Core Viewpoint - Recent rumors about Xiaomi ending its collaboration with Leica have been dismissed by Xiaomi representatives, indicating that such claims are unfounded. This is not the first instance of speculation regarding the termination of partnerships between smartphone manufacturers and imaging brands, as similar rumors have circulated about OnePlus and Hasselblad [1][3]. Group 1: Collaboration Context - The collaboration between smartphone brands and renowned imaging companies typically involves hardware design certification, where imaging firms provide ideas and quality assurance rather than manufacturing lens modules directly [5]. - On the software side, established imaging brands offer significant assistance, including proprietary "color science" that involves complex algorithm adjustments for image processing, which goes beyond simple filter applications [7][9]. - The branding and marketing benefits of partnering with historical imaging brands can provide direct promotional advantages for smartphone manufacturers [9]. Group 2: Sustainability of Collaborations - While some aspects of collaboration, such as brand licensing and proprietary algorithms, are irreplaceable and can evolve, the hardware knowledge transfer from imaging firms may have limited long-term sustainability [12][14]. - As smartphone manufacturers become more self-sufficient, they may find that the initial benefits of collaboration diminish over time, especially as they develop their own technologies and supply chain relationships [17][18]. - The emergence of self-developed imaging technologies by brands like Xiaomi and OPPO suggests a shift towards independence from traditional imaging partnerships, which may not necessarily indicate negative outcomes [26][27].