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9 / 10 Score Cnet Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi Pros Stunning image quality
Plethora of Leica color effects
Physical ring to control camera settings
Powerful processor performance Cons Very high price
Battery life could be better
Not sold in the US
The Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone is the best, most exciting camera phone I have ever used. And I've used them all, including Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra. And while they're both great phone cameras for most people, Xiaomi and Leica's latest collaboration has resulted in a handset that's arguably more camera than it is phone.
The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi -- to use its full official name -- is Xiaomi's latest flagship Android phone, developed in partnership with the iconic German camera brand Leica. You can buy the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra in a more conventional form, with minimal Leica branding. But it's the Leitzphone version that has the photographer in me buzzing like a hive of bees that just heard honey prices are set to soar.
The Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi is notable for prioritizing the photography experience above nearly everything else. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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