Xiaomi India and Leica Camera have announced a long-term strategic partnership focused on mobile imaging. The objective of the partnership “is the joint development of innovative solutions in the segment of camera modules for smartphones as well as the optimization of optical performance. The strategic alliance between Xiaomi and Leica Camera AG demonstrates the passion to continually push the boundaries of what is technologically possible,” according to the official statement. The collaboration promises to “bring consumers the best elements of” both global brands.

The first smartphone co-designed by the two companies, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, was launched globally in July 2022. Pricing for this smartphone starts at CNY 5,999 (approximately Rs. 70,700) for the 8GB storage variant of RAM + 256 GB. The phone is also available in a 12 GB + 256 GB model for CNY 6,499 (around Rs. 76,600) and a premium model at CNY 6,999 (around Rs. 82,500).

Running on Android-based MIUI 13, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is powered by the octa-core Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, along with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It features a 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED micro-curved display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz, and a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits. The display also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and has DCI-P3 color gamut.

The phone has three rear cameras, including a 1-inch 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 primary sensor with an f/1.9 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). A 48-megapixel camera sensor is also available with a periscope-shaped lens in the camera setup. There’s also another 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The rear camera setup includes a laser autofocus sensor and an LED flash panel. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra also has a 32-megapixel front-facing selfie camera sensor. A collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica has allowed users to attach a Leica M-series lens to their Xiaomi 12S Ultra phones.

Xiaomi and Leica aim to develop innovative solutions and optimize optical performance in the smartphone camera module segment through their joint development and engineering efforts.

“Xiaomi has made breakthroughs in smartphone photography and has extensive experience in the research and development of imaging systems and AI algorithms. Leica brings to this partnership its global expertise in optical engineering, design, imaging software and customer experience related to the art of photography. Leica supports Xiaomi in its efforts to achieve the best possible imaging results in the field of smartphone photography – and to take it to the next level of quality,” the statement said.

The companies reportedly previously announced their partnership at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, where they are expected to showcase their Xiaomi 13 series collaboration.