Xiaomi and Leica renew collaboration, promising deeper co-creation efforts

Ahead of the Xiaomi 17 Series global release, Xiaomi and Leica announced that they have entered a new era in their partnership.

File photo: Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Xiaomi and Leica extend partnership. What does this mean?

Now in its 4th year, the partnership has evolved from joint R&D (co-engineering) into what they call a strategic "co-creation" model.

In particular, Xiaomi and Leica claim that engineers from both parties have finally managed to incorporate professional optics, design aesthetics, and interface concepts of Leica cameras into new Xiaomi smartphones.

The statement also revealed that the group will focus on "Essential Leica Imagery," suggesting that they are returning to Leica's core philosophies of capturing light, shadow, and decisive moments with authenticity.

It also aims to set new benchmarks in smartphone camera optics and design.

In short, this announcement means that new and upcoming Xiaomi smartphones will be more Leica than ever.

Read the full statement below:

The statement

To recap, Xiaomi started its partnership with Leica in 2025 with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra as its first model. Since then, both companies have continued releasing highly promising camera-centric phones. The latest and greatest masterpiece from its collaboration is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which will be available globally soon.

What do you guys think?

Source: Xiaomi