Xiaomi 12S Ultra Review: A Game-Changer in Smartphone Photography

4 minute read

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a flagship smartphone that has taken the market by storm, especially among photography enthusiasts. Launched as part of Xiaomi’s 12S series, this premium device boasts Leica-branded cameras, a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and a stunning AMOLED display. But is it worth the hype? Let’s dive into a full review covering its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and pricing details.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra stands out with its luxurious and robust design. Unlike traditional glass-back smartphones, this device features a vegan leather rear panel, giving it a premium look and excellent grip. The massive circular camera module on the back instantly catches the eye, showcasing Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica.

Key Design Highlights:

Dimensions: 163.2 x 75 x 9.1 mm
Weight: 225g
Material: Aluminum frame with a vegan leather back
Colors Available: Classic Black, Dark Green
Water Resistance: IP68 rating (dust and water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 mins)

While the phone is slightly heavier than its competitors, the ergonomic curves and leather texture make it comfortable to hold. Xiaomi has also ensured premium durability, making it a reliable daily driver.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

Xiaomi has packed the 12S Ultra with a 6.73-inch LTPO2 AMOLED display, which offers stunning colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. With a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, this phone is perfect for watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing social media.

Display Specifications:

Size: 6.73 inches
Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels (WQHD+)
Technology: LTPO2 AMOLED
Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive
Brightness: Up to 1500 nits (HDR peak)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus

With a peak brightness of 1500 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent. The LTPO2 technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, optimizing both performance and battery life.

Performance: Powerhouse with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

At the heart of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, built on a 4nm process. This chipset delivers flagship-level performance, improved efficiency, and better thermal management compared to its predecessor.

Performance Highlights:

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
GPU: Adreno 730
RAM & Storage: 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB (UFS 3.1)
Software: MIUI 13 based on Android 12

In real-world usage, the 12S Ultra handles gaming, multitasking, and productivity with ease. Whether you're playing graphically intense games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, the Adreno 730 GPU ensures smooth gameplay without frame drops.

MIUI 13, based on Android 12, is well-optimized and packed with customization options. However, Xiaomi’s bloatware might be a downside for some users.

Camera: Leica’s Magic at Work

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a camera-centric smartphone, featuring a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor, co-engineered with Leica. This massive sensor size enables exceptional low-light performance, depth, and dynamic range.

Camera Specifications:

Primary Camera: 50.3 MP, f/1.9, 1-inch sensor, OIS (Sony IMX989)
Ultra-Wide Camera: 48 MP, f/2.2, 128° field of view
Periscope Telephoto: 48 MP, f/4.1, 5x optical zoom, OIS
Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.5

Camera Features:

Leica Authentic & Leica Vibrant Modes
8K video recording at 24fps
4K HDR Dolby Vision support
Night mode, Pro mode, and AI enhancements

The 1-inch sensor captures stunning details and vibrant colors, making it one of the best smartphone cameras available today. The Leica color tuning offers two distinct modes: Leica Authentic (natural tones) and Leica Vibrant (punchy colors).

Low-light photography is exceptional, thanks to advanced noise reduction algorithms. The periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom ensures clear zoomed-in shots, while the ultra-wide lens provides excellent landscape shots.

For video lovers, the 8K recording and Dolby Vision HDR support make it a top-tier content creation device.

Battery Life and Charging

The 12S Ultra is powered by a 4860mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage even with heavy tasks. Xiaomi has equipped the device with fast wired and wireless charging capabilities.

Battery and Charging Details:

Battery Capacity: 4860mAh
Wired Charging: 67W fast charging
Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging
Reverse Wireless Charging: 10W

With 67W wired charging, the device reaches 0-100% in just under 40 minutes. The 50W wireless charging is one of the fastest in the industry, making it a convenient option for those who prefer wireless power-ups.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a China-exclusive device at launch, but it can be imported globally. Pricing varies based on the region and storage configuration.

Official Prices in China:

8GB + 256GB – ¥5,999 (~$899)
12GB + 256GB – ¥6,499 (~$999)
12GB + 512GB – ¥6,999 (~$1,099)

For global buyers, the prices may be slightly higher due to import taxes and reseller markups.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Stunning 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor with Leica tuning
✅ Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
✅ 120Hz AMOLED LTPO display with Dolby Vision
✅ Premium vegan leather design
✅ Fast 67W wired & 50W wireless charging
✅ IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons:

❌ Limited global availability (China exclusive)
❌ No expandable storage option
❌ MIUI bloatware can be annoying
❌ Slightly heavy due to premium materials

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Xiaomi 12S Ultra?

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is an exceptional flagship smartphone, particularly for photography enthusiasts. With its massive 1-inch sensor, Leica color tuning, and powerful performance, it competes with top-tier devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

However, its limited availability outside China and MIUI software quirks might be deal-breakers for some users. If you're comfortable with importing the device and tweaking MIUI, the 12S Ultra is a fantastic buy.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

If you’re looking for a smartphone with unparalleled camera capabilities, flagship-level performance, and a premium design, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is worth considering!

Tech UFOZ