Xiaomi 12 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices and Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi 12 is meticulously crafted to blend style and durability effortlessly. Its dimensions—152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm—render it compact enough for one-handed use while retaining an elegant design language. Weighing between 179 and 180 grams, it offers a light-weighted feel superior to many other devices in the same range.

Its build consists of a tough Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back enveloped by an aluminum frame. This not only reinforces its durability but also enhances its premium look. Available in multiple colors—Gray, Blue, Purple, and Green—the Xiaomi 12 truly allows users to express their personal taste.

Display

The device sports a 6.28-inch AMOLED display, renowned for cohesive color reproduction and deep contrasts. A high resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, coupled with a pixel density of approximately 419 ppi, ensures crystal-clear visuals. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, it offers unparalleled fluidity for scrolling through apps or web pages and gaming, making your navigation seamless.

The screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, providing an enhanced viewing experience with vibrant colors and significant details either for streaming services or personal video content. The glass protection by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus complements its visual prowess by vouching for scratch resistance and extended longevity.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset powers the Xiaomi 12, heralding a new age of performance coupled with efficient energy use. The octa-core CPU, segmented into one high-performance Cortex-X2 core, three Cortex-A710, and four Cortex-A510 cores, manages multitasking with ease.

The Adreno 730 GPU ensures that graphics-intensive tasks and gaming experiences are well-benefitted, both smooth and immersive. Operating on Android 12 with MIUI 13, the device imparts newer features of Google's OS along with Xiaomi-specific enhancements, making it a standout package regarding user experience.

Memory and Storage

A significant advantage of the Xiaomi 12 is its diversified options in memory configurations—it comes with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, ensuring that your device has maximum headroom for multitasking, gaming, or any strenuous operations. Available in 128GB or 256GB internal storage, users may lack an expandable memory option but do retain ample space for apps, media, and more.

Camera Capabilities

The Xiaomi 12 boasts a versatile and powerful triple-camera setup on the rear. The primary lens is an impressive 50 MP sensor with a f/1.9 aperture integrated with PDAF and OIS technologies for sharper and clearer images. A 13 MP ultrawide lens allows for broader scenic captures, while a 5 MP telephoto macro lens offers unique vantage points for close-up shots.

Supporting various features like Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, the device’s camera also excels in video capabilities, supporting 8K recordings at 24fps or 4K at up to 60fps. The selfie camera, at 32 MP, promises impactful self-portraits with its HDR and panorama functionalities.

Battery and Charging

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh battery, the Xiaomi 12 offers substantial power through routine use. When it comes to charging, it stands out with a rapid 67W wired charging with the advertised potential to reach 100% in 39 minutes. Adding to its prowess is the inclusion of 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.

Connectivity and Extras

The Xiaomi 12 encompasses a full spectrum of network capabilities including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G technologies. It supports dual SIM standby, maximizing connectivity.

Regarding wireless connectivity, the device offers Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring it’s both future-proof and compatible with a vast array of peripherals. Additional features include NFC support, an infrared port, GPS support with multiple standards, and a capable stereo speaker system for a rich auditory experience.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

The device integrates a range of sensors, from the fingerprint scanner located under the display to accelerometer, gyro, compass, and color spectrum sensors. These contribute to a secure and intelligent user experience, allowing for a host of interactive features and functionalities.

Market Position and Conclusion

Announced in late December 2021, the Xiaomi 12 has shown its potential in a competitive market with its balance of innovative features, performance, and price point. Priced at approximately $328, it offers formidable competition against similarly configured devices from other brands, ensuring that users get excellent value for their money.

Xiaomi has positioned the 12 as a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone category, with a combination of strong design, superior display, robust performance, versatile camera capabilities, and reliable battery life. This ensures tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike find significant appeal in their offerings.