Leica Leitz Phone 2 Announced – Massive 47.2MP 1-inch Image Sensor

Smartphone Filmmaking

by Jeff LochNovember 16^th, 2022

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Leica recently announced the next version of its smartphone: the Leitz Phone 2. The Android-powered smartphone features a 1-inch image sensor that can take stills in up to 47.2MP resolution in either RAW or JPG formats. Also, it can capture footage at up to 4K30p. So let’s take a closer look at this new smartphone!

When you think about Leica, you think of premium photography cameras and rental-only cinema lenses. The latest Leitz HUGO T1.0 cinema lenses are an excellent example of the company’s knowledge of building a 6-figures lens set with astonishing image performances.

Last year, Leica surprised most of us by releasing the Leitz Phone 1, their first-ever attempt in the smartphone market. Let’s say that this first smartphone attempt received mixed reactions. So, the company returned to the drawing board and came back with the new Leitz Phone 2.

Leitz Phone 2 vs. Sharp Aquos R7

When I say that Leica went back to the drawing board for the Leitz Phone 2, that’s not entirely accurate. Indeed, the smartphone’s base is the Sharp Aquos R7 with a revamp and some upgraded features.

So let’s start with the similarities between both smartphones:

• Android 12 operating system: the Leica version has special photo-specific software tricks we’ll cover later.
• A Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC powers both smartphones.
• The OLED screen is 6.6″ with a resolution of 1260 x 2730.
• Both smartphones have IPX5-IPX8/IP6X waterproof and dustproof ratings.
• 12GB of RAM: the Sharp has 256GB of internal storage, while the Leica version has 512GB. Both feature a microSDXC card slot that can take memory cards up to 1TB.
• A built-in 5000mAh battery. Both smartphones support USB-C fast charging up to 33W.

Unique features

However, both models still have differences, making the Leitz Phone 2 unique. From the exterior, the non-slip, knurled edges of the phone help ensure a secure hold even in wet conditions.

But most of the differences are on the photographic side. Indeed, the Leitz Phone 2 features a different 1-inch 47.2MP CMOS image sensor with a built-in 19mm lens (35mm format equivalent). The lens has a maximum aperture of F/1.9. According to Leica, the “camera uses special pixels to set the autofocus, and images can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.”

There is a 6-fold digital zoom on the primary camera and an 8-fold continuously adjustable digital zoom on the selfie camera.

As a nice touch and photo-centric smartphone, the Leitz Phone 2 comes with a metal lens cap, which is rare on a smartphone.

On the software side, there is a Manual mode that allows you to set every photographic parameter yourself. Furthermore, if you press the power button twice, it directly opens the camera app.

But the real magic lies behind the proprietary Leica software engine. Here is how Leica describes it:

This software creates Leitz looks based on three iconic M lenses: The Summilux 28 for imposing shots taken in the centre of action; the Summilux 35 for everyday and street art photography; and the Noctilux 50, which is ideal for portraits with its extremely high aperture of 1.2, capturing shots with an unmistakable Leica bokeh.

Even closer to the Leica look: combine the lens simulations with our tones, which further enhance the typical Leica look and feel. Choose from Monochrome for high-contrast black and white, Cinema Classic for a classic, analogue 35mm cinema film look, and Cinema Contemporary to give your photos the modern digital look of contemporary films.

– Leica

You got it; the built-in software will try to emulate the Leica look from its legendary film and digital cameras. Unfortunately, while this sounds like an exciting concept, there is no mention that you can use these “digital lenses” in video mode. Bad news for filmmakers, the video capabilities of the Leitz Phone 2 are far behind what some of its competitors can do, with 4K30p recording maximum capabilities.

Price and availability

The Leitz Phone 2 is only available in the Japanese market for now and retails for 225,360 Yen, which is around $1,580.

For more information, please visit Leica’s website here.

What do you think about this new Leica smartphone? Do you think it can compete with Apple and Samsung smartphones? Don’t hesitate to share your opinion in the comments down below!