This isn’t just another flagship with a big image sensor and some artificial intelligence (AI) buzzwords slapped on top. Leica appears to have asked a more fundamental question: What should a Leica phone feel like to a photographer? The answer is not merely technical. It is aesthetic, tactile, and intentional.

• Price: S$2,299, get it at Leica Online Store
• Display: 6.9 inches, 2,608 x 1,200 pixels
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Rear cameras: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide); 50MP, f/2.2 (ultra-wide); 200MP, f/2.4-3.0 (periscope telephoto, up to 4.3 optical zoom)
• Selfie camera: 50MP, f/2.2
• Battery: 6,000mAh
• Weight: 220g

The design of Leitzphone distinguishes itself immediately, albeit sharing the same shell as Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Where many contemporary flagships lean toward glossy spectacle, Leica opts for restraint. The rear panel is finished in black fibreglass, subtly textured and deliberately understated. A knurled metal frame adds grip and a tactile nod to traditional camera bodies. And in one corner sits the unmistakable red dot – no longer absent from Xiaomi hardware, but fully endorsed here.

The device is unapologetically substantial. At over 220g with a prominent circular camera module, it does not pretend to be delicate. Instead, it embraces its identity as a tool. It feels closer to a photographic instrument than a lifestyle accessory. This industrial clarity of purpose is reinforced by the included accessories — notably a case with a lens cap and wrist strap — small gestures that further blur the line between smartphone and camera.

One of the Leitzphone’s most distinctive features is the rotating camera ring encircling the lens module. It can be configured to adjust zoom, exposure, or Leica colour profiles, and even to launch the camera application.

In theory, it introduces a welcome physicality to mobile photography — an antidote to purely on-screen interaction. In practice, opinions are divided. Some find the tactile engagement satisfying and precise; some consider it too easy to rotate inadvertently and less intuitive than on-screen controls. I find it to certainly a good-to-have, but not essential.

Yet, the ambition is noteworthy. Smartphone makers are less willing to experiment with mechanical interaction in a category increasingly defined by software abstraction. Leica’s willingness to attempt something different is itself a statement.

Beneath its refined exterior, the Leitzphone shares its core imaging hardware with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The main camera features a 50-megapixel (MP) 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L image sensor paired with a large-aperture ƒ/1.7 lens. Crucially, it incorporates LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, designed to expand dynamic range by improving highlight retention.

The telephoto module is equally ambitious with a 200MP image sensor coupled with a mechanically moving 75–100mm optical zoom. Rather than switching between fixed focal lengths or relying heavily on digital cropping, the lens physically shifts within that range. While 25mm of zoom range may appear modest on paper, it places the phone squarely within classic portrait territory.

The ultra-wide-angle and front-facing cameras complete the array, but it is the interplay between the 1-inch main image sensor and the mechanical telephoto that defines the Leitzphone’s photographic character. You can see the zoom range of the Leitzphone below.

The most consequential innovation here may not be the mechanical zoom but LOFIC technology in the main sensor. Highlight control, long a weakness of smartphone photography, is markedly improved. Bright skies retain texture. Artificial lighting at night resists clipping. Shadows remain rich without being artificially lifted to the point of sterility.

There is, however, a caveat: LOFIC is present only on the main camera. As a result, the telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lenses cannot always match its dynamic range performance perfectly. The disparity is subtle but noticeable in challenging lighting conditions.

If hardware provides the structure, software supplies the soul. The Leitzphone expands upon Xiaomi’s existing Leica collaboration by introducing additional Leica-specific modes and filters. Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant serve as overarching colour profiles, while a broader array of Leica Looks, including Chrome, Classic, Contemporary, Brass, and Monochrome High Contrast, allow for nuanced stylistic control.

Particularly noteworthy is Leica Essential mode, which emulates the color rendering of the Leica M9 and the monochrome aesthetic of the M3 paired with Monopan 50 film. These are not superficial filters; they are carefully tuned simulations that encourage intentional shooting.

For photographers inclined toward black-and-white street work or filmic tonal restraint, these modes are more than novelty. They offer a distinctive visual identity directly out of camera.

Beyond imaging, the Leitzphone is a fully realized flagship. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, performance is fluid and uncompromising. The 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display is bright, sharp, and well-suited to reviewing images in detail.

Battery capacity stands at 6,000mAh with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. While endurance is solid, intensive photography sessions can deplete the battery quickly. It remains reliable for a full day of typical use, though not exceptional within its class.

