The renowned German camera manufacturer Leica has again made a bold foray into the smartphone market by unveiling its latest offering, the Leica Leitz Phone 2. The device has been quietly available in Japan for a year and offers several significant upgrades over its predecessor.
The Leica Leitz Phone 2 boasts a sleek and industrial-looking machined frame that houses a large 6.6-inch flat IGZO OLED display with a high 240Hz refresh rate and grooved flat side edges. The device is designed to be stylish and functional, with the grooves improving grip and adding to its industrial appearance. Weighing in at only 211g, the Leica Leitz Phone 2 is one of the lightest high-end smartphones on the market.
Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and features 12GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB with microSD cards. The phone is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 100 minutes using its USB-C charging port.
The standout feature of the Leica Leitz Phone 2 is its unique camera system, which includes a massive 47.2-megapixel rear sensor with a 19mm focal length and f1.9 maximum aperture. This high-quality camera system allows for stunning photography and videography, including 8K video recording.
In addition, the 1.9-megapixel portrait sensor allows users to add fake bokeh effects to their images. The camera system is protected by a Leica-branded magnetic cap when not in use, ensuring it stays safe and protected.
The Leica Leitz Phone 2 runs on Android 12 out of the box, but there is yet to be a word on whether or not it will receive an upgrade to Android 13. The phone comes pre-installed with several software tweaks and presets inspired by Leica’s iconic brand, similar to the Leitz Phone 1 released last year.
The Leica Leitz Phone 2 is currently only available in Japan and comes in one color, white. It is priced at JPY 265,360, or approximately $1,540, making it a high-end smartphone option for photography enthusiasts and those looking for a premium device.
Leica Leitz Phone 2: Detailed Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6-inch flat IGZO OLED with 240Hz refresh rate, grooved flat side edges for improved grip |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| 5,000mAh, 100-minute charge time via USB-C | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB, expandable up to 1TB with microSD |
| Battery | Android 12, no information available on the Android 13 update |
| Rear Camera | 47.2-megapixel with 19mm focal length and f1.9 aperture, 8K video recording, includes a Leica-branded magnetic cap for protection |
| Portrait Camera | 1.9-megapixel for bokeh effects |
| Operating System | Android 12, no information available on Android 13 update |
| Weight | 211g |
| Price | JPY 265,360 (approximately $1,540) |
| Availability | Currently only available in Japan, in one color option: white |
This device is a re-creation of the Sharp Aquos R7, with hardware tweaks and software tuning for improved distinction from the original device. The machined frame and industrial appearance, combined with the high-powered camera system, make the Leica Leitz Phone 2 a standout option for photography enthusiasts. However, the slightly older processor and limited availability may be drawbacks for some consumers.
In conclusion, the Leica Leitz Phone 2 is a stunning smartphone with a powerful combination of industrial design, a high-quality camera system, and premium performance. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking for a sleek and powerful smartphone, the Leica Leitz Phone 2 is worth considering.
