Xiaomi 16 series may skip Leica cameras for in-house imaging tech: Report

Xiaomi is reportedly ending its Leica partnership to cut licensing costs and invest in upgraded sensors, better image processing, and in-house colour tuning

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is reportedly planning to end its long-standing partnership with German optics brand Leica. According to a report by GizmoChina, Xiaomi’s next-generation flagship devices—including the anticipated Xiaomi 16 series—and high-end Redmi and POCO smartphones will no longer feature any external branding such as Leica logos. Xiaomi has officialy responded, stating that that these recent rumours are "entirely unfounded."

The report claims that co-branding with Leica added between $3 and $5 per device in licensing fees, in addition to other authorisation costs. Xiaomi now reportedly plans to redirect these expenses into improving hardware, particularly camera sensors and computational photography capabilities on its smartphones.

 

Furthermore, Xiaomi and Redmi devices may begin using proprietary imaging technologies or customised colour tuning developed in-house. This shift is expected to significantly enhance camera performance on Redmi smartphones, with image processing inspired by Xiaomi’s flagship devices. It is worth noting that, as of now, the Leica partnership is exclusive to premium Xiaomi smartphones and does not include any Redmi or POCO models.

 

This move reflects a broader industry trend, where smartphone makers are gradually moving away from third-party imaging collaborations. For instance, China's Huawei ended its long-term partnership with Leica back in 2022 to focus on its proprietary “XMAGE” camera system. Similarly, it was reported last month that OnePlus may be ending its partnership with Swedish camera company Hasselblad. According to 9To5Google, the upcoming OnePlus flagship series models may drop Hasselblad branding altogether.

Responding to the report, a Xiaomi spokesperson said:  "Together, Xiaomi and Leica have collaborated closely to integrate advanced optics and imaging technologies into Xiaomi devices, delivering industry-leading mobile photography experiences to users around the world. This partnership continues to thrive, grounded in a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging. Recent rumours suggesting the end of our collaboration are entirely unfounded. Both companies remain committed to deepening this strategic partnership and bringing even more innovative imaging solutions to Xiaomi smartphones."