Leica cellphone introduced by SoftBank in Japan

SoftBank has introduced a Leica-branded cellphone for the Japanese market. Leica has lent its title to cellphone digital camera techniques earlier than, however this Leitz Phone 1 is the primary time the Leica model and iconic purple dot has taken priority on a smartphone.

The digital camera system is after all going to be paramount for a tool like this, and the {hardware} right here is definitely uncommon. There’s a single 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor — the largest in any cellphone — with a 19mm-equivalent f/1.9 ultrawide lens, which means different focal lengths want to make use of digital zoom.

If that sounds acquainted, nicely, Sharp introduced the very same factor a month in the past. The Aquos R6 has the identical Leica-branded digital camera system — although the Leitz Phone 1 makes it look loads greater — and different specs like its 120Hz Pro IGZO OLED display screen are additionally a match.

On the opposite hand, the Aquos R6 doesn’t include a lens cap and matching case.

SoftBank can also be promoting the Aquos R6 alongside the Leitz Phone 1, and isn’t trying to cover the similarities behind the 2 telephones. Instead, it’s positioning the R6 as a mannequin for somebody who simply desires the Leica digital camera, and the Leitz Phone 1 for individuals who worth Leica’s {hardware} design. And moreover, what may very well be extra consistent with Leica custom than tweaking current merchandise with a purple dot?

Preorders for the Leitz Phone 1 begin tomorrow in Japan. It’ll value 187,920 yen, or about $1,700.