Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra: official release date, leakage of features and what is known for 2026

Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra is one of the most anticipated flagships of 2026, which should continue the line of top devices with a revolutionary camera and advanced technical solutions. Following the success of Xiaomi 13 Ultra, users and experts are looking forward to the announcement of a new model that promises to be a real breakthrough in mobile photography and performance. However, the official release date is still a mystery, and information on the network is often controversial.

In this article, we have gathered all the data we know about the Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra release date to date, including leaks from insiders, analysis of previous releases of the company and possible reasons for delays. You will also find comparisons with competitors, alleged characteristics and tips on how not to run into a fake when pre-ordering. If you plan to buy a flagship from Xiaomi in 2026, this material will help make an informed decision.

The official release date of Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra: what is known for 2026

At the time of this article’s publication (June 2026), Xiaomi has not yet announced the exact date of the Mi 12 Ultra’s unveiling, but a few reasonable assumptions can be made from the brand’s tradition and leakage:

• 📅 Previous Ultra models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Ultra) were released in March-April, but the announcement was delayed in 2026, possibly due to the postponement.
• 🔍 Sources close to the company (including a well-known Digital Chat Station insider) are citeing September-October 2026 as a likely release period.This could be due to the release of the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
• 📉 Competition with other brands: Xiaomi may specifically shift the release, so as not to overlap with the announcements of the iPhone 16 Pro (September) or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (already unveiled in January).

It’s important to understand that before the official announcement, any information is preliminary: In 2023, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra was announced only in April, although it was originally expected in March.

⚠️ Warning: If you see offers to pre-order the Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra at unknown sites before the official announcement is 100% fraud.

Why Mi 12 Ultra is delayed: possible causes

The delay in the release of the flagship smartphone is an atypical phenomenon for Xiaomi, which usually adheres to a clear schedule, experts point to several possible reasons:

1. Component supply issues: There are shortages of some chips and sensors in 2026, especially for high-resolution cameras, such as Sony delaying shipments of new Ultra-model matrices.
2. Software optimization: Xiaomi’s flagships often suffer from raw software when released, and it may have decided to spend more time testing HyperOS (the new Android 14-based shell).
3. Xiaomi may deliberately shift the release to avoid competition with the iPhone 16 and focus on promoting other devices, such as the foldable Xiaomi MIX Fold 4.
4. There are rumors that the Mi 12 Ultra may come under a different brand (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), as it was with the transition from Mi 11 to Xiaomi 13.

Interestingly, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra was also delayed in 2023, only announced in April, but expected in February, when it was due to a redesign of the Leica camera.

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If you can’t wait for the Mi 12 Ultra, look for alternatives: Xiaomi 14 Pro (already on sale) or Vivo X100 Pro with a similar Zeiss camera.

Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra: what to expect from the flagship of 2026

Although there are no official data, leaks and trend analysis provide a rough list of Mi 12 Ultra features, below is a comparison table with the previous model and expected innovations:

The Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra is rumored to have a four-module Leica system with improved optics and support. 8K-It is also expected that the smartphone will be the first in the lineup with support for satellite connectivity, like the iPhone 14 Pro.

Another possible innovation is an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the screen (instead of an optical one), which will improve the speed and reliability of unlocking, but this technology can increase the final price of the device.

Comparison with competitors: Mi 12 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro

If the Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra is released at the end of 2026, it will have to compete with the already presented flagships from Samsung and the expected iPhone 16 Pro.

• 📱 Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Mi 12 Ultra will be comparable to Apple A17 Pro (iPhone 16 Pro) but will be inferior in software optimization. Exynos 2400 (Galaxy) S24 Ultra) loses in benchmark tests.
• 📸 Camera: Leica vs Zeiss (Sony) vs Apple ProRAW. Xiaomi is rumored to be betting on night shooting and zoom, while Samsung is traditionally stronger at color processing.
• 🔋 Charging: Here Xiaomi is the undisputed leader - 120 W against 45 W iPhone and 45 W Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• 💰 Price: Mi 12 Ultra is expected to be cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro (from the ~120 000 ₽ against ~150 000 ₽), More expensive than a Galaxy S24 Ultra (from Ultra) ~110 000 ₽).

Xiaomi’s main advantage is price-performance. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offered an iPhone 14 Pro Max camera in 2023, but it cost 30-40% less. If the trend continues, the Mi 12 Ultra will be the best choice for mobile photography enthusiasts.

⚠️ Note: If you choose between Galaxy S24 Ultra and the anticipated Mi 12 Ultra, note that Samsung has a better ecosystem (like integration with Windows and Galaxy Watch), while Xiaomi has a more powerful charging and camera.

Where and how to buy Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra after release: tips for pre-ordering

When the Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultrafinally goes on sale, you will have several options for buying it.

Official Xiaomi website (mi.com) or authorized stores (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink)

Check the IMEI on Xiaomi’s website before buying

Avoid pre-orders on unknown sites (e.g. AliExpress before release)

Compare prices in 3-4 checked stores

Pay attention to the configuration (the box should have a charger and case)

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One of the most reliable ways to buy from Xiaomi’s official store or authorized retailers, but be careful: in the first days after the release, prices can be overpriced by 10-15% due to high demand. If you take your time, you better wait 2-3 weeks when the hype subsides.

In Russia, the official warranty on Xiaomi smartphones is 12 months, but only when you buy from authorized sellers. If you buy on AliExpress or other foreign platforms, the warranty may not apply.

It is also worth keeping an eye on stocks from banks, for example, when buying in installments through Sberbank or Tinkoff, they often give a cashback of 5-10% or an interest-free period of up to 12 months.

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Never buy Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra "hands-on" in the first months after the release - there is a high risk of running into "gray" imports or counterfeit. Official dealers are the only safe option.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra: debunking myths

There's a lot of rumors and speculation going around the expected flagship, and we've collected the most popular questions and provided informed answers.

Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra: What to buy if you don’t want to wait

If you’re not prepared to wait indefinitely or are in doubt about the wisdom of buying the Mi 12 Ultra, here are some worthwhile alternatives for 2026:

If you’re critical of the camera, the best alternatives are the Vivo X100 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If performance and charging are important, Xiaomi 14 Pro. And if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro Max (or the expected iPhone 16 Pro) will remain the best choice despite the high price tag.

Remember that Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra is likely to be more expensive than Xiaomi 14 Pro on 20-30%, But it's going to offer better camera and exclusive features (like improved zoom or satellite connectivity) and if you're critical of those features, it makes sense to wait.

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If you need a smartphone to play games, the Xiaomi 14 Pro and Mi 12 Ultra are almost identical in performance. The only difference is in the camera and design.