In Singapore, at S$2,299, the Leitzphone is S$500 more expensive than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (though the Xiaomi model has a smaller 512GB storage compared to Leitzphone’s 1TB). The Leitzphone’s additional cost is attributable to its design refinements, Leica-exclusive software elements, and branding. Whether that premium is justified depends less on specifications and more on sensibility. Leica has never competed on price; it competes on experience.

VERDICT: The Leica Leitzphone is not simply a smartphone with a large sensor. It is a deliberate exploration of what mobile photography can be when guided by a century-old camera philosophy.

It prioritises mood over maximal processing, tonal depth over exaggerated HDR, and tactile engagement over purely digital interaction. It is imperfect – occasionally inconsistent across lenses, ambitious but not always practical in its mechanical features. Yet, it remains one of the most compelling camera phones now.

In an era of incremental upgrades and algorithmic polish, the Leitzphone stands apart not because it is flawless, but because it dares to feel intentional. For those who value photography not merely as documentation but as craft, that distinction may be enough.

Positioned as a “revolutionary imaging tool”, the Leica Leitzphone is crafted by Leica and powered by Xiaomi, bringing together Leica’s design philosophy and imaging science with Xiaomi’s mobile processing platform. The result is a smartphone that doesn’t merely carry Leica branding, but one that feels deeply Leica in intent and execution.

Many might see this as a Xiaomi 17 Ultra with a Leica badge. But from the looks of it, the Leitzphone follows Leica’s long-standing principle of reduction to the essential. The Android smartphone’s rear panel is finished in black fibreglass, paired with a precisely knurled metal frame. The iconic red dot sits proudly at one corner not as decoration, but as a declaration of authorship, according to Leica.

The standout feature is the mechanical camera ring. This tactile ring allows users to physically interact with the device much like operating a traditional camera lens. It can be customised for continuous zoom control, exposure value adjustment, ISO, shutter speed, switching of focal lengths and cycling through Leica Looks.

At the heart of the Leitzphone is an advanced triple-camera system on its rear, built to Leica optical standards. It is based on the Vario-APO-Summilux 14–100mm f/1.67–2.9 ASPH lens configuration for versatility across wide to telephoto focal lengths with optical precision.

The main camera is 50-megapixel (MP) 23mm wide-angle camera with a large 1-inch sensor using Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology, which is said to expand dynamic range by storing excess charge at the pixel level. In other words, it should translate into better highlight retention and more tonal depth, especially in high-contrast scenes. An ultra-wide-angle 50MP 14mm camera and a 200MP 75-100mm periscope telephoto camera completes the 14mm to 100mm focal range of the Leitzphone.

Apart from optics, Leica also developed the system design and camera user interface including the home screen, camera app and widgets. The camera app integrated 13 Leica Looks and five Leica bokeh simulations. Furthermore, there is a Leica Essential Mode, which digitally reinterprets Leica aesthetics such as Leica M9 profile and a Leica Monopan film monochrome profile.

Not to mention, the Leitzphone supports the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and includes a dedicated security chip that adds cryptographically secured metadata to original images. This aligns with C2PA standards, providing proof of origin and copyright protection. This is of paramount importance in this age of artificial intelligence that blurs the line between real and fake photos.

The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is priced at S$2,299 and will be available for pre-order from 1 to 6 March 2026 via the official Leica website, Leica Stores, and select partners.

Customers who pre-order will receive a complimentary Leica photography kit (valued at S$199), a S$100 Leica Store credit, two-year international warranty, six-months screen protection, one-time replace or exchange within warranty period and dedicated VIP Concierge support. There is even a complimentary mobile photography workshop by Leica Akademie instructors. Following the pre-order, the official sale period will be between 7 and 22 March 2026 only. So, you should really grab it while stocks last.

• Price: S$449 (256GB) and S$529 (512GB), get it at Shopee and Lazada
• Display: 6.79 inches, 1,200 x 2,640 pixels
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4
• Rear Cameras: 108MP, f/1.8 (wide); 5MP, f/2.2 (ultra-wide)
• Front camera: 16MP, f/2.5
• Battery: 8,300mAh
• Weight: 193g

To start with the boring bits, the X9d is a mid-range smartphone that boasts a large 6.79-inch 120Hz display but measures only 7.8mm thick. It is available in four colours of forest green, sunrise gold, midnight black and reddish brown (version reviewed).

In terms of design, the gold X9d actually looks premium with this review unit’s maroon leathery back and “golden” brown sides. It feels premium in your hand as well. Not to mention, its display comes with thin bezels and is vivid and bright. With a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, you have no issues looking at the display even under bright sunlight.

