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Xiaomi Android 12 Released Dec 2021

Xiaomi 12

8.1 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 17 critic reviews
Android 12 Operating system
6.28" Screen size
50MP f/1.88 Main camera
SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) Octa-core Processor
128/256 GB Storage
4,500 mAh Battery
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
17 reviews
weighted by credibility
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.8

“The Xiaomi 12 is a very good smartphone with powerful equipment and performance. The performance of the smaller 6.28-inch Xiaomi 12 is just as good as that of the Xiaomi 12 Pro top model, since both use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. In terms of battery life, our test unit is even able to beat the flagship, since that has a higher power consumption due to its larger 6.73-inch display. Other positive characteristics of the Xiaomi 12 are the high-quality design, the bright AMOLED display with accurate colors, the fast and accurate GPS, the very fast WiFi-6E speed, the short charging time, and wireless charging at 50 watts. The 50-MP camera almost looks a bit worse in comparison, since it only delivers good but not the very best pictures for this price class.”

GSMArena
GSMArena
8.6

“When we first took the Xiaomi 12 in hand, we were really impressed. We instantly thought that this would be the compact flagship to recommend in 2022. A quick scroll through the specs sheet suggests exactly that. Bright and fast OLED, premium build, big battery, fast wired and wireless charging, dedicated stereo speakers and a triple-camera setup with a big main sensor. And then, of course, at the helm of it all - the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Sadly, through the course of writing this review, we found out that most of these standout features come with caveats. These drawbacks keep us from recommending the handset right away, yet they are not enough to dismiss the Xiaomi 12's strong points we truly liked.”

TechRadar
TechRadar
8

“The Xiaomi 12 is an attractive flagship phone that’s a little rough around the edges. While its small form, attractive design and fast charging ensure it plays well in the big leagues, its cameras, display and software experience are only ‘okay’. Given that this is a high-price flagship phone, we had hoped for better.”

ZDNet
ZDNet
8

“Like the larger Xiaomi 12 Pro, the 6.28-inch Xiaomi 12 both pleases and disappoints. Its compact dimensions will be a real plus point for many people. The cameras are good, and the macro mode is fun to use, although it's a shame it is so hidden away in the menu system. The top-end chipset, 120Hz screen refresh rate and fast charging are also very welcome. However, there's no IP rating for dust and water resistance, battery life is below par and there is a lot of bloatware.”

Video reviews

Watch before you decide

Reviews
Biggest Smartphone Surprise of 2022! | Xiaomi 12 Review
Tech Spurt
Xiaomi 12 review
GSMArena Official
Long-term
Xiaomi 12 IN-DEPTH Review // One Month Later!
Sam Beckman
Xiaomi 12 (Global) – INTENSE Gaming, Emulation & Overheating Test – How Powerful?
Chigz Tech Reviews
Comparisons
OPPO Find X5 Pro vs Xiaomi 12: Battery Charge Test
Tech Thusiast
Samsung S22 Ultra vs OnePlus 10 Pro / iPhone 13 Pro Max / Xiaomi 12 / Pixel 6 – BATTERY DRAIN TEST!
TechDroider
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro Camera Test
Zee Tech
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro Camera Test | 50MP cameras + different sensors = same result?
Grant Likes Tech
Xiaomi 12 Pro Vs Xiaomi 12 Comparison, Throttling Test & Camera Comparison
TechTablets
Vivo X100 Pro vs Xiaomi 13T Pro vs iQOO 12 vs Samsung S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max Benchmark Test
TechNick
Xiaomi 12 vs Pixel 6 Camera Comparison
HansTechTalk
Xiaomi 12 Lite VS Xiaomi 12 – What’s Different & Camera Comparison
Redskull
Xiaomi 12 Vs Xiaomi 12 Pro Vs Xiaomi 12 Lite
Theprtech
Camera tests
Xiaomi 12 camera test vid
Phandroid
Xiaomi 12 In-depth Camera Review
TechwithUsama
Official
Re-designing and Recycling Xiaomi 12 Pro’s Packaging by Camera60 Studio
Xiaomi

In Depth

Xiaomi’s latest phone release included two phones, the standard 12 and the pricier 12 Pro. How do they compare? Keep reading to find out!

What’s the Same

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen-1 processor
  • 120Hz refresh rate

What’s Different

  • 65W fast charging
  • 6.2-inch display
  • Macro setting on the camera

The Xiaomi 12 is so similar to the Xiaomi 12 Pro that choosing between the two might be difficult. The choice lies in what you like your phone to do when it comes down to it.

The Xiaomi 12 is smaller, so if pocket-friendliness is critical, it might be ideal.

Or perhaps you want the fastest charging, at which point the Xiaomi 12 Pro would be best.

Maybe your primary use for your phone is media and gaming. Then the larger screen of the Pro would be better suited to you.

Either way, the two phones are virtually the same. Both are highly capable devices.

Trusted Reviews says, “To conclude, the biggest differences between the two mainly lie with the camera, the screen, and fast-charging. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is likely to have a better all-around camera performance thanks to its more impressive secondary sensors, and it’s got a bigger and sharper display as well, while its fast-charging also outstrips that of its little brother. That said, the Xiaomi 12 really doesn’t lag that far behind where it matters, and still has plenty of impressive specifications to its name as well.”

For more on what to expect from this phone, including performance, camera details, and software, consult our review summary for the Xiaomi 12 Pro.

Common questions

What people actually want to know

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Community

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