Xiaomi 12S Ultra
The 1-inch-sensor Leica original that started the camera-phone arms race.
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a flagship Xiaomi smartphone released Jul 2022, with a launch price of $920. It pairs the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with a 6.73" LTPO AMOLED 120 Hz display, a 50 MP · 1.0" · Leica main camera and a 4,860 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 84/100 — The phone that made 1-inch sensors normal. Standout strengths: first mainstream 1-inch sensor — still a benchmark for depth and low light. and genuine leica co-engineering, dual film looks. Main trade-off: discontinued — china-only at launch, no global model.
The phone that made 1-inch sensors normal.
12S Ultra was the proof of concept the whole industry copied: a true 1-inch Sony IMX989 with real Leica processing, in a phone. Three years on its photos still hold up against newer flagships, which is the highest praise a camera phone can earn. Collectors and photographers seek it out; everyone else moved to a supported successor.
Read the full review- First mainstream 1-inch sensor — still a benchmark for depth and low light.
- Genuine Leica co-engineering, dual film looks.
- 5× periscope + 3.2× tele.
- TSMC-built 8+ Gen 1 runs cool.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Xiaomi 12S Ultra compares
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Xiaomi 14T Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 84 | 84 | 84 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Apple A16 Bionic | Dimensity 9300+ |
| Display | 6.73" LTPO AMOLED 120 Hz | 6.7" LTPO OLED | 6.67" AMOLED 144 Hz |
| Main camera | 50 MP · 1.0" · Leica | 48 MP · f/1.78 | 50 MP · f/1.6 Leica |
| Battery | 4,860 mAh | 4,323 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Launch price | $920 | $1,099 | €799 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Xiaomi 12S Ultra released?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra was released in Jul 2022.
How much does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra cost?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra launched at $920 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the Xiaomi 12S Ultra screen size and type?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a 6.73" LTPO AMOLED 120 Hz display, reaching up to 1,500 nits peak brightness.
What chipset does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra use?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra have?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra ships with 12 GB · 256 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Xiaomi 12S Ultra battery capacity?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a 4,860 mAh battery.
How fast does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra charge?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra supports 67 W wired charging.
Does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra have wireless charging?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra supports 50 W wireless charging.
What is the Xiaomi 12S Ultra main camera?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a 50 MP · 1.0" · Leica main camera.
Does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra have a telephoto zoom camera?
Yes — the Xiaomi 12S Ultra includes a dedicated telephoto camera: 48 MP, 5× optical.
Does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra have a headphone jack?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra does not have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How long will the Xiaomi 12S Ultra get software updates?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra update policy: 3 OS + 4 yr security (ended).
How much does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra weigh?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra weighs 225 g.
What colours does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra come in?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is available in 2 colours: Classic Black, Verdant Green.
Is the Xiaomi 12S Ultra worth buying?
12S Ultra was the proof of concept the whole industry copied: a true 1-inch Sony IMX989 with real Leica processing, in a phone. Three years on its photos still hold up against newer flagships, which is the highest praise a camera phone can earn. Collectors and photographers seek it out; everyone else moved to a supported successor. SpecEagle gives the Xiaomi 12S Ultra an editorial score of 84/100.
Owner opinions
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