Yet, despite its affordable pricing, the X9d’s unique selling point is actually its durability. It is said to feature a “Three-layer Water Resistance Structure 2.0” supporting IP69K Water Resistance, meaning it can easily handle splashes, high temperature water (within 10s), dynamic water and even ultra-high pressure water jet. It can also be submerged in water at a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, with its AI Heavy Rain Touch and AI Glove Touch, you can still use the smartphone even in the rain or with gloves.

X9d’s body is also reinforced by Honor’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, and new ultra-deep tempered glass. Honor claims that the phone can withstand drops from up to 2.5m on certain surfaces, on 10 more types of stone ground, and even being shot by an air-gun.

During the media event, Honor had us fire paintballs at X9d. We also tried our hands using industrial stapler to staple on the phone’s display. There was an X9d “permanently” submerged in a water tank on display as well.

For this review, I tried dropping the phone on my HDB’s tiled floor, concrete pavement. I also dunked the phone into a pail of water and let it sit for 10 minutes. It survived. In other words, it should survive your occasional hand slips and mishaps.

But beware that nothing is indestructible. During the media event, I think one X9d’s display was cracked due to constant stapling of the same spot with too much force being applied. Resistance doesn’t mean completely immune to damage.

The X9d features a “not-so-flagship” Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor. Thus, do not expect super-fast performance. But it should to handle most of your daily tasks like email, WhatsApp and social media. Some less graphics-intensive games like Pokemon Go also run with no issues. But if you want to play Diablo Immortal, it will struggle a bit.

In addition, its camera performance, especially night shots, can be better. For most of the time, its rear 108-megapixel main camera will be able to do the job. But the photos shot by this phone just lack the sharpness and fidelity from the likes of iPhone or Pixel. Then again, with its price point, it can be forgiven.

On the bright side, it packs a high-capacity 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery that is said to last three days of use. In fact, I left the phone alone for 4 days as I was busy with other work. And I found it still has 66% juice left. Even if you use it regularly through the day, it can easily last two full days without charging.

The battery is also supposed to retain 80% charge even after six years of use. The phone also supports reverse charging to be used as a power bank with 7.5W wired charge.

VERDICT: If you are the kind that drops your phone regularly on all sorts of surfaces, the Honor X9d is ideal for you. It is rare for a device that can withstand drops and water exposure. Not to mention, it has a long battery life to boot. Sure, the cameras could be better. But if all you (or your parent) need is a smartphone that can last; then, I don’t think there is a better choice than the Honor X9d at this kind of price point.

The X9d features a Three-layer Water Resistance Structure 2.0 supporting IP69K Water Resistance, meaning it can easily handle splashing, thick and dirty water, high temperature water (within 10s), dynamic water and even ultra-high pressure water jet. It can also be submerged in water at a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, with the AI Heavy Rain Touch and AI Glove Touch, users can still have smooth experience even in the rain or with gloves, according to its maker.

Its body is also reinforced by Honor’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, and new ultra-deep tempered glass. Honor claims that the phone can withstand drops from up to 2.5m on certain surfaces, on 10 more types of stone ground and even being shot by an air-gun (I did shoot some paintballs at it during media event, and the phone still works!).

The X9d comes with a 6.79-inch OLED 120Hz display with a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, double that of a new iPhone 17. It sports a 108-megapixel (MP) main camera and an ultra-wide-angle 5MP camera, as well as a 16MP selfie camera.

While the X9d features a mid-range Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, it packs a stunning 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery that is said to last three days of use. The battery is also supposed to retain 80% charge even after six years of use. The phone also supports reverse charging to be used as a power bank with 7.5W wired charge.

The Honor X9d retails at S$449 (256GB) and S$529 (512GB), with four colour variants of Forest Green, Sunrise Gold, Midnight Black and Reddish Brown. Pre-orders start today and the phone will be available from October 4. If you pre-order (Honor official website, Shopee and Lazada) the X9d before October 3, you can receive a free Honor Pad X7, Honor Talents Phone Case, one-year front and back crack protection as well as one-year extended warranty (worth up to S$456), while stocks last.

• Price: From S$1,739 (256GB), get it at Shopee, Lazada, and Google Store
• Display: 6.8 inches, 2,992 x 1,344 pixels
• Processor: Google Tensor G5
• Rear cameras: 50MP, f1.7 (wide); 48MP, f2.8 (periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom); 48MP, f1.7 (ultra-wide)
• Selfie camera: 42mm, f2.2 (ultra-wide)
• Battery: 5,200mAh
• Weight: 232g

The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t rewrite the design playbook, but it refines the formula. The iconic camera bar of its predecessor remains, now paired with smoother transitions and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Its aluminium frame gleams with a high-shine finish, exuding a premium vibe but definitely a fingerprint magnet.

