Allendale, NJ—Leica Camera and Sharp Corporation established a long-term technology partnership; they presented the first Aquos R6 smartphone “co-engineered with Leica” for the Japanese market.
The companies are working in close collaboration in the field of optical engineering; the goal is to develop innovative solutions to advance the Japanese smartphone photography market via the “best possible imaging quality.”
The Aquos R6 co-engineered with Leica is exclusively for the Japanese market. The smartphone employs a 1-inch sensor. In combination with integrated Leica lens technology, this aids in producing excellent picture quality on the device. As a result, it results in better quality prints.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Aquos R6, which has the world’s largest 1-inch-sensor camera,” commented Shigeru Kobayashi, general manager, Sharp Personal Communications Division. “Sharp couldn’t have got to this milestone without the great contribution of Leica Camera AG. With this long-term partnership, our companies will bring stunning smartphones with outstanding camera capability and user experience to market.”
Leica Camera and Sharp
Since its founding in 1912, Sharp has achieved innovations in numerous product categories. “With cutting-edge technologies and absolute commitment to the highest standards of quality and design, the products manufactured by Sharp stand for best entertainment, maximum convenience and new perspectives,” the company announced.
For more than 100 years, the Leica brand has stood for photographic excellence as well as fine German design and engineering. The company manufactures premium quality cameras and lenses for professional photographers and newcomers in all areas of photography.
Integral to the Leica brand culture is also the diversity of activities it undertakes for the advancement of photography. Since its beginning, Leica has promoted both established photographers and up-and-coming young talent from around the world.
“Sharp and Leica share a strong sense of tradition that is paired with the pursuit of technical innovation of the highest quality. I am very pleased about the partnership with Sharp and its first result; the new smartphone, the Aquos R6 co-engineered with Leica,” said Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera AG.
Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica Camera AG, also added: “The strategic technology partnership between Sharp and Leica demonstrates a shared passion for continually pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible. Based on the premium standards we both set and our mutual commitment to uncompromising quality, the Aquos R6 co-engineered with Leica is a smartphone that reflects the success of our collaboration; it more than fulfils the extremely high expectations of Japanese customers in every respect.”
