The World's Largest Smartphone Camera! Xiaomi 12S Ultra
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Promos
Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a truly incredible camera... sometimes 1-inch Sensors aren't actually 1 inch: youtu.be MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phone provided by Xiaomi for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra headline feature is its incredibly large camera system, which pushes the idea of a smartphone camera to its extreme. The video starts by highlighting that the device sports what Xiaomi calls the world’s largest smartphone camera sensor, specifically built around Sony's new IMX989 sensor, marking a milestone as the first sensor designed for smartphones rather than repurposed from a larger camera. The host also notes the Leica collaboration on optics and coating, and explains how the Leica authentic and Leica vibrant looks offer two distinct color stories, similar to photographic styles on other phones. The review digs into what this means in practice, including how the phone balances pushing marketing claims with real-world photography performance, and how it positions itself against Samsung’s Ultra line. The overarching takeaway is that Xiaomi’s approach is to beat the competition at its own game with a flagship sensor and tuned optics, and the host sets up a deeper dive into the camera’s strengths and quirks in later sections.
Topics · smartphones · technology · mobile_photography · camera_sensor · leica_collaboration · video_recording
Questions answered
- What makes the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's camera sensor unique compared to other smartphones?
- It uses Sony's IMX989, the first sensor designed specifically for smartphones, and is marketed as the world’s largest smartphone camera sensor.
- How does Leica influence the camera experience on the 12S Ultra?
- Leica provides optical coatings and branding, with two color styles (authentic and vibrant) that affect color science and look, similar to photographic styles in other ecosystems.