The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is officially heading to international markets, but it won’t carry the same name outside China. Recent certification from Thailand’s NBTC has confirmed that the device will launch globally under a new branding: Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
While the name may sound lengthy, it actually reflects Leica’s branding history. The Leitzphone line previously included three models that were exclusive to Japan. With this move, it appears Leica is repositioning the lineup for a broader audience by aligning it directly with Xiaomi’s flagship hardware. The name itself also carries historical significance—Ernst Leitz was the founder of Leica, and the company’s name is derived from a combination of “Leitz” and “camera.”
The globally rebranded Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi carries the model number 25128PNA1G, as revealed in the Thai certification documents. A prototype bearing the same model number has also surfaced in the Geekbench AI database, confirming key hardware details. Just like the Chinese version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the global variant is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The listing further confirms 16GB of RAM, positioning the device firmly in ultra-premium territory.
On the software side, the smartphone is expected to ship with Android 16 out of the box. It will reportedly run Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 on top, delivering the brand’s latest custom interface and ecosystem features. This combination should ensure top-tier performance, AI capabilities, and extended software support from day one.
In China, the Leica Edition of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced higher than the standard version, reflecting its exclusive branding and likely camera tuning enhancements. Based on that pricing structure, it’s reasonable to expect the global Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi to command a premium over the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra in international markets as well.
As for availability, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to be officially unveiled for global markets on February 28. With certification already in place and benchmark listings confirming its specifications, an announcement now appears imminent.
For photography enthusiasts and premium smartphone buyers alike, this collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica could deliver one of the most compelling flagship camera experiences of the year.
