Xiaomi 12S Ultra review
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a dual-camera powerhouse that boasts impressive specs, but its performance is uneven. The phone's main camera, backed by Leica's color science, delivers stunning results with rich and cinematic shots. However, the ultrawide camera struggles to produce accurate colors, particularly when switching between modes. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S series, although not as strong in the main camera department, excels with its ultrawide and zoom cameras. The overall color science of the Samsung phone is also more pleasing, especially when capturing skin tones. Battery life is another area where both phones shine. Despite having a slightly lower battery capacity, Xiaomi's 12S Ultra manages to keep up with Samsung's power-hungry device, thanks to its more efficient chip. Wireless charging speeds are also significantly faster on the Xiaomi phone, making it a clear winner in this department. Charging times and software features further sway the balance towards Xiaomi. The company's battery management software is intuitive and helpful, while its charging capabilities outpace those of Samsung. Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a capable camera phone that edges ahead in some areas but lags behind in others. If you prioritize photography, this phone may be worth considering, but if other features like battery life, charging speed, or software are more important to you, Samsung's offerings might still take the cake. Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. While Xiaomi takes the lead in some areas, Samsung excels in others. The decision ultimately comes down to your personal priorities.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a device that exudes premium quality from every angle. The first thing that strikes you when holding it in your hands is its sleek and compact design. The phone's dimensions are precisely 163.5 x 77.2 x 8.6mm, making it comfortable to hold and use one-handed. The build quality of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is top-notch, with a sturdy aluminum alloy frame that provides a solid foundation for the device. The edges are meticulously polished, giving them a smooth, premium feel in your hands. The glass back panel is another highlight, featuring an intricate pattern of lines and curves that not only adds visual interest but also helps to dissipate heat. One notable design decision is the absence of a rear screen, which some may miss for its ability to use the main cameras for selfies. However, this has allowed Xiaomi to allocate more space for other features, such as the impressive 6.7-inch AMOLED display that takes center stage on the front. In terms of ergonomics, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is designed to fit snugly in your hand, with the slightly curved back panel providing a comfortable resting place for your fingers. The buttons and ports are strategically placed, making it easy to navigate and use the device without any fumbling or accidental presses. Overall, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's build quality and design are undoubtedly among its strongest suits. While some may have their preferences when it comes to design choices, there's no denying that this phone has a certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart from other devices in its class. Whether you're looking for a premium feel or just a solid, reliable smartphone experience, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is definitely worth considering.
Battery Life
In the heat of the American summer, I put both the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and its competitor to the test, pushing them to their absolute limits. The results were surprisingly close, with both phones barely scraping together six hours of screen on time. While Samsung may have a higher battery capacity technically, it's balanced out by the efficiency of Xiaomi's chip. In terms of charging speed, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra takes the lead. With 67 watts of power for wired charging, it leaves Samsung's 45 watts in the dust. Wireless charging is also faster with up to 50 watts of power compared to Samsung's 15 watts. Furthermore, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra can reverse charge other phones with up to 10 watts of power, surpassing Samsung's 4.5 watts. Xiaomi's battery software also deserves mention. It allows users to set up automations to save further battery and provides detailed settings recommendations based on current usage. While it doesn't quite edge out the competition, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's superior charging capabilities make a strong case for its consideration in this category. Overall, while both phones offer respectable battery life, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra takes the lead in terms of charging speed and convenience.
Display
The display is one of the standout features of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. With a 6.7-inch screen size, it's large enough to be immersive but not so big that it becomes cumbersome. The resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels provides crisp and clear visuals, making it perfect for watching movies or browsing through photos. The display also features a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which ensures smooth motion and minimal screen tearing. This is particularly noticeable when scrolling through websites or switching between apps. The colors produced by the display are vibrant and accurate, with deep blacks that add to the overall viewing experience. One of the unique features of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's display is its ability to adjust its color temperature based on the content being displayed. For example, if you're watching a movie or browsing through photos, the display will switch to a warmer color temperature to enhance the visual appeal. However, when reading text or using apps that require a more neutral color tone, the display will adjust accordingly. Overall, the display of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is impressive and offers an immersive viewing experience. While some may find it too large, the high resolution and smooth motion make up for this minor quibble. The ability to adjust the color temperature based on content being displayed is also a welcome feature that adds to the overall appeal of the phone. In comparison to the competition, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's display holds its own against other flagship devices. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some high-end displays, it provides an excellent viewing experience that's sure to please even the most discerning users.
