Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russia: when to expect the official release in 2026 and how to buy now

The flagship smartphone Xiaomi 12S The Ultra, introduced in July 2022, never received an official release in Russia - despite the announcements and expectations of the brand's fans. The model became legendary thanks to the revolutionary Leica Summicron camera with a 1-inch sensor, a ceramic body and the top Snapdragon 8 chipset.+ But due to geopolitical circumstances and sanctions, Xiaomi has suspended the supply of most flagships to the Russian market.

Today, in 2026, the situation remains ambiguous: on the one hand, the company has not announced a return. 12S Ultra in official sales channels, on the other hand, the device is still available through parallel imports, gray dealers and used markets:

• 🔍 Why Xiaomi 12S Ultra is not sold in Russia officially – real reasons and statements of the brand
• 📅 Is there a chance of release in 2026-2026 – analysis of Xiaomi’s strategy and alternative ways to buy?
• 💰 Current prices for new and b/w 12S Ultra in Russia – where it is more profitable to buy
• ⚠️ Risks of buying through informal channels – warranty, firmware, compatibility with Russian networks

If you are considering Xiaomi 12S Ultra as an option to buy today, this article will help you avoid mistakes and choose the best way to purchase.

Why Xiaomi 12S Ultra is not officially sold in Russia: 3 key reasons

The Absence of Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russian stores is not an accident, but a consequence of systemic problems:

1. Sanctions: After 2022, many Chinese brands, including Xiaomi, faced logistical and financial difficulties while operating in Russia. The company suspended shipments of flagship models, focusing on budget and mid-budget devices (for example, the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12). POCO X5).
2. Brand strategy. Xiaomi refocused flagship lines (12S/13/14 Ultra to markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, where demand for premium smartphones is higher, while in Russia, more affordable devices are the priority.
3. Technical barriers. Model 12S Ultra is not certified for Russian networks 5G (due to lack of support for ranges n78 and n79, This is a problem that is used by MTS, Beeline, Tele2 operators, and this creates a risk of problems with the mobile Internet.

Official statements from Xiaomi Russia regarding the 12S Ultra was not, but in 2023, the representatives of the brand in the Telegram channel confirmed that the flagship models of the line Ultra are not planned for release in Russia in the foreseeable future.

⚠️ Note: If you see offers to buy Xiaomi 12S Ultra with an “official warranty” in Russian stores is a scam. The only legal way to get a warranty is to buy abroad (for example, in the UAE or Hong Kong) followed by self-registration of an international warranty (which is extremely difficult for the Russian Federation).

Will Xiaomi be? 12S Ultra in Russia in 2026-2026: experts’ forecasts

Analyzing the current situation, we can distinguish three scenarios of events:

The most likely option is Xiaomi 12S Ultra will not appear in official stores (for example, Svyaznoy or M. Video), instead, the company can release a simplified version in Russia (for example, Xiaomi 14 without the Leica module) or focus on intermediate models like Xiaomi. 13T Pro.

If you are not willing to wait indefinitely, consider the alternatives:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the successor 12S Ultra with improved camera (but the same problem with official deliveries)
• 📱 Xiaomi 14 is the current flagship of 2026, but without a 1-inch sensor
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a direct competitor with a similar camera and official support in Russia

Where to buy Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russia today: 5 proven ways

Despite the lack of official supplies, buy Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russia is still possible. Consider all current channels with their pros and cons.

1.Grey imports through foreign marketplaces

The most reliable way is to order from countries where the model is officially sold.

• 🇦🇪 UAE (Dubizzle, Noon) – prices from 65,000-75,000 ₽, Delivery 7-14 days, plus: original firmware, warranty 1 year (but not valid in Russia).
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (HKTVmall, Fortress) – Prices from 70,000 ₽, Customs fees are possible (up to 30%).
• 🇪🇺 Europe (Amazon) DE/ES, eBay - prices from 80 000 ₽, lockdown IMEI importation.

⚠️ Note: When ordering from abroad, check if the model supports Russian frequencies. 4G (should be ranges B1/B3/B7/B20). U 12S Ultra global version (code) 2206122SG) There is no problem with this, but the Chinese version (2206122SC) It may not work with MTS/Beeline.

2. Buying from hands (Avito, Yula, Telegram)

In the secondary market, prices for Xiaomi 12S Ultra ranges from 45,000 to 60,000. ₽ Depending on the condition, the main risks:

• 🔋 Battery wear – check the charging cycle via ##4636## (in the Battery menu»).
• 📸 Camera problems – test all modules (especially telephoto 5)× zoom).
• 🚫 Lock-in IMEI — request a check from the seller or confirmation of legal importation.

