the international model will likely be priced in a similar range or possibly higher, depending on regional taxes and local market positioning. With the Barcelona event imminent, more precise details about availability, regional variants, and pricing should become available very soon.
Overall, the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi represents a notable effort to bring a camera-forward flagship to a global audience, combining premium display and battery specifications with camera hardware and a physical control interface that set it apart from most mainstream smartphones. For photographers who value tactile controls and a camera-first design ethos, the upcoming global launch will be an important moment to evaluate whether the device delivers on its ambitious promises.