Launched in 2022, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra was a top-of-the-line phone boasting a powerful camera system co-developed with Leica, a leading optics company.
This raised the question of whether it lived up to the "Ultra" name and remained a worthy contender in the ever-evolving smartphone market.
As we approach the end of Q1 2024, let's delve into the Xiaomi 12S Ultra review, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it's still a phone worth considering for your purchase today.
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Highlights of Xiaomi 12S Ultra
- Amazing Display - The LTPO2 AMOLED display is bright, sharp, smooth, and beautiful to consume content on
- Best Performance - At the time of writing, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the fastest Android smartphone
- Stellar Cameras - The Xiaomi 12S Ultras cameras perform well no matter the condition or the task
- Good Battery Life - Efficient processor and large battery lead to long battery life
- Durable build - Scratch resistant, doesn't collect fingerprints and IP68 water resistance is all you can ask for
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Review 2024
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Design
Let's talk about the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's design, because let me tell you, this phone is a real looker! First things first, let's talk dimensions. At 163.2 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 2.95 x 0.36 in), this phone is definitely on the larger side, but don't let that scare you away.
Trust me, it's worth the extra pocket real estate! And despite its size, it doesn't feel clunky or unwieldy in your hand, thanks to its slim profile.
Now, let's talk about the build. The front of the phone is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, which is a fancy way of saying it's super durable and scratch-resistant.
The back, meanwhile, is made of eco leather, which not only looks and feels great, but is also environmentally friendly. And sandwiched between those two layers is an aluminum frame that adds a nice touch of class and durability.
Oh, and did I mention that this phone is IP68 dust/water resistant? That means you can take it with you on all your aquatic adventures without having to worry about it getting fried.
Plus, if you're anything like me, you're probably prone to dropping your phone in the toilet every now and then, so this feature is a real lifesaver.
Overall, I did find the Xiaomi 12S Ultra to have a fun and cool design, but this might not be the case for everyone. While the phone is ergonomic and unique, it pales in comparison to other premium smartphones like Samsung S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max. However design is subjective, and I couldn't find any faults in build quality, so that is a positive.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Display
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a sight to behold. From the LTPO2 AMOLED technology to the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, this phone screen is packing some serious visual punch.
At 6.73 inches, this bad boy is large and in charge. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 89%, which means you're getting an almost full-screen experience. And with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels and a density of 522 ppi, everything looks crystal clear.
But what really sets this display apart is the technology behind it. The LTPO2 AMOLED means that the phone can adjust its refresh rate depending on what is being done. So if you're just scrolling through Twitter, it'll use less power by lowering the refresh rate. But if you're playing a game, it'll kick it up to 120Hz for a smoother experience.
It's got 1000 nits of brightness (HBM) and can reach up to 1500 nits at its peak, which means the screen will be clear and every detail visible, even in the brightest sunlight.
I'm seriously impressed with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra display. It's big, bright, and beautiful, and it's perfect to watch movies or play games on.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Camera
This is where Xiaomi has cooked something special. They have partnered with Leica to create the best camera hardware for a smartphone.
It's got not one, not two, but THREE cameras! That's right, this bad boy is equipped with a triple 50.3 MP camera with Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF, and OIS.
And if that wasn't enough, it's got a 48 MP periscope telephoto camera with PDAF, OIS, and 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide camera with Dual-Pixel PDAF. Plus, it's got a TOF 3D depth sensor for all those fancy portrait shots!
The Xiaomi 12s Ultra camera also features Dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama, which means you can capture stunning landscapes and portraits with ease.
And let's not forget about the video capabilities! This phone can shoot 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, and even Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec. (4K, 1080p) videos thereby giving videos a professional touch like they were recorded on a high-end camera.
In terms of the front camera, it's a single 32 MP wide camera with HDR and panorama features, which greatly improves selfies! It can even shoot 1080p@30fps videos, so vlogs and video calls will be recorded in high definition.
I have to say that the Xiaomi 12s Ultra camera is a photographer's dream come true. With its multiple cameras, stunning image quality, and video capabilities, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a new phone.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Performance
Running on the latest Android 12 OS with MIUI 13, this phone is a joy to use, and the performance is off the charts!
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is powered by a Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, which is an absolute powerhouse of a processor. The octa-core CPU and Adreno 730 GPU work in perfect harmony to deliver blazing-fast speeds and buttery-smooth performance.
With up to 512GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM, this phone has more than enough space to store photos, videos, and apps, and the UFS 3.1 technology ensures lightning-fast read and write speeds.
But what really impressed me was the AnTuTu benchmark score of 1039412 (v9) and GeekBench score of 4300 (v5.1). These numbers are just insane, and they translate into real-world performance that is simply mind-blowing. I've never used a phone that felt this fast and responsive, and I'm loving every minute of it!
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a true flagship device that delivers exceptional performance and an amazing user experience.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Battery
With the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Xiaomi can squeeze out more battery life thanks to the efficient TSMC 4nm process. This makes the Xiaomi 12S Ultra one of the best battery life smartphones. It gets beaten only by the iPhone 13 Pro Max and monsters like Asus ROG Phone 6 with a 6000 mAh cell.
The Xiaomi 12s Ultra also boasts a 50W wireless charging feature that can get you to 100% in under an hour. That means you can toss your phone on a wireless charging pad and go about your day without having to worry about running out of battery.
And what i truly admired about this phone is that it has a 10W reverse wireless charging feature which can be used to charge other smartphones wirelessly.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast charging: With both wired and wireless charging options, the Xiaomi 12s Ultra can reach 100% battery in under an hour.
- Good battery life: The 4860mAh battery should last you throughout the day.
- High refresh rate display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes for a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
- Powerful processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is fast and efficient, allowing for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Great camera system: The quad-camera system on the back is versatile and takes great photos.
Cons:
- No headphone jack: If you still prefer using wired headphones, you'll need an adapter or Bluetooth headphones.
- No expandable storage: There's no microSD card slot, so you'll have to rely on the phone's internal storage.
Is The 12S Ultra Worth It in 2024?
When contemplating whether the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the right choice for you in 2024, it's essential to weigh its advantages and drawbacks against your personal preferences and needs.
If you're passionate about photography and videography, the 12S Ultra's exceptional camera capabilities, featuring a substantial 1-inch sensor and collaboration with Leica, make it a compelling choice. The device excels in capturing stunning images and videos, particularly in low-light conditions, catering to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Moreover, if you demand top-notch performance from your smartphone, the 12S Ultra delivers with its latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ensuring seamless multitasking, smooth gaming experiences, and swift navigation through demanding applications. Its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display further enhances your viewing experience, making every interaction a delight.
The convenience of fast charging, with support for both 67W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensures you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your device.
However, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks. The 12S Ultra's limited availability outside of China may pose logistical challenges, and its Chinese version of MIUI lacks access to essential Google services and applications, necessitating the installation of a global ROM. Additionally, its premium price point and the imminent release of newer models may deter budget-conscious consumers.
Alternatives to the Xiaomi 12S Ultra
1. Xiaomi 13 Series: For those seeking readily available Xiaomi phones boasting top-tier specifications, exploring the recently launched Xiaomi 13 series could be worthwhile.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as a robust competitor to the 12S Ultra, featuring stellar cameras, potent performance, and global availability.
3. Explore Other Flagship Options: Delve into flagship offerings from brands like Google, OnePlus, or Vivo, tailoring your choice to your unique requirements and budget constraints.
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