3. parallel import through Russian stores

Some retailers (e.g. Merlion, TopBrand, 4Fresh)occasionally 12S Ultra to order. Prices start from 85,000 ₽, but there are bonuses:

• ✅ 6-12 months warranty (but only in this store).
• ✅ Russian-language firmware (usually) MIUI Global).
• ✅ Possibility of payment in installments.

The disadvantage is a limited choice of colors (usually only Black) and a long waiting period (2-4 weeks).

4. Order through intermediaries (customs brokers)

If you don't want to handle your order yourself, you can use intermediaries (e.g. ShopFans, BuyMe), who buy a smartphone abroad and deliver it to Russia at a fee of 10-15%.

• 📦 No problem with customs (brokers make it all by themselves).
• 💳 Possibility of payment in rubles.
• 🔄 Exchange/return in marriage.

Minus – the final price will rise to 90,000-100 000 ₽.

5. Auctions and Sales (eBay, Taobao)

On eBay or Taobao, you can sometimes find lots with Xiaomi. 12S Ultra price below market (from 50 000) ₽). But there are high risks:

• 🚨 Fraud (the seller may send a fake or used device under the guise of a new one).
• 📦 Long delivery (up to 1-2 months).
• 💸 Additional fees (customs, platform commission).

💡

Before you buy at auction, ask the seller for a photo of the box with the serial number and video of the smartphone turning on.

Technical characteristics of Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Why it's still relevant in 2026

Despite Xiaomi's 12S Ultra was released in 2022, in many respects it is not inferior to the flagships of 2026:

Main advantage 12S Ultra in front of the new flagships – a camera with a 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989, It's still one of the best in mobile photography. DXOMARK, It is ahead of even the iPhone 15 Pro Max in low light conditions.

Weaknesses of the model:

• ⚡ No wireless charging (unlike Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔊 Stereo speakers are weaker than competitors (no support for Dolby Atmos).
• 📡 No official support 5G in Russia, though 4G stable).

💡

Xiaomi 12S Ultra in 2026 remains relevant for photographers and enthusiasts, but inferior to new flagships in performance and ecosystem (for example, no). MIUI 15).

Risks of buying Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russia: what to pay attention to

Xiaomi's Purchase 12S Ultra through unofficial channels carries several serious risks.

1. Problems with warranty and service

Official guarantee of Xiaomi on 12S Ultra is not valid in Russia. Even if you buy a device with an "international warranty", service centers in Russia will refuse to repair:

• 🔧 Unofficial service centers (e.g. FixPrice or iService) – are taken for repairs, but prices are high (screen replacement) ~25 000 ₽).
• 📦 Self-repair – you can find spare parts (battery, cameras) on AliExpress, but you need skills.

2. IMEI lockdown

If the smartphone is imported into Russia illegally (for example, smuggled), Roskomnadzor can block it IMEI. You can check the status on the site imei.info or through the command *#06#.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI The device is blocked, the smartphone will not be able to call and use the mobile Internet, unlocking is possible only through the court or from the official importer (which is impossible for the user to use the mobile Internet). 12S Ultra).

3. Problems with firmware and updates

Global version 12S Ultra (2206122SG) receiver MIUI, but:

• 📱 Updates are delayed (sometimes 2-3 months later than in China).
• 🌍 There is no Russian localization in some system applications (e.g. Camera or Security).
• 🔒 Some features (e.g. Xiaomi Cloud) may be limited to the Russian Federation.

The solution is to install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), but this takes away the warranty (if any) and requires unlocking the bootloader.

4. Compatibility with Russian networks

Xiaomi 12S Ultra supports the main ranges 4G Russian:

• 📶 B1 (2100 MHz – MTS, Beeline, Tele2
• 📶 B3 (1800 MHz – all operators
• 📶 B7 (2600 MHz - MTS, MegaFon
• 📶 B20 (800 MHz) – coverage depth in regions

However, 5G It does not work due to lack of support for ranges n78 (3500 MHz) and n79 (4700 MHz, which Russian operators use. 5G, Consider alternatives (e.g. Samsung Galaxy) S23 Ultra).

Xiaomi Alternatives 12S Ultra in 2026: what to choose instead

If you are not willing to accept the risks of buying 12S Ultra or want a more modern device, here are the best alternatives to the Russian market:

If you are critical of the camera, the best choice is Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Vivo. X90 Pro+. If official support is important – Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Xiaomi 14.

If you are an enthusiastic photographer and willing to accept the risks, Xiaomi 12S Ultra is still one of the best options – especially if you find it in good condition for up to 60,000. ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 12S Ultra in Russia