At 232g, it’s heavier than its rivals, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the weight feels balanced in hand. Colour options — Obsidian (version reviewed), Moonstone, Jade, and Porcelain — lean professional, though a splash of boldness wouldn’t hurt. This phone looks the part, but plays it safe. Still, it is one hell of a good-looking smartphone.

Not to mention, its 6.8-inch OLED display easily punches through sunlight with a peak brightness of 3,300 nits. Whether you’re outdoors or bingeing Netflix, the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and buttery smooth, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. However, the overly reflective screen lacks anti-glare tech, making direct sunlight still a minor nuisance.

Like the rest of the Google Pixel 10 series, it packs the Tensor G5 processor. Paired with 16GB of RAM, it delivers snappy performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. Swiping through Android 16 feels seamless, and apps launch with satisfying speed. Whether it is Pokemon Go or Diablo Immortal, it is no sweat for this phone.

But if you run the benchmark tests, it’s no match for the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Android smartphones. Nonetheless, Google isn’t chasing specs. The Tensor G5 shines in AI-driven tasks, processing on-device for speed and security. This is where Google flexes its muscles.

Pixel Studio, Google’s generative AI tool, is really impressive. It nails creative prompts, generates stunning visuals, and even incorporates text—a feat it fumbled last year. Just look at the Singapore otter stamp it generated. But it’s not perfect. Biases linger, and the AI struggles to render Google’s latest Pixel phones accurately. Instead, the phones look like iPhones.

Magic Cue pops up relevant information when you are in mid-conversation. While impressive, it is not always consistent. Its reliance on Google apps limits its appeal for those outside the ecosystem.

Voice Translate is said to deliver real-time, in-call translations. I didn’t get to test this, as both parties need to be using Pixel 10 phones for this feature to work. Furthermore, Voice Translate currently only supports translation between English and these languages: Swedish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Hindi, Indonesian, and Japanese. I don’t have friends who speak these languages who happen to use a Pixel 10 phone.

On the other hand, Pixel Pro XL’s triple-camera setup continues to be a masterclass in smartphone photography. The 50MP wide-angle lens, 48MP ultra-wide-angle, and 48MP telephoto deliver jaw-dropping results.

Its Pro Res Zoom feature takes you from 5x optical to 100x hybrid zoom, producing surprisingly sharp images, albeit not all the time. It tends to work better for static subjects as compared to moving bodies. For instance, the cat below looks a tad fake, though not bad, after the Pro Res Zoom treatment.

However, for static objects, like this distant building below, it was able to render the lines and details really accurately. It looks like the real thing.

As expected, Google’s long-running Night Sight feature continues to be a star, pulling detail from darkness with ease. Portrait mode handles fine details like hair with elegance. But macro shots are a weak point, often struggling with subject separation.

Video recording hits 4K at 60fps and even 8K at 30fps — if you’re willing to wait for cloud processing – with rock solid stabilisation. But somehow, it lacks the finesse of Apple’s cinematic tools.

With a 5,200mAh battery, the Pixel 10 Pro XL easily powers through a full day, clocking around 7 hours of screen-on time. Charging speeds, however, are underwhelming. Wired charging maxes out at 45W, taking over an hour for a full charge. Wireless charging now hits 25W with the new Pixelsnap system.

But I wasn’t able to fully test it, as there were no Pixelsnap Charger with Stand or Ring Stand units for review. However, I did receive Google’s Pixelsnap Case for this review. As the new Pixelsnap system is finally compatible with MagSafe accessories, I tried the Pixelsnap Case on my Belkin MagSafe stand and it worked perfectly even if charging was a bit slow. My only gripe will be its silicone exterior that tends to pick up a fair bit of dirt and grime.

VERDICT: The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a showcase of Google’s AI prowess, wrapped in refined hardware. Its camera system is among the best in the market, and the AI-driven features point to an exciting future. But the hardware upgrades feel incremental, and the inconsistent AI tools leave room for refinement.

With pricing starting from S$1,739, it’s a great pick for AI enthusiasts and casual content creators, especially if they are looking to replace an old phone. For those still rocking a Pixel 9 or 8, this isn’t a must-have upgrade but certainly a good-to-have.