Xiaomi takes a trip down the nostalgia lane, brings Leica inspired shutter sounds to its phones

Xiaomi is giving smartphone photography a nostalgic twist, and it look set to be a hit amongst the folks who love a trip down the memory lane. Starting this May, the brand’s refreshed “Minimalist Camera” app, first seen on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and SU7 Ultra, is rolling out to a wider list of devices, promising not just enhanced controls but also something unexpectedly delightful, which are the Leica-inspired shutter sounds.

Nostalgia trip, anyone?

It’s a small update, but one that’s set to resonate with a lot of users. Imagine standing at a street corner in Kolkata, framing a chai vendor in the golden hour light. You press the shutter, and instead of a generic click, you hear the soft mechanical whirr reminiscent of a Leica M6.

That’s the magic Xiaomi is chasing. According to usage stats, the “Mechanical” mode, complete with a faux motor rewind when the shutter is held for 0.4 seconds, is already the fan favourite, clocking in at 18.8 per cent usage.

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Xiaomi product manager, who goes by the name, Bao revealed on Weibo that each sound effect is based on a real Leica model. “Classic” channels the digital M9, while “Modern” is tuned to mimic the M10. There’s even an M3-inspired default. Together, they subtly shift the way users interact with their phone cameras, making each shot feel intentional, cinematic.

The rollout is split in two. From now till mid-June, the update will reach recent models like the Xiaomi 15, 14 series, Mix Fold 4, and Redmi K80. Older models such as the Xiaomi 13, 12S, and Civi 4 Pro will get the update by late July.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you like your phone to have a hint of nostalgia, with a side of Leica luxury? Let us know your thoughts, and follow Unboxed by Croma for more.