Xiaomi has confirmed availability for the Xiaomi 12S series going forwards, having introduced the trio on Chinese and global social media channels yesterday. Not only has the company gone on the record with Android Authority about the matter, but it has also subsequently stressed where it intends to sell the likes of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra in a global press release. Incidentally, an apparent statement has started circulating on social media.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi will only sell the Xiaomi 12S, Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra in mainland China, a fate presumably also due for the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition. However, it is unclear whether Xiaomi will sell the Book Pro 14 2022, Book Pro 16 2022 or the Smart Band 7 Pro outside its home market. In fact, the statement below goes further, adding that yesterday's global presentation was 'for informational purposes only'.
Hence, importing the Xiaomi 12S series from China appears to be the sole route to obtaining a Leica-tuned smartphone, other than purchasing a model when in the country itself. Unsurprisingly, third-party retailers like TradingShenzhen are already offering the Xiaomi 12S series. It is worth keeping in mind that Xiaomi's Chinese handsets do not ship with Google Mobile Services (GMS) installed. While there are workarounds, they are unofficial and not encouraged by Xiaomi. Ultimately, little separates the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro from their S series counterparts. The lack of a Xiaomi 12S Ultra global release is a shame though, particularly as it is the only smartphone with Sony's new IMX989 camera, a 1-inch sensor that outputs at 50 MP.