Xiaomi Mi 12S Ultra: All we know about the new one-inch camera sensor

A new image shared on Weibo shows how large the sensor is compared to some other popular sensors right now, including the one on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Check it out below.

Here’s how big the IMX989 is compared to other popular camera sensors right now. (Image Source: Xiaomi)

The new sensor called the Sony IMX989 is theoretically capable of much better smartphone photography, perhaps comparable to the league of cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot series. The bigger sensor, clubbed with larger pixels could mean more light in photos, making night-time shots much more well-lit.

The IMX989 would also allow bigger optics to be attached to the camera setup, opening new possibilities. However, Xiaomi is yet to reveal more information on what the new camera can do.

Leica partnership

Xiaomi is also partnering with German camera-maker Leica for the new cameras across the 12S series, also including the IMX989-powered 12S Ultra. However, we still don’t if the partnership will simply be a marketing gimmick as many brands have done before, or if it will actually contribute to new hardware on the phone.

We should find out more about this and the capabilities of the new Sony IMX989 during the launch of the Xiaomi 12S series, which is set to kick off on July 4 in China. International availability of the series is still a mystery, but the 12S series is likely to come to India months later, perhaps with a new name.