While most smartphone devotees will choose their device carefully based on variables such as display, chipset, operating software, and camera equipment quality, most smartphone buyers simply want either value for money or something that looks good when they show it off. The Xiaomi 12 Ultra is unlikely going to offer immense value for money, if recent price leaks are accurate, but it will certainly spark plenty of comments when whipped out of a bag or pocket. Those suffering from trypophobia (nausea, disgust, etc. that is triggered by irregular hole patterns) might not want to take a closer look at the divisive camera housing design though.
We have already had Xiaomi 12 Ultra concept designs offered by LetsGoDigital, and now we have some images and a video clip created by HoiINDI. The Xiaomi 12 Ultra is shown off in black and green colorways, and while the handset itself looks stylish in the renderings with the power button in an eye-catching deep Xiaomi orange-red, it’s obvious that the trypophobia-inducing camera housing is the star of the show. There is still some argument about just how many lenses Xiaomi might insert into the rear of the 12 Ultra, with both five sensors and even three cameras being rumored. The rest of the holes in the housing are presumably reserved for the supporting equipment (flash, etc.).
It's actually difficult to describe any concept renderings of the Xiaomi 12 Ultra as purely “beautiful” at this stage as not only is that a subjective description but also the OEM clearly wants to create a talking-point smartphone, like it did with the Mi 11 Ultra, without caring too much about critical opinion. The 12 Ultra needs to be packed with incredible hardware, like the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and 2K OLED panel, and it should feature some “out-there” design spectacle for Xiaomi fans to boast about and for non-Xiaomi supporters (and trypophobes) to bemoan for one reason or another. Rumors suggest the not-too-subtle camera bump will at least sport a 50 MP + 48 MP + 48 MP lens lineup.