The Xiaomi 12S Ultra camera is shaping up to be one of the most powerful smartphone camera systems ever built, headlining a three-device 12S series set to launch in China on July 4. Alongside the 12S Ultra, Xiaomi will unveil the 12S Pro and standard 12S, all of which prioritise high performance and cutting-edge optics.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Camera: Leica Partnership and 1-Inch Sony Sensor
The defining feature of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is its rear camera module, a large circular array that draws instant comparisons to a DSLR. Leica branding is clearly visible on the module, confirming an official collaboration between Xiaomi and the legendary German optics house. The module houses a Sony IMX989 sensor measuring a full 1 inch in size — far larger than the sensors found in most flagship smartphones and comparable to what you would expect inside a dedicated compact camera. Such a sensor gathers significantly more light, which translates to better dynamic range, lower noise in dark conditions, and finer detail in every shot.
Render images of the 12S Ultra had already leaked online ahead of the official reveal, and the confirmed first-look imagery aligns closely with those earlier leaks. Xiaomi's own branding sits on the bottom edge of the rear panel, keeping the camera ring as the clear visual centrepiece.
Processor Options Across the Xiaomi 12S Series
Xiaomi is taking a tiered approach to chipsets within the 12S lineup. The 12S Ultra and 12S Pro are expected to run on the Mediatek Dimensity 9000+, while the base Xiaomi 12S is tipped to feature the Mediatek Dimensity 8100. Additionally, leaked specifications indicate that both the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro will be offered with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor across at least some storage configurations.
Storage and RAM Configurations
Three memory and storage tiers have been revealed for the Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro:
- 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage
- 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage
- 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage
These configurations give buyers flexibility depending on how heavily they plan to use the camera and store high-resolution photos and videos locally.
Launch Timeline and Availability
All three phones in the Xiaomi 12S series are confirmed for a China launch on July 4. Global availability — including a possible launch in India — had not been officially confirmed at the time of the initial reveal, though Xiaomi indicated that international markets could follow shortly after the China debut.
For more devices from this manufacturer, browse the full Xiaomi phones section.
| Feature | Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Xiaomi 12S Pro | Xiaomi 12S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera sensor | Sony IMX989 (1-inch) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Camera branding | Leica | — | — |
| Processor | Dimensity 9000+ | Dimensity 9000+ / SD 8+ Gen 1 | Dimensity 8100 / SD 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM options | Not specified | 8 GB / 12 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | Not specified | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| Launch date | July 4 (China) | July 4 (China) | July 4 (China) |
