Xiaomi is making a major shift in its smartphone imaging strategy by ending its co-branding partnership with Leica for all upcoming SM8850 sub-series devices. This strategic move marks a significant turning point for the Chinese smartphone giant as it pivots toward developing its own imaging technologies.

Why Xiaomi is Ending the Leica Partnership

The decision affects phones expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, signaling Xiaomi’s confidence in its internal camera development capabilities. This shift comes after a successful collaboration that produced acclaimed devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with Leica’s signature imaging prowess.

Partnership Details	Information
Current Leica Models	Xiaomi 15 series, 14 series, 13 series
Affected Devices	SM8850 sub-series phones
Expected Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
Timeline	Late 2025 – Early 2026

What This Means for Future Xiaomi Phones

The SM8850-powered devices will showcase Xiaomi’s proprietary imaging solutions, potentially featuring advanced sensors like the OmniVision OV50Q. This transition allows Xiaomi greater control over camera optimization and could lead to more innovative photography features tailored specifically for their hardware.

Industry experts suggest this move positions Xiaomi to compete more directly with other flagship manufacturers who rely on in-house imaging technologies. The company’s current Leica-equipped devices will continue to receive support, but future flagships will bear Xiaomi’s imaging signature.