OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.28 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP

Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB)
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

90%

7.7

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 80% of smartphones
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

★Better than 94%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

25%

7.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.8

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

7.4

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

8.5

Audio

3%

6.3

Design

â–²Better than 79%
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 75%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
8GB + 256GB8GB + 128GBCheck price
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

25%

7.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.8

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

7.4

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

8.5

Audio

3%

6.3

Design

7.7
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 8.5 points, which is higher than 81.4% of smartphones.
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.2
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor which is faster than processors in 81.3% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 75.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP which is higher than that of 60.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.5% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 78.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
50 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 50 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 65.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 16.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1 µm which is larger than in 57.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 20% of smartphones.
2 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.28 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.28 inches which is smaller than the screens of 90.8% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.3% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
419 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 419 ppi which is higher than that of 71.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 78.5% of smartphones and equal to those in 5.9% of smartphones.
Charging speed
67 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 67 W which is faster than in 72.8% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 4.1% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
yes
This smartphone supports aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
153.7 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 153.7 mm which is shorter than 92% of smartphones.
Width
69.9 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 69.9 mm which is narrower than 97.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.2 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.2 mm which is thinner than 51.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
179 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 179 g which is lighter than 86.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 1% of smartphones.
Device volume
84,456 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 84,456 cm³ which is smaller than 85.8% of smartphones.
Show more

Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 2.81x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (8,751 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    8,751 vs 3,115
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 2.03x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (67 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    67 W vs 33 W
  • 80.7% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,702 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,702 vs 942
  • 12.4% better value for money
    Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (8.25 vs 7.3).
    8.25 vs 7.34
  • 4.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Xiaomi 12
    the average smartphone
    Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.35 vs 8.000).
    8.35 vs 8
  • 56% more popular
    Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (8.49 vs 5.4).
    8.49 vs 5.44
  • 2.81x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (8,751 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    8,751 vs 3,115
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 25% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.0 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 80.7% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,702 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,702 vs 942
  • 2.5x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (64 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    64 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3 GHz & 3x2.5 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3 GHz & 3x2.5 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 2.71x higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (10,361 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    10,361 vs 3,825
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 20.3% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (12,970 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    12,970 vs 10,783
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a newer OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.3 vs 3.2). The average version is 3.2.
    3.3 vs 3.2
  • 50% more L3 cache
    This smartphone has more L3 cache than the average smartphone (6144 KB vs 4096 KB). The average L3 cache is 4096 KB.
    6,144 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 83.9% higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (2,255 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    2,255 vs 1,226
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.7 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/1.7 vs f/2.2
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports Dolby Vision video recording
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision video recording, the average smartphone does not. 10.7% of smartphones support Dolby Vision.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • 0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2 binned
    1.0 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    32 MP vs 16 MP
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Includes crash detection
    This smartphone features crash detection, the average smartphone does not. 5.7% of smartphones include automatic crash detection.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • 2x higher touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (480 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    480 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • Supports Dolby Vision support
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision, the average smartphone does not. 17.3% of smartphones are Dolby Vision compatible.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.2% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Gorilla Glass 5 on the back side
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 35.8% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (896 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    896 nits vs 660 nits
  • 6.1% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (419 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    419 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has a curved display
    This smartphone features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.5% of smartphones have curved screens.
  • 100 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1100 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    1,100 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 2.03x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (67 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    67 W vs 33 W
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • 2.5x faster wireless charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (50 W vs 20 W). The average speed is 20 W.
    50 W vs 20 W
  • 2x faster reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (10 W vs 5 W). The average speed is 5 W.
    10 W vs 5 W
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX Lossless
    This smartphone supports aptX Lossless, the average smartphone does not. 12.9% of smartphones include aptX Lossless support.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 6.1 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (69.9 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    69.9 mm vs 76 mm
  • 8.8% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (179 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    179 g vs 196.2 g
  • 9.9 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (153.7 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    153.7 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (82 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    82 vs 99.5
  • 0.39 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.28 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 13.7% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (820 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    820 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP53 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP53 vs IP67
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • 13.7% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (820 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    820 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.88 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 5.8% lower DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (113 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    113 vs 120
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 0.39 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.28 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (82 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    82 vs 99.5
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP53 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP53 vs IP67
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    December 2021
    2021 vs 2024

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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techadvisor.com
14/04/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: Competently Compact
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digitalcitizen.life
28/09/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 review: Great high-end compact Android smartphone
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trustedreviews.com
23/03/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review - Trusted Reviews
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gsmarena.com
16/03/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 review - GSMArena.com tests
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root-nation.com
25/09/2022
Summary of the review
Root-Nation: Xiaomi 12 Review: Flagship For Everyone
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techradar.com
15/07/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 review - TechRadar
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expertreviews.co.uk
12/07/2022
Summary of the review
Expert Reviews: Xiaomi 12 review: Return of the king?
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zdnet.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
ZDNET: Xiaomi 12 review: A compact flagship-class phone, missing some key features
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galaxus.at
07/04/2022
Summary of the review
Reviewing Xiaomi 12: a slim top smartphone without the wow effect Are you looking for a specific technical specification test from these reviews, such...
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laptopmag.com
15/03/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 review: 12th time's a charm - Laptop Mag
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phandroid.com
15/03/2022
Summary of the review
Phandroid: Xiaomi 12 Review: The best compact flagship I've used in years
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digitalcameraworld.com
15/03/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 review | Digital Camera World
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inside-digital.de
15/03/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Datasheet & Review Overview
(Translated)Show original
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de.root-nation.com
25/09/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: A Flagship for Everyone
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lesnumeriques.com
15/04/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: Small format, short battery life
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sudinfo.be
25/04/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: A Small Smartphone That's a Bit Pricey
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leclaireur.fnac.com
26/04/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Lab Test: Splendid screen, but battery life needs review
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charlestech.fr
26/05/2024
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: Full and Detailed Opinion
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presse-citron.net
20/04/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: Small but Mighty
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frandroid.com
21/06/2023
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12 Review: Our take on this hot-blooded smartphone
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Compact and ergonomic design, highly praised for comfortable one-handed use
  • Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display with vibrant 12-bit color and high brightness
  • Blazing-fast charging speeds (67W wired and 50W wireless)
  • High-end performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Strong main camera performance with excellent detail in both day and night shots
  • High-quality stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon
  • Premium build quality featuring Gorilla Glass Victus

What we don't like about Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Underwhelming battery life that often struggles to last a full day under heavy use
  • Propensity for overheating and thermal throttling during intensive tasks or gaming
  • Lack of a dedicated telephoto camera, resulting in poor optical zoom capabilities
  • No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
  • MIUI software experience contains significant bloatware and occasional bugs
  • Unreliable virtual proximity sensor leading to accidental screen touches during calls
  • RAM management can sometimes be aggressive, closing background apps prematurely

Verdict

The Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is a compact flagship-class smartphone featuring a 6.28-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. It is powered by the top-tier 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. Photography is handled by a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 13MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP telemacro lens, plus a 32MP selfie camera. A 4,500mAh battery powers the device, supported by 67W wired and 50W wireless turbo charging. Main pros include its comfortable, compact design, high-quality 120Hz AMOLED screen, excellent performance, and very fast charging capabilities. Cons include disappointing battery life under heavy use, the lack of an official IP rating for water/dust resistance, no microSD card slot, and the presence of bloatware in the MIUI 13 software.

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