Xiaomi has once again taken a major step towards enhancing the camera experience for its users. According to an IT Home report dated May 5, 2025, Xiaomi’s camera department product manager @Bao_小李 announced that Xiaomi’s new Minimalist Camera is now being rolled out as an update for all Leica-partnered smartphones. The most special feature of this update is that users will now get realistic shutter sounds from four classic Leica cameras. These sounds have been designed in such a way that users get a retro and premium experience similar to using an old Leica camera while clicking photos.
Under this new camera interface, four types of shutter sound effects have been included. The first is “Mechanical”, inspired by the Leica M6, with a usage rate of 18.8%. If the shutter process exceeds 0.4 seconds, the camera emits a motor-like sound, making it feel even more realistic. The second sound is “Classic,” from the Leica M9, with a usage rate of 16%. It features a short, fixed-length mechanical processing sound. The third “Default” sound is taken from the Leica M3, used by 15% of users. The fourth “Modern” sound is inspired by the Leica M10, with a usage rate of 14%. These sounds create the feeling that one is clicking a photo with a real camera.
Xiaomi will roll out this update in two phases. The first phase will run from mid-May to mid-June, including devices like the Xiaomi 15 Series, 14 Series, MIX Fold 4, MIX Flip, Redmi K80 Series, K70 Series, Note 14 Series, and Turbo 4. The second phase, from mid-June to the end of July, will include the Xiaomi 13 Series, 12S Series, MIX Fold 3, Civi 4 Pro, Redmi K60 Series, Note 13 Series, and Turbo 3. This update will be pushed via OTA (Over The Air) as a grayscale push, meaning not all users will receive it at once but gradually in phases.
The biggest highlight of this camera update is that it’s not just a simple sound change, but an experience that takes mobile photography to the next level. For today’s users who seek a retro camera feel, this feature could be quite special. For example, if you’re using a Xiaomi 14 Pro and click a photo in “Mechanical” mode, you’ll hear the same sound as in the Leica M6 camera.
It’s important to note that this update will only be available to Xiaomi and Redmi phones developed in partnership with Leica. Xiaomi has also clarified that if users hear a slightly different sound in Mechanical mode, there is no need to worry as it is part of the camera feature, not a technical fault.