I WISH I could buy this... - Leica Leitz Phone 1
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Leica has been around for decades and is well known to be one of the "best" producers for cameras and lenses as it captures not just light but apparently feelings. Brandon checks out Leica's first foray into a dedicated smartphone, which probably has the most prominent camera too! Thanks to Secret Lab for sponsoring today's video! Check them out at lmg.gg Learn more on the Leica Leitz Phone 1 at lmg.gg Buy Leica Leitz Phone 1 On eBay: geni.us Buy iPhone 13 Pro On Amazon: geni.us On Best Buy: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Buy Google Pixel 6 Pro On Amazon: geni.us On Best Buy: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. ►GET MERCH: lttstore.com ►SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com ►LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- ►Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg ►Check out our podcast gear: kit.co ►Private Internet Access VPN: lmg.gg ►Our Official Charging Partner Anker: lmg.gg ►Secretlabs Gaming Chairs: lmg.gg ►MK Keyboards: lmg.gg ►Amazon Prime: lmg.gg ►Audible Free Trial: lmg.gg ►Our Gear on Amazon: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Linus Tech Tips: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg Mac Address: lmg.gg Techquickie: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 - The best camera on a smartphone you can't buy 0:21 - Unboxing 1:08 - Pricing information 1:17 - Who makes this phone? 1:20 - What's the best thing about this phone? 1:54 - Physical impressions 3:17 - Smartphone specs 3:54 - Trying out the camera 5:23 - Brandon justifying why Leica is expensive 5:42 - More photo modes 6:00 - Leitz camera app 6:28 - Speaker and display impressions 6:57 - Sponsor - Secret Labs! 7:24 - Outdoor photography 7:49 - Video impressions 8:33 - Photo comparison 11:19 - Can the Leitz work in North America? 11:42 - Interrupting Linus goes? 12:00 - Final thoughts
Leica’s Leitz Phone 1 is presented as a highly premium, Japan-exclusive device that centers its appeal on a unique camera setup rather than cutting-edge overall specs. The host starts with the unboxing, noting the distinctive packaging and the protective lens cap that magnetically attaches to the camera module, a design cue that reinforces Leica’s camera heritage. He then runs through the hardware details: a Snapdragon 888 processor, a 6.6 inch IGZO OLED display with a 2000 nit peak brightness, 12GB of RAM, and a generous 5000 mAh battery, all housed in a thick, premium-feeling body with knurled sides for grip. The phone’s standout feature is the Summicron 19mm ASPH lens with a one-inch sensor, a spec that sets expectations for image quality akin to Leica’s traditional cameras. The camera app emphasizes a distraction-free experience with Leica’s Lights mode for black-and-white tones and a simple “m.photo” mode that prioritizes raw and JPEG balance, signaling Leica’s philosophy of “feeling” in photography rather than heavy computational processing. In outdoor testing, the host compares Leica’s stills against iPhone and Pixel results, noting the Leica’s more natural, cinematic look, stronger dynamic range, and shallower depth of field, even if the initial sharpness isn’t as aggressively post-processed as the competitors. The video concludes with a verdict that while the Leitz Phone 1 delivers exceptional still photography potential and a distinctive Leica aesthetic, the price and regional limitations mean it is not a mass-market choice, and there is clearly interest in a worldwide release for enthusiasts who want authentic Leica image quality in a smartphone form.
Topics · technology · photography · cameras · smartphones
Questions answered
- What is the Leitz Phone 1 known for besides the hardware specs?
- The Leitz Phone 1 is known for its Leica camera heritage, the Summicron 19mm ASPH lens with a one-inch sensor, the Leica Lights black-and-white mode, and a focus on delivering a photographic experience with minimal app clutter.
- Can the Leitz Phone 1 be used outside Japan with local carriers?
- The video notes regional availability and suggests that using the phone outside Japan may require verification of compatibility; the host tests SIM functionality during the review and indicates potential issues could arise, depending on region.
- How does the Leica camera output compare to iPhone and Pixel in the video?
- The Leica images are described as more natural with shallower depth of field and less aggressive post-processing, offering true-to-life colors and a distinct Leica look, though automatic focus and sharpness may be more variable than the competition.