Leica has announced the company’s second smartphone, the Leica Leitz Phone 2. Leica says that the smartphone has enhanced imaging and unique functionality to immerse users in Leica’s signature photography experience.
Camera
The Leitz Phone 2 has a large one-inch 47.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor on the main camera. The camera also has a focal length of 19 mm and a fast aperture of f/1.9. Leica claims that the Leitz Phone 2 captures images with high dynamic range and low image noise even in low ambient light. The main camera only has a 6x digital zoom and no optical zoom.
The Leica look
The Leitz Phone 2 has a proprietary software engine that Leica says brings the “Leica look” to smartphone photography. The software simulates Leitz looks based on the three iconic M lenses: the Summilux 28, the Summilux 35 and the Noctilux 50. You can also then choose color tones such as Monochrome for high-contrast black and white, Cinema Classic for a classic, analog 35 mm cinema film look and Cinema Contemporary.
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Video
Leica describes the Leitz Phone 2 as being “created for photo enthusiasts and for all those who want to become one.” As such, the company didn’t mention the video specifications for the smartphone either in the launch press release or on the product’s page on their own website. However, online reports have said that the Leitz Phone 2 is a rebadged Sharp Aquos R7. The Aquos R7 can shoot 8K video (7680x 4320 pixels) video at 30 fps. It can also record 4K video at up to 60 fps and up to 240 fps in 1080p.
General specification
The phone has a Qualcomm Snapdragon SM8450 processor. It also has an aluminum frame and a 6.6-inch OLED Gorilla Glass display which should make it robust. In addition, it is water and dust-repellant to IP68 and IP5X specifications.
Verdict
The Leitz Phone 2 is an interesting prospect for still photographers but costs more than the Sharp Aquos R7 on which it is based. It seems to be aimed at photographers who like the idea of a Leica badge and don’t mind paying for it. It’s difficult to recommend it for video shooters as the specifications are limited. There are also cheaper smartphones with better video capabilities.
Pricing and availability
The Leitz Phone 2 is only available in Japan. It costs around 225,000 yen which is approximately $1,620.