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Leica X-U Typ 113 vs X2

The Leica X-U (Typ 113) and the Leica X2 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2016 and May 2012. Both the X-U Typ 113 and the X2 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 16.1 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica X-U Typ 113
versus
Leica X2
Leica X-U Typ 113   Leica X2
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
35mm f/1.7 36mm f/2.8
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 100-12,500
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Waterproof body (3m)not weather sealed
450 shots per battery charge450 shots per battery charge
140 x 79 x 88 mm, 635 g 124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X-U (Typ 113) and the Leica X2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica X-U Typ 113 and the Leica X2 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-U Typ 113 is only available in black.

Size Leica X-U Typ 113 vs Leica X2
Compare X-U Typ 113 versus X2 top
Comparison X-U Typ 113 or X2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X2 is notably smaller (23 percent) than the Leica X-U Typ 113. Moreover, the X2 is substantially lighter (46 percent) than the X-U Typ 113. It is worth mentioning in this context that the X-U Typ 113 is splash and dust resistant, while the X2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the X-U Typ 113 is water-proof up to 3m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III 115 mm 78 mm 51 mm 399 g 200 Y Oct 2017 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 Y Jun 2015 999ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
7.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
12.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 849ebay.com
13.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 389ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic FZ300 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 32 percent) than the X-U Typ 113, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica X-U Typ 113 and Leica X2 sensor measures

Even though the X-U Typ 113 has a slightly larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 16.1 megapixels. This implies that the X-U Typ 113 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 4.79μm for the X2), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the X-U Typ 113 is much more recent (by 3 years and 8 months) than the X2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Leica X-U (Typ 113) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The Leica X2 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

X-U Typ 113 versus X2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
2.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.2164981
4.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
7.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
11.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
12.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
13.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
14.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
15.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
16.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
17.
 
Panasonic FZ300 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The X-U Typ 113 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-U Typ 113 can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The X-U Typ 113 and the X2 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the Visoflex (Typ 020) for the X-U Typ 113 and the EVF 2 for the X2 – are available as accessories. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica X-U Typ 113, the Leica X2, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 9.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G3 Xoptional n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
16.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic FZ3001440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Both the X-U Typ 113 and the X2 have built-in prime lenses. The X-U Typ 113 has a 35mm f/1.7 optic and the X2 offers a 36mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the X-U Typ 113 provides a wider angle of view than the X2. The X-U Typ 113 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The X-U Typ 113 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X2 uses SDHC cards. The X-U Typ 113 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica X-U (Typ 113) and Leica X2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
2.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon G3 XYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
5.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic FZ300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
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Both the X-U Typ 113 and the X2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the X-U Typ 113 and X2 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X-U Typ 113 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X2 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica X-U Typ 113 better than the Leica X2 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Leica X-U (Typ 113):

  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.8).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 3m).
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 8 months of technical progress since the X2 launch.


Arguments in favor of the Leica X2:

  • More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 140x79mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 290g or 46 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (32 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2012).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-U Typ 113 is the clear winner of the match-up (9 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X-U Typ 113 09:04 X2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X-U Typ 113 and the Leica X2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-U Typ 113 or the X2. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III5/5+4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2017 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
7.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
12.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 849ebay.com
13.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 389ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic FZ300..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica X-U Typ 113 vs Leica X2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 35mm f/1.7 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date January 2016 May 2012
    Launch Price USD 2,950 USD 1,995
    Sensor Specs Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 4.79 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 100 - 12,500 ISO
    Screen Specs Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X-U Typ 113 Leica X2
    Environmental SealingWaterproof body (3m)not weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge450 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 140 x 79 x 88 mm
    (5.5 x 3.1 x 3.5 in)
    124 x 69 x 52 mm
    (4.9 x 2.7 x 2.0 in)
    Camera Weight 635 g (22.4 oz) 345 g (12.2 oz)
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    Check X2 offers at
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