Many users are still confused about the fate of the flagship line Xiaomi 12 Ultra. it was expected that this smartphone will be the absolute king of mobile photography, but the release never took place in the usual global format.
Instead of the expected release, the market saw the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which was the result of a partnership with the legendary Leica, which radically changed the direction of the brand’s camera phones. It is important to understand the difference between these models, since the Xiaomi 12 Ultra was officially canceled in favor of the S-index version.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the timeline of events, the technical reasons for the changes, and what customers received instead of the originally planned device, explain why the global version did not go on sale and what alternatives are relevant this year.
Chronology of events and reasons for cancellation
The history of the Xiaomi 12 Ultra is full of intrigue and unexpected twists and turns, originally planned as a direct competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, but during the development of engineers faced the need to radically revise the concept of image processing, the company made a strategic decision (suspend) the release of the conventional version.
The main reason was the collaboration with Leica, where engineers realized that the standard photo processing algorithm would not be able to fully unlock the potential of the new sensor without calibration from German specialists, which required additional time and a change in the hardware platform.
Why is the S index so important?
The result was a delay and subsequent release of the 12S Ultra, a device that was released exclusively for the Chinese market, a disappointment for European and American fans of the brand.
- 📅 March 2022: Announcement of the base line Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro.
- 🚫 June 2022: Rumors of cancellation of Ultra version.
- 🤝 July 2022: Presentation 12S Ultra with the Leica logo.
- 🌍 End 2022: Confirmation of the absence of a global version.
Technical characteristics: what we lost and what we got
If Xiaomi 12 Ultra had been released as originally planned, it would have been equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. However, the 12S Ultra version received a more advanced Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This solution has significantly reduced heat generation and improved energy efficiency.
The main element was the camera. Sony's huge 1-inch IMX989 sensor became the main trump card. Combined with Leica optics and variable aperture mechanism, it provided incredible quality of images even in low light. Optical zoom was implemented through a periscopic module with excellent detail quality.
💡
Note the processor. The “S” models in the Xiaomi 12 line are more stable and less warmed under load compared to the regular versions on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
The display remained unchanged from the Pro: AMOLED 2K panel and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the color profile software was completely redesigned, and users could now choose between the rich colors of the Leica Vibrant and the natural Leica Authentic.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi 12S Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Main camera. | 50 MP (Sony IMX707) | 50 MP (Sony IMX989, 1) |
| Optics | Standard. | Leica Summicron |
| Charging. | 120 W. | 67 W. |
Why wasn't there a global version?
The lack of a global release for the Xiaomi 12S Ultra came as a shock to the Western market, with experts highlighting several key factors that influenced the decision: First, the company wanted to create artificial scarcity and exclusivity for its new flagship, positioning it as a device for professionals.
Second, logistics and certification of the device with the unique 1-inch sensor and specific Leica calibration required more time than was allocated for the life cycle of the 12-series model.
⚠️ Attention: Buying Xiaomi 12S Ultra on Chinese marketplaces, you will encounter a lack of support for Band 20 (800 MHz) bands, which is critical for the job. 4G rural areas of Europe and Russia.
In addition, the brand’s strategy has shifted towards the Xiaomi 13 Ultra series, which was originally designed as a global device, and engineers have factored in bugs and delayed the thirteenth series to ensure worldwide launch, confirming that the 12S Ultra experiment was more of a pilot project.
Alternatives and current models in 2026
In 2026, it makes no sense to look for the Xiaomi 12 Ultra, as the market has long had more advanced models.The Ultra lineup continued in 13 Ultra, 14 Ultra and the newest 15 Ultra. Each subsequent version offered improved zoom, brighter screen and long-term support with updates.
If you need an Ultra-level camera but have a budget, you should pay attention to the Xiaomi 13 Pro or 14 Pro series. They inherited a 1-inch sensor and got global firmware out of the box.
For those who want the 12-series, the only option is the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Despite the lack of a periscope telephoto lens, its core module shoots perfectly, but in 2026 its hardware platform may be considered obsolete for heavy tasks.
- 📸 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Full Leica Camera Pack and Global Support.
- 🚀 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Improved TV and new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
- 💰 Xiaomi 12S Ultra (CN): Only for enthusiasts and collectors.
Software and support
A major aspect of device ownership is software. The Chinese versions of the 12S Ultra run MIUI China or HyperOS China. They lack many of Google's default services, although they can be installed manually. However, notifications can come with a delay due to aggressive energy savings.
The process of global ROM flashing on these devices is fraught with risks. Unlocking the bootloader requires waiting and can be paid. After firmware is global version often stops working camera in "Portrait" with the effect of Leica, because the software is tied to the region.
Example of a team to check the firmware region through ADB
adb shell getprop ro.miui.regionSupport for security updates for the 12-line is already coming to an end or over.In 2026, buying this device for long-term use carries vulnerabilities.New models receive Android updates and security patches for 4-5 years.
☑️ Check before buying used Xiaomi Ultra
Final verdict: is sheepskin worth making?
To sum up, it’s safe to say that the Xiaomi 12 Ultra didn’t come out as expected, and the story of this model is the story of Xiaomi’s transformation of its approach to camera phones. The cancellation of the standard version was a painful but right step to create the legendary 12S Ultra.
For the average user in 2026, buying the 12S Ultra makes no practical sense due to the lack of a global version and the end of support.It is wiser to consider more recent models that are free of childhood diseases and offer a full range of features for the international market.
⚠️ Warning: Don't believe the announcements of the sale of the "New Xiaomi 12 Ultra Global Version." 99% probability is a re-flashed Chinese version or outright fake.
Technological progress is not standing still: What was the top of the list in 2022 is now the mid-range segment: Invest your funds in devices that will be relevant for several more years, ensuring stable operation and quality shooting.
💡
Xiaomi 12 Ultra was cancelled for the sake of collaboration with Leica, which led to the creation of the 12S Ultra only for China.Global users should look at the 13 Ultra series and the newer.