Xiaomi 12 smartphone

Photo: 洛微 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Xiaomi

Xiaomi 12

2021, December 31 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Xiaomi 12 is a compact flagship smartphone released in late 2021, featuring a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. It offers a strong camera system and fast charging capabilities, aiming to deliver a premium experience in a smaller form factor.
Display6.28-inch 120Hz AMOLED, Gorilla Glass Victus
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 1
Main Camera50MP OIS Triple Camera
Battery4500 mAh with 67W wired/50W wireless charging
Starting from $272

💰 Xiaomi 12 Price

The Xiaomi 12 lowest price is $272, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1100 nits (peak)
Size6.28 inches
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus

Platform

OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13 (upgradable)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPUAdreno 730

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM (UFS 3.1)

Main Camera

Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS; 13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm; 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie Camera

Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
FeaturesHDR, panorama
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Charging67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, Power Delivery 3.0, Quick Charge 4+

Body

Dimensions152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm
Weight179g (glass) or 180g (eco-leather)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5 or frosted glass) or eco-leather back, aluminum frame
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Water ResistanceNo official IP rating

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
NFCYes (market/region dependent)
Infrared portYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Launch

Announced2021, December 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 31

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent compact form factor and ergonomics
  • Bright and smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Powerful performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Good camera performance with OIS on main sensor
  • Very fast 67W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Premium stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon

Cons

  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Curved display can lead to accidental touches
  • Battery life could be improved for some users
  • Prone to overheating under heavy load
  • Lacks an official IP water resistance rating
  • No dedicated telephoto zoom lens (only telephoto macro)
  • No microSD card expansion
  • MIUI software can have occasional issues
★ Our Verdict

The Xiaomi 12 is a strong compact flagship offering excellent performance and a great display, but it's held back by average battery life, a lack of IP rating, and potential overheating under stress.

The Xiaomi 12 is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful, compact Android flagship without the hefty price tag of some competitors. Its ergonomic design makes one-handed use comfortable, and the vibrant AMOLED display is a joy for media consumption. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers top-tier performance, be mindful of potential battery drain and heat during intense gaming. The camera system is capable for most situations, but serious photographers might miss a dedicated telephoto lens. Consider it if fast charging, a premium feel, and a smaller size are your priorities, and you can overlook the absence of an IP rating and headphone jack.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Xiaomi 12 smartphone
  • 67W Power Adaptor
  • USB Type-C cable
  • SIM Eject Tool
  • Protective Case
  • Documentation (Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Safety Information)
  • Pre-applied screen protector

Xiaomi offers a 24-month warranty for the Xiaomi 12, with specific terms and conditions varying by region and requiring proof of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What are the main camera specifications of the Xiaomi 12?

The Xiaomi 12 features a versatile triple camera system, including a 50 MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 13 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP telephoto macro lens.

Does the Xiaomi 12 support fast charging?

Yes, the Xiaomi 12 supports very fast charging with 67W wired charging, capable of fully charging the 4500 mAh battery quickly. It also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.

Is the Xiaomi 12 waterproof?

The Xiaomi 12 does not come with an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which is a notable omission for a flagship smartphone.

What processor powers the Xiaomi 12?

The Xiaomi 12 is powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 4nm process, ensuring smooth operation and excellent gaming capabilities.

What comes included in the box with the Xiaomi 12?

In the box, you'll find the Xiaomi 12 smartphone, a 67W power adapter, a USB Type-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, a protective case, documentation, and a pre-applied screen protector.

What are the display features of the Xiaomi 12?

The Xiaomi 12 boasts a 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision support, and a peak brightness of 1100 nits. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.