After Huawei and Leica’s cooperation came to an end with the Huawei P50, Xiaomi is the first company to release a device sporting the Leica logo. With a 48MP ultra-wide camera using Sony’s IMX586 sensor, a 50MP main camera with a large 1′′ Sony IMX989 sensor, and a 48MP telephoto camera (also using an IMX586 sensor and offering 5X optical zoom and 120x digital zoom), the 12S Ultra is their most technologically advanced mobile photography device to date.
The Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro, which are simply updated versions of the Xiaomi 12 series handsets with better cameras and a new Snapdragon chipset, have also been unveiled by Xiaomi. The main 50MP shooter on the smaller 12S receives a bigger 1/1.28′′ Sony IMX707 sensor, while the 12S Pro keeps the same set of cameras. The camera module bearing the LEICA logo is the only outward distinction between the 12S and the 12 that can be made.
The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 CPU in the phone appears to revolutionise performance. In comparison to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and other chips, it represents a vast improvement. Extreme testing showed that the 12S Ultra outperformed all other top smartphones of 2022 in terms of frame rates, running at an average of 588 fps. Additionally, it did not cause overheating while running.
In a world where charging speeds are increasing, Xiaomi chose to use 67W for the 12S Ultra. The stereo speakers are also performing admirably, and although the 4,860mAh battery and its charger did not top any charts, they nonetheless proved quick enough for power users.
The 12S Ultra may have a camera-like appearance, but it has a lot going for it, including an excellent OLED display, dual speakers, and an IP68 rating. It is also the first phone with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to hit the market, however this distinction is meaningless because Xiaomi won’t export the product.
Due to the Chinese MIUI and pre-installed apps, users outside of China will have a difficult time obtaining it and an even more difficult time configuring it. Additionally, even the menus for system apps are different, Netflix is limited to SD (even if your friend is paying for Ultra HD), and the default keyboard is in Chinese.