Camera
The camera system on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with a new collaboration with Leica and a reworked design. While it excels in some areas, it also falls short in others. The main camera has received a major boost, with improved color science and a more cinematic look. However, this comes at the cost of increased saturation, which can make skin tones appear unnatural. The ultrawide camera, on the other hand, is essentially the same as before but now resides in a new position on the rear panel. One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's camera system is its ability to use Leica's color science and filters. However, these add-ons can be somewhat hit-or-miss, with the "authentic" mode often coming across as too muted, while the "vibrant" option can be overly saturated. In terms of functionality, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's camera app offers a range of features, including movie effects and document scanning mode. The latter is particularly useful for capturing high-quality text and images. Additionally, the multicam mode allows users to view six different camera views at once, which is a handy feature for those who like to compose their shots carefully. However, despite these improvements, there are some notable omissions. For instance, the rear screen that allowed users to take selfies using the main rear cameras has been removed in favor of a more standard selfie cam. This can lead to subpar results when trying to capture group portraits or landscapes with the front camera. Overall, while the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's camera system is an improvement over its predecessor, it still lags behind Samsung's offering in terms of overall quality and consistency. The Leica collaboration brings some welcome features, but also introduces new quirks that can be frustrating to navigate. Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's camera system excels in certain situations, such as low-light conditions or when using the movie effects feature. However, its limitations become apparent when trying to capture everyday moments with a higher level of detail and color accuracy. 4/5 If you're a photography enthusiast looking for a device that can deliver top-notch results in various scenarios, the Samsung may still be the better choice. However, if you value the unique features and look offered by Xiaomi's camera system, the 12S Ultra is certainly worth considering.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is an impressive smartphone that offers top-notch features at an affordable price point. In this review, I will focus on the device's value proposition, exploring whether it delivers on its promise of providing premium experiences without breaking the bank. Priced around $900, the 12S Ultra positions itself as a mid-to-high-end flagship. While it may not be as cheap as some other Xiaomi models, the phone offers exceptional performance, camera capabilities, and battery life that rival more expensive devices from top brands. In terms of price and value, the 12S Ultra is an attractive option for those seeking a high-end smartphone without the hefty premium. Its efficient chip, impressive cameras, and long-lasting battery ensure seamless daily use, making it a solid choice for users who want a reliable device that can keep up with their needs. However, when compared to its direct competitors, the 12S Ultra's price tag feels slightly steeper than some of its counterparts. Considering the features offered, it still represents excellent value for those willing to pay a premium for a top-notch smartphone experience. For users who prioritize having the best camera, battery life, and performance without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is an enticing option that delivers on its promise. Ultimately, whether or not the 12S Ultra's price point justifies its value depends on individual priorities and budgets. If you're in the market for a high-end smartphone with top-notch features, this device is certainly worth considering.
Performance
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra's performance is a mixed bag, but ultimately, it edges out its competitor in this department. The phone's processor, though efficient, doesn't quite match the raw power of its rival. However, it makes up for this with excellent battery life. In our tests, both phones lasted around six hours of screen time, despite being pushed to their limits in hot conditions. Xiaomi's more efficient chip balances out Samsung's higher battery capacity, making the difference negligible. What does set the 12S Ultra apart is its charging capabilities. It charges faster when plugged in (67 watts vs 45), wirelessly (up to 50 watts vs up to 15), and even reverses charges other phones faster (up to 10 watts vs 4.5). Xiaomi's battery software also excels, offering automations and detailed advice on how to conserve power. While the performance isn't spectacular, it's reliable and efficient. The phone handles everyday tasks with ease, and its ability to charge quickly is a welcome feature for those who need their device topped up throughout the day. Overall, while not perfect, Xiaomi's 12S Ultra performs well enough to make it a solid choice for those looking for a reliable smartphone experience.