The Xiaomi 12S series made its global debut on July 4, 2022, with three flagship smartphones launched simultaneously in China — the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Xiaomi 12S Pro, and Xiaomi 12S. All three models run on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and come equipped with Leica-tuned cameras, marking a landmark partnership between Xiaomi and the legendary German optics brand. The highlight of the series is the 12S Ultra's camera module, which features a 23-carat gold ring surrounding the primary lens.
Xiaomi 12S Series Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra starts at 5,999 Chinese Yuan (approximately Rs 70,700). The Xiaomi 12S Pro carries a starting price of 4,699 Yuan (approximately Rs 55,400), while the standard Xiaomi 12S begins at 3,999 Yuan (approximately Rs 47,100). At the same event, Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition, also priced at 3,999 Yuan (approximately Rs 47,100), alongside the Mi Smart Band 7 Pro. As of launch, there was no confirmed date for an India release of any device in the series.
Full Specifications: Xiaomi 12S Series Compared
| Specification | Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Xiaomi 12S Pro | Xiaomi 12S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED, 120Hz, 1500 nits, LTPO | 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED, 120Hz, 1500 nits, LTPO | 6.28-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1100 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB | 256GB | 512GB |
| Primary Camera | 50MP Sony IMX989 + OIS | 50MP Sony IMX707 + OIS | 50MP Sony IMX707 + OIS |
| Secondary Camera | 48MP ultra-wide | 50MP ultra-wide | 50MP ultra-wide |
| Third Camera | 48MP ultra-wide (tertiary) | 48MP telephoto | 13MP macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 4860mAh | 4600mAh | 4600mAh |
| Wired Charging | 67W | 120W | 67W |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | 50W |
| Reverse Wireless | 10W | 10W | 10W |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| OS | MIUI 13 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 13 |
| Starting Price | 5,999 Yuan (~Rs 70,700) | 4,699 Yuan (~Rs 55,400) | 3,999 Yuan (~Rs 47,100) |
Leica Camera Partnership and the Gold Ring Detail
The collaboration with Leica is central to the Xiaomi 12S series identity. All three phones benefit from Leica-optimised colour science and lens coatings. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra's triple rear system is headlined by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 sensor — the largest sensor in any smartphone at the time — surrounded by a decorative 23-carat gold ring on the camera module housing. The 12S Pro and standard 12S use the Sony IMX707 sensor as their primary shooter, also paired with Leica tuning and optical image stabilisation.
Display and Build Quality
Both the 12S Ultra and 12S Pro share a 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED micro-curved display with 120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the 12S Pro display. The smaller 12S opts for a 6.28-inch AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and 1,100 nits brightness, also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The 12S Pro and 12S are available in both glass and leather finish options.
Connectivity and Biometrics
All three phones in the Xiaomi 12S series carry an identical connectivity suite: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, IR Blaster, GPS/A-GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C. The 12S Ultra additionally includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and a heart rate monitor. IP68 water resistance is standard across the entire lineup, making all three phones suitable for submersion in up to 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes.
How the Xiaomi 12S Series Stands Out
The Xiaomi 12S series arrives as one of the first device families to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which was only announced in May 2022. By pairing that chipset with Leica optics, Sony's largest mobile image sensor, LTPO displays, and aggressive fast-charging across all three tiers, Xiaomi positioned the series as a comprehensive flagship lineup rather than a single hero device. The 12S Ultra's 50W wireless charging and 4860mAh battery particularly stand out at the top of the range, while the 12S Pro's 120W wired charging makes it the fastest-charging phone in the trio.
