Leica LUX Grip Test: Leica feeling for the iPhone

Smartphone photography has made enormous progress in recent years – at least in technical terms. Resolution, focal length, AI – a lot has changed in many areas, meaning that only professionals can often tell the difference between a camera and a smartphone when taking snapshots. However, many users often lack the haptic experience and precise control of a classic camera when taking photos with a smartphone. At the beginning of February, Leica presented the Leica LUX Grip, an innovative solution designed to transform your iPhone into a fully-fledged photographic tool. In our Leica LUX Grip test, you can find out how the gadget, in combination with the Leica LUX app, can take your mobile photography to a new level.

Technical data

Scope of delivery

• Leica LUX Grip
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick Start Guide

Leica LUX Grip test: design and workmanship

The Leica LUX Grip impresses with its minimalist yet functional design, which blends seamlessly into the aesthetics of your iPhone. Made from high-quality aluminum and weighing just 130 grams, the grip is comfortable to hold and is suitable for both left- and right-handed users. The grip, which is only available in black, is supplied ex works for right-handed users. However, by loosening the two screws on the back, the LUX Grip can be easily switched to left-handed mode.

The LUX Grip was developed exclusively for the iPhone. This also allowed Leica to take advantage of the smartphone’s technical features. The manufacturer uses Apple’s MagSafe technology to attach the grip to the smartphone. This means that the grip adheres securely and stably to every iPhone from the iPhone 12 upwards. The recently presented new iPhone 16e (€ 699.00 *), which is known to do without MagSafe, must be excluded. The LUX Grip is bombproof on my iPhone 12 Mini.

The adhesive force is even stronger when I use the grip on my iPhone without a case. If you don’t want to do without a case, you should make sure that the case also supports MagSafe. Otherwise there is a risk of accidentally dropping the iPhone because the necessary magnetic force is missing. There is little to complain about in terms of quality. I particularly like the material of the main body. The handle also offers IP54 protection against water and dust, which means it can also be used in the rain.

Leica LUX Grip test: ergonomics and operation

In my opinion, the feel of the controls could have been a little more premium in view of the rather high price. I find the pressure point of the buttons a little spongy. But that is a matter of taste. The camera grip for the iPhone offers a total of four different input options.

The focus is literally on the large release button. This can be used in two stages, just like a camera. Press it lightly to focus and then press it fully to take the photo. In addition to the shutter button, there are two function buttons that you can freely assign via the app. The rotary dial is used for fine adjustments.

These controls can be configured according to your preferences via the Leica LUX app, giving you quick access to frequently used functions such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed or exposure compensation. There is also a standard tripod thread on the underside of the grip, allowing you to use it with tripods.

Leica LUX Grip test: connection and battery life

Communication between the LUX Grip and iPhone takes place via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which ensures an energy-efficient and stable connection. The grip’s integrated 300 mAh battery allows up to 1,000 shots and can be fully charged within two hours via the USB-C port. The charging time could have been a little shorter for our taste.

In the app, you can specify after how many minutes of non-use the LUX Grip should automatically switch itself off. Longevity is ensured by the fact that the battery can be replaced if it loses its total capacity or otherwise gives up the ghost. Incidentally, Leica emphasizes in the Quick Start Guide that the battery must be replaced by an authorized service center.

Leica LUX Grip: Leica app as the perfect complement

The traditional German company from Wetzlar has enjoyed great success with the Leica app in recent months. It is therefore not surprising that the LUX Grip and the LUX App form a real dream duo. You could almost call them Siamese twins. The LUX Grip cannot be operated without the app. All those who would like to use the Leica camera grip in conjunction with the Apple Photo App or other photo apps should keep this in mind.

You can then add the handle as a new device via the LUX app. In practice, this works quickly and easily. Once set up, you can really let off steam in the app. Fans of the typical Leica look will get their money’s worth here. The app offers you the opportunity to simulate the characteristic image and color aesthetics of legendary Leica lenses.

For example, you can use the bokeh effect of the Summilux-M or the Noctilux-M while retaining full control over exposure, ISO and shutter speed. You can also choose from various Leica looks – from vibrant colors to classic black and white. The full range of functions is only available in the Pro version. And at 8 euros per month or 80 euros per year, it’s not exactly cheap.

However, buyers of the LUX Grip receive a free one-year subscription to the app when they purchase and register the camera grip. And it can also be used free of charge afterwards. If you don’t need the many setting options, the app can also be used as a free version with a much smaller scope.

Leica LUX Grip: practical experience

In practice, the Leica LUX Grip impresses with its excellent ergonomics and intuitive operation. The physical shutter button conveys an authentic camera feeling, which many smartphone photographers will certainly like. The individually configurable buttons and the setting dial also allow you to quickly access various settings without taking your eyes off the subject.

The MagSafe connection also proves to be extremely stable. At no point did I have the fear that the smartphone would fall, and another plus point is the seamless integration with the Leica LUX app, which opens up a wide range of creative possibilities.

But I did notice one problem. While it was possible to take photos in landscape format at any time without any problems, it was easy for a finger to get lost in the photo when taking snapshots in portrait format. All those who primarily use portrait format, especially for social media, should keep this in mind.

High price and active competition

The Leica LUX Grip has been available since February 6, 2025 for € 300 and can be purchased in selected Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and specialist retailers. A matching leather case is also available as an accessory to protect and stylishly complement the grip. It is a pity that this is not included in the scope of delivery in view of the high RRP. If you want to buy the handy case, you will have to fork out an additional 50 euros. It remains to be seen how successful Leica will be with its LUX Grip.

After all, other manufacturers offer alternative smartphone grips, some of which are significantly cheaper. Two examples are the ULANZI MA35 Smartphone Handle Grip (€ 29.99 *) and the Ultimate Bundle from FJORDEN, which is available for the iPhone 16 Pro (Price not available *). However, given the possibilities offered by the Leica LUX app together with the grip, as well as the compatibility with almost all iPhones from iPhone 12 onwards and future iPhones, many fans of smartphone photography will probably be happy to pay the extra price.

Conclusion

With the LUX Grip, Leica offers a sophisticated and high-quality solution for anyone who wants to take their smartphone photography to the next level. Thanks to the combination of precise control and the powerful and comprehensive Leica LUX app, the LUX Grip transforms your iPhone into a versatile and professional photography tool that should be a lot of fun, especially for fans of the legendary Leica optics. However, at a price of just under 300 euros, the accessory is anything but cheap.

You should weigh up whether the Leica feeling for the iPhone is worth this expense. Hobby photographers with a penchant for taking pictures in portrait format should also steer clear. After all, a finger can easily get lost in the picture, especially when taking spontaneous snapshots. For ambitious iPhone photographers who miss the classic camera feeling when using their smartphone camera, the Leica LUX Grip is nevertheless a worthwhile investment.