As expected, Xiaomi presented three new smartphones today. With the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, the ultimate flagship smartphone that many have been waiting for months has finally been unveiled. Is it still a smartphone or is it already a camera with the ability to make phone calls? Xiaomi sets the bar very high for other smartphone manufacturers.
So far, only the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro have been available in Germany – and that’s how it will stay. Although Xiaomi has unveiled the 12S, 12S Pro and 12S Ultra, the Chinese company has made it absolutely clear that that these smartphones are only intended for China. So you won’t be able to buy everything you read afterwards. Unless you import it from China. Just a little warning before you get too excited about cell phones.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: The ultimate camera smartphone
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra fulfills everything you could want from a camera smartphone. It is equipped with a huge sensor from Sony, which does not succumb to the pixel madness, but “only” with it 50 MP resolution and focuses on image quality. Xiaomi has worked together with Leica for this and also provides special image profiles in the camera app, with which you get the typical Leica color profile. The 50 MP main camera is supported by two other 48 MP sensors for ultra wide angle and zoom. A 32 MP camera works on the front.
The cooperation with Leica was very close, so that Xiaomi should actually climb the camera throne at DxOMark without any problems. Interestingly, the Chinese company did not pick up a high valuation beforehand. Many companies like to do this so that they can advertise directly with the first place. It is quite possible that this will still happen. According to Xiaomi, it has put a lot of work into artificial intelligence to improve photography. Xiaomi also wants to share this technology with other companies as an open source project.
The hardware of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is definitely right when it comes to the camera. Ultimately, however, the photos must also fit. It will then have to be seen in the next few weeks how well the Xiaomi cell phone really works.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra with new processor
Otherwise, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra looks rather unspectacular. As expected, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is used. This is a bit faster, but above all more efficient, which results in less heat development and a longer battery life. The battery falls with it 4,860 mAh is a bit smaller than expected and can also be quickly recharged “only” with 67 watts. Wireless is also only possible with 50 watts. Other Xiaomi cell phones with 120 watts have much more to offer here. The display measures 6.73 inches and has a resolution of 3,200 x 1,440 pixels. It should reach a brightness of up to 1,500 nits. For comparison: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (test) reaches up to 1,750 nits.
In Germany we have to be content with the Xiaomi 12 Pro:
Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro partially better
In addition to the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro were also presented. The two models get Leica cameras with large 50 MP sensors, which are smaller than the 12S Ultra. Interestingly, the Charge the 12S Pro’s 4,600mAh battery faster with 120W than the battery of the 12S Ultra. So the cheaper model is better here. The normal 12S is then again at the level of the 12S Ultra. Of course, there is also the new Qualcomm processor here. Otherwise, the look is very similar to the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro.