Here. Xiaomi has just unveiled its new flagship smartphone for the year 2022 and it has taken us by surprise even though almost all its specs have been leaked. And it did it because it’s not a traditional cell phone. actually looks more like a compact camera As a bonus, the electronic components of a mobile phone are integrated.

The photo we used on the cover of this article clearly reflects the footprint of the imposing camera module behind this terminal, but does not allow us to sense its thickness. In any case, according to Xiaomi spokespersons, this is a mobile phone. enthusiasts and professionals photography.

In fact, as we told you a few days ago, its main camera 1 inch sensor It was produced by Sony and is worth investigating as deeply as possible. However, that’s not all. And the Chinese company became an ally during the development of these 12S Ultra: Leica cameras. Of course, Xiaomi assures that cooperation is not a ploy. marketing. There is no doubt that this smartphone has a lot to cut.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra: technical specifications

The 1-inch sensor is at the heart of the hardware of this mobile phone

The sexiest cameras on this smartphone are undoubtedly located on the rear module, but before we examine them, it’s worth taking a quick look at the front unit. This camera uses 32 megapixel sensor It works in conjunction with an optic with an aperture of f/2.0. These features fit very well with what users can demand from a smartphone’s front camera.

Now yes, it’s time to review the rear cameras. It embodies the true claim of this mobile, as the base model includes the new 1-inch IMX989 sensor manufactured by Sony. This sensor has a resolution of 50 megapixels and 1.6 µm photodiodes can be grouped into sets of four photoreceptors to increase their surface area to a wholly insignificant 3.2 µm.

The aperture value of the lens with which this sensor works is f/1.9 and contains 8 elements. However, what is really interesting is that this optical block, according to Xiaomi cover the entire surface of the sensorsomething that other mobile phones that also prefer 1-inch sensors, such as the Sony Xperia PRO-I, fail to achieve. Of course, the images we have of this terminal reflect that its thickness, and possibly weight, exceeds values ​​that many users are willing to accept. We’ll review it when we get a chance to test it.

Let’s start with the ultra wide-angle camera and telephoto lens now. Both prefer the same sensor: a 1/2-inch IMX586 with 48-megapixel resolution manufactured by Sony and 1.6 µm photodiodes Can be grouped into sets of four. However, as expected, the optical blocks of these cameras are very different. The one with the wide-angle unit has an aperture of f / 2.2 and 7 elements, a configuration that allows us to keep a 128-degree field of view.

However, the optics of the telephoto lens have an aperture of f/4.1 (unfortunately, Xiaomi did not disclose what the exact configuration of the optical block of this camera is during the presentation). Also, as we might expect, this unit is stabilized. On paper, both the wide-angle camera and telephoto lens look very good, but due to the ambition it brings to the table, there’s no doubt that the main camera is the real hero.

The fourth camera this smartphone bets on depth unit 3D ToF type (Flight time). Many other phones, both from Xiaomi and from other brands, have been using this technology for over three years, but if you are not familiar with it and want to know in detail what it has to offer, I suggest you take a look. article that we describe in detail. .

Xiaomi makes Leica’s hand very present on this smartphone

Users often think with a little distrust The relationship that exists between smartphone manufacturers and brands specializing in professional photography. And the companies involved know this.

That is why Xiaomi spokespersons repeated several times during the presentation of the 12S family of terminals by Leica engineers. they were deeply interested both in the development of the hardware and processing software of the cameras of these mobile phones. They even played a video where we can see the discussions between these technicians during the development of this photo rig.

We won’t know exactly what this smartphone has to offer until we have the opportunity to analyze it in-depth, so for now we will have to collect what Xiaomi has promised us. And what it assures us is that they solve it better than ever in this terminal. always difficult integration Between camera hardware and software Again, Leica engineers seem very prepared throughout this process.

Xiaomi spokespersons say that Leica technicians not only inspect the quality of the hardware and software of 12S Ultras; They were also sure aesthetics of photographs they capture, and the level of detail they can meticulously gather respects those of their cameras. Leica’s own cameras.

In fact, the engineers of the German company contributed to fine-tuning, as well as interfering with the process of refining the post-processing algorithms. two different shooting modes (authentic Y live) and four classic Leica filters that will be familiar to photographers with a Leica camera.

According to Xiaomi, the goal of both its own technicians and Leica’s technicians was to reproduce color as reliably as possible and to recover the maximum level of detail in both shadowy areas and highlights. In short, put it in our hands maximum naturalness. Sounds good.

Unfortunately at the moment it looks like this handset won’t be making its way to Europe, but it wouldn’t be surprising if we hear more about this promising 12S Ultra in the coming months. I would be very surprised if Xiaomi misses the opportunity to compete in the premium segment. radiates a lot of personality. As soon as the opportunity arises, we will be prepared to test it extensively.