Gadgets

Xiaomi Unveils 12S Ultra Concept Edition, with Removable Leica Lens

Nov 02, 2022, 20:45pm2022/11/04 18:13:10 Pandaily

On November 2, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept Edition was officially unveiled, which features a unique rear camera setup that includes a removable Leica lens for enhanced photography. Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> and German camera maker Leica jointly released the Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> 12S Ultra in July this year.

After announcing the Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> 12S Ultra Concept Edition, Lei Jun, founder, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder />, explained the phone in detail, saying that when the lens is removed, its appearance and function are basically the same as those of the 12S Ultra.

However, when the new phone is equipped with the lens, the second direct light sensor built in the smartphone starts to work its magic. With a f/1.4 lens, light input is doubled compared with the regular Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> 12S Ultra which produces even higher quality photos.

Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> 12S Ultra Concept Edition (Source: Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder />)

The 12S Ultra Concept Edition apparently offers two 1-inch sensors with one of the sensors being the same as those typically found on a smartphone, while the one in the middle of the module is paired with the phone’s external lenses. In order to complete this feat, Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> adjusted the internal structure of the Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> 12S Ultra, and moved the super wide-angle camera downwards to ensure that the one-inch sensor was in the center.

In addition, Xiaomi<img decoding="async" class="trade-card__loading" layout="fixed" height="50" width="50" src="https://assets.pandaily.com/uploads/2021/12/loading.png" placeholder /> optimized the circuitry to greatly reduce the area of its main board. There is no need to worry about wear and tear with daily use. The seal between the sensor and sapphire glass has also been strengthened to better withstand dust and water.

Zhang Yu, marketing manager of Xiaomi’s Redmi brand, posted on Weibo that the cost of the Concept Edition is higher than the Ultra version. However, this Concept Edition may not be mass produced but that related technologies or concepts may appear on later smartphones released by the company.

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra released in July this year is equipped with a 2K E5 screen, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, G1 battery management chip and Surge P1 fast charging chip. The 4860mAh battery supports 67W wired charging. In terms of image, a Sony IMX989 main camera, 48MP super wide angle lens and 48MP periscope telephoto lens make up the phone’s camera apparatus.

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