Xiaomi has officially confirmed that its Leica collaboration smartphone will launch globally as the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi on 2026-02-28 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The device joins the standard Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra at the same event, which begins at 2 PM Barcelona time.
The global version features distinct branding and design changes compared to the Chinese Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. Xiaomi has rotated the Leica lettering, logo, and camera hardware inscription by 90 degrees so they read correctly when held in portrait orientation, and the black frame has been replaced with a silver alternative. The device sports a dark gray finish rather than the dual-tone design of the Chinese model.
Leaked photos showing these design changes have proven accurate according to Xiaomi's new teaser. The Leica Leitzphone is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 16 GB RAM and a Leica-tuned triple camera system comprising a 50 MP main sensor, 50 MP ultra-wide camera, and 200 MP periscope telephoto lens. The partnership represents an upgraded Global Imaging Strategic Cooperation between Xiaomi and Leica focused on smartphone optical systems.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform powering the device received same-day upstream Linux kernel support from Qualcomm, with 20 initial patches submitted to the Linux Kernel Mailing List covering core features including CPU management, GPU, storage, and power management subsystems. While the patches are under review and complete mainline integration remains ongoing, this represents a significant improvement in day-zero Linux support for Qualcomm mobile platforms compared to previous generations.
Pricing and specific market availability details remain unannounced.
