When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Xiaomi)
(Image credit: Xiaomi)
Xiaomihas teamed up with Leica to launch the Xiaomi 12S Series ofAndroid phonesand, after taking just one look, it’s clear to see why Samsung, Sony, Google and more smartphone makers should be taking note.
The Leica and Xiaomi partnership, which wasannouncedat an event in China on Monday, has led to a truly astounding looking new camera system being brought to theAndroidphone market. The flagship Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which will go on sale for around $900, demonstrates the fruits of the Leica partnership perfectly.
The 12S Ultra includes a state-of-the-art one-inch camera sensor fromSony, the IMX989, which is simply gigantic in smartphone imaging sensor terms. The phone’s primary camera also uses a stunning 8P aspheric lens, which helps eradicate flare, ghosting and chromatic aberration, while the camera module itself also boasts an anti-glare lens coating, lens edge ink coating, cyclic olefin copolymer material, and infrared light filter with spin coating technology.
Leica have also built specialised Leica imaging profiles that have been designed to specifically make use of the incredible senor and lens on the 12S Ultra.
Simply put, Xiaomi appears to have taken smartphone camera technology to an entire new level with this new camera system.
(Image credit: Xiaomi)
(Image credit: Xiaomi)
So, what about the Android phone competition
So is Xiaomi’s new Leica partnership camera system really unchecked as the best in the world for Android phones?
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Well,Samsungis rumoured to be working on a200MP sensorthat may or may not make it into next year’sSamsung Galaxy S23series, and specifically the Galaxy S23 Ultra, while big camera upgrades are expected to be incoming in theGoogle Pixel 7series.
Sonyhasbeenquietly kicking assthis year with a series of phone releases with great camera systems, so it likely closest to Xiaomi in terms of competition, but at least on paper it is still hard to look past the new system coming out of China.
The truth is it seems that Xiaomi has now beaten these Android phone makers to the punch in terms of being top dog in terms of Android phone camera systems, so it will be interesting to see how their systems stack up.
Of course, the proof will be in the pudding so to speak with the new Xiaomi / Leica camera system, as stellar specs don’t always lead to stellar photos in the real world. But, we tell you what, they really do help!
Where rival Android phone makers can breathe a little sigh of relief is in the fact that this new Xiaomi phone series is not getting a launch in the West right now, with it being a China exclusive.
In terms of non-camera specs, Xiaomi 12S users can expect the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a 6.73-inch AMOLED display, IP68 water resistance, fast charging support, a 4,600 mAh battery, and much more.
So, in all ways the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a flagship release, but where it seems to move the bar notable is in the camera department.
TOPICSXiaomi
TOPICS
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
New Leica SL3-S might be the dream camera for most peopleIt’s the ultimate modern Leica camera
It’s the ultimate modern Leica camera
New Leica camera might be the most stylish model yetLeica’s are always good looking, but this one takes the cake
Leica’s are always good looking, but this one takes the cake
Highly-attractive Samsung Flip 6 rival could also be kinder on your wallet, according to global price leakThe Xiaomi Mix Flip could undercut Samsung and offer distinct advantages
The Xiaomi Mix Flip could undercut Samsung and offer distinct advantages
Leica D-Lux 8 review: the best Leica camera for most peopleIs the Leica D-Lux 8 the best cheap Leica? We think it might be
Is the Leica D-Lux 8 the best cheap Leica? We think it might be
There’s a flip phone coming that could smash Samsung’s Z Flip 6 out of the parkThe Galaxy Z Flip 6 hasn’t even hit shelves yet and it’s already in a fight
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 hasn’t even hit shelves yet and it’s already in a fight
New Leica camera puts iconic imagery in the reach of everyone – is this the cheap Leica we’ve been waiting for?The new Leica D-Lux 8 camera brings the brand’s signature look into a much lower price point
The new Leica D-Lux 8 camera brings the brand’s signature look into a much lower price point
A host of rare and vintage Leica camera equipment is going under the hammer next monthThe 44th Leitz Photographica Auction is set to see some unbelievable gear go on sale
The 44th Leitz Photographica Auction is set to see some unbelievable gear go on sale
The most powerful Android phone of 2024 could come from an unexpected sourceIt’s time to start thinking about the next-gen as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 approaches
It’s time to start thinking about the next-gen as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 approaches
