Leica Debuts ‘Leitz Phone 2’ With 47.2-Megapixel Camera Protected By A Lens Cap

Leica has a longstanding history of creating quality cameras. And as smartphones continue to impede the camera market, Leica is aiming its sights on budding photographers by making phones that resemble classic photography gear. 
 
The new Leitz Phone 2, the second edition to a smartphone of the same name, was developed by Sharp, which has its Aquos R7 as the hardware for the device. With that comes Sharp’s 6.6-inch OLED display and IP68 and IP5X ratings.

One of the most eye-catching features of the model—à la the Dynamic Island to the iPhone 14 Pro and the flip to Samsung Galaxy Flip 4—is the large camera on its back. Unlike other handsets on the market that have decided to break up the feature into multiple lenses, the Leitz Phone 2 places a larger one-inch, 47.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor on its rear.

 
To add to the feel of a real camera, the device comes with a magnetic cap that can also protect the lens when the phone sits on surfaces or in your pocket or bag.

Earlier this month, Xiaomi released a concept handset that housed a Leica camera, though instead of a protective cover for its lens it had an interchangeable one for professional photography.
 
Powering all of this is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which houses 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage to hold all of your shots.

Sharp has also provided a unique 90-degree edged hardware that, unfortunately, does not match the rounded screen. However, the smartphone has textured sides to ensure it never falls out of your hands when aiming the phone for the right framing.
 
Now that everything has been said, before you rush down to buy one for yourself, the phones will be exclusive to Japan. So if you find yourself in the country sometime soon, you can pick it up for yourself on November 18 for 225,360 yen (US$1,580).
 
 
 
[via Ars Technica and XDA Developers, images via Leica]