OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Smartphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.28 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP

Xiaomi 12S (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.

7.8

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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%

7.8

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 80% of smartphones
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 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 81% of models
Score components

25%

7.8

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.1

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

7.9

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

8.1

Audio

3%

6.4

Design

â–²Better than 81% of smartphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

25%

7.8

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.1

Camera

15%

7.7

Display

15%

7.9

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

8.1

Audio

3%

6.4

Design

7.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
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:

60%

7.8

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

8.2
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
â–² Better than 84% of models
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor which is faster than processors in 84.1% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2.4% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
RAM capacity
8 GB
â–¼ Worse than 41% of models
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
Internal storage
256 GB
â–² Better than 39% of models
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
3.2 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
3.2 GHz
â–² Better than 81% of models
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3.2 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 81.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 7.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
Operating system
Android
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
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
Direct OS updates
no
â–¼ Worse than 21% of models
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
Open-source OS
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
Dark mode
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
Multi-lens main camera
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
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
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP
â–² Better than 61% of models
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/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 87% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
74.4 mm²
Main camera sensor area
74.4 mm²
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 74.4 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 94.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.22 µm
Main camera pixel size
1.22 µm
â–² Better than 89% of models
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.22 µm which is larger than in 88.8% of smartphones and equal to the size in 3% of smartphones.
2.44 binned
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Number of SIM slots
2
Number of SIM slots
2
â–² Better than 4% of models
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
Cellular module
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
5G connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 33% of models
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
LTE support
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.28 inches
Screen size
6.28 inches
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
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
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
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
Pixel density
419 ppi
â–² Better than 72% of models
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
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
â–² Better than 41% of models
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Refresh rate
120 Hz
â–² Better than 35% of models
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.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
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
Charging speed
67 W
â–² Better than 73% of models
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
Fast charging
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
Wireless charging
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
Stereo speakers
yes
â–² Better than 36% of models
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
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
FM radio
no
â–¼ Worse than 34% of models
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
yes
aptX Lossless
yes
â–² Better than 87% of models
This smartphone supports aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
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Height
152.7 mm
Height
152.7 mm
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 152.7 mm which is shorter than 93.4% of smartphones.
Width
69.9 mm
Width
69.9 mm
★ Better than 97% of models
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
Thickness
8.2 mm
â–² Better than 52% of models
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
182 g
Weight
182 g
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 182 g which is lighter than 83.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.8% of smartphones.
Device volume
83,904 cm³
Device volume
83,904 cm³
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 83,904 cm³ which is smaller than 87.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Show more

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

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 2.33x larger main camera sensor area
    Main camera sensor area
    74.4 mm²
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (74.4 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    74.4 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 3.3x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    10,279
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <661 – >11.1k
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (10,279 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    10,279 vs 3,115
  • 0.42 µm larger main camera pixel size
    Main camera pixel size
    1.22 µm
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.2 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2.44 binned
    1.22 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.2 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Better main camera video
    Main camera video
    4320 x 24 fps
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    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
    Process node
    4 nm
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >12 nm
    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
  • 12.3% better value for money
    Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (8.24 vs 7.3).
    8.24 vs 7.34
  • 3.3x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    10,279
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <661 – >11.1k
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (10,279 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    10,279 vs 3,115
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.2 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    Process node
    4 nm
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >12 nm
    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
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 3.2 GHz & 3 x 2.75 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • Newer DDR memory version
    DDR memory version
    5
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 2.84x higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    10,879
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <975 – >12.4k
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (10,879 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    10,879 vs 3,825
  • Better processor
    Processor model
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    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
  • 2x more L2 cache
    L2 cache
    2048 KB
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <512 KB – >4.1k KB
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 82.5% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    4,622
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >6.7k
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (4,622 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    4,622 vs 2,533
  • 23% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    13,261
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <7.1k – >15.9k
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (13,261 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    13,261 vs 10,783
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    OpenGL version
    3.3
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    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
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    Memory bandwidth
    51.2 GB/s
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <13.41 GB/s – >76.6 GB/s
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 2.25x higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    2,760
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <313 – >4.7k
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (2,760 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    2,760 vs 1,226
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    Maximum RAM
    16 GB
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <8 GB – >16 GB
    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
    Memory speed
    3,200 MHz
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <1.8k MHz – >4.8k MHz
    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
  • 41.3% higher 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    859
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <133 – >2.4k
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark than the average smartphone (859 vs 608). The average score is 608.
    859 vs 608
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    On-device AI level
    productivity
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Xiaomi ProFocus, AI Virtual Proximity Sensor, One-click AI cinema, AI face unlock, AI Beautify, AI portrait mode, AI camera
    productivity vs fundamental
  • 2.33x larger main camera sensor area
    Main camera sensor area
    74.4 mm²
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (74.4 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    74.4 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 0.42 µm larger main camera pixel size
    Main camera pixel size
    1.22 µm
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.2 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2.44 binned
    1.22 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Better main camera video
    Main camera video
    4320 x 24 fps
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    RAW photo capture
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    BSI sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports Dolby Vision video recording
    Dolby Vision video recording
    yes
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision video recording, the average smartphone does not. 10.7% of smartphones support Dolby Vision.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    Number of flash LEDs
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
    HDR10 video recording
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    Dual-tone LED flash
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    32 MP
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <5 – >40
    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
    Main camera megapixels
    50 MP & 13 MP & 5 MP
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    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
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    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
    Infrared sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Supports Dolby Vision support
    Dolby Vision support
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision, the average smartphone does not. 17.3% of smartphones are Dolby Vision compatible.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    HDR10+ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.2% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Contrast ratio
    5000000:1
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    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
    HDR10 support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    Always-on display
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Better display glass type
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    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.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 6.1% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    419 ppi
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
    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
    Curved display
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartphone features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.5% of smartphones have curved screens.
  • 100 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    1,100 nits
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <480 nits – >3.6k nits
    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
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 2.03x faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    67 W
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    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
    Reverse wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    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
    Wireless charging speed
    50 W
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <10 W – >50 W
    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
    Reverse wireless charging speed
    10 W
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <4.5 W – >10 W
    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
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX Lossless
    aptX Lossless
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartphone supports aptX Lossless, the average smartphone does not. 12.9% of smartphones include aptX Lossless support.
  • 6.1 mm narrower
    Width
    69.9 mm
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
    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
  • 10.9 mm shorter
    Height
    152.7 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (152.7 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    152.7 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 7.2% lighter
    Weight
    182 g
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <175 g – >256 g
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (182 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    182 g vs 196.2 g
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & 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/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 0.39 inches inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6.28 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
    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
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    App tracking protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP53
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    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
    Battery capacity
    4,500 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
    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
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    Front camera aperture
    f/2.5
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.5 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.5 vs f/2.2
  • 5.44x less popular
    Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 5.3% slower GPU clock
    GPU frequency
    900 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <646 MHz – >1.2k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (900 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    900 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    App tracking protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    Android version
    Android 12
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    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
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & 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/1.9 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    Front camera aperture
    f/2.5
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.5 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.5 vs f/2.2
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    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
    Screen size
    6.28 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
    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
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    4,500 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
    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
    IP rating
    IP53
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    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
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2022
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    July 2022
    2022 vs 2024

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

N
nextpit.fr
10/10/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Review: Excellent Photography, but Is It Enough?
(Translated)Show original
P
phonandroid.com
28/06/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S: Leica-powered smartphones to be unveiled on July 4, 2022
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
Date non spécifiée
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S: Comparison and Technical Specifications
(Translated)Show original
G
galaxus.fr
11/09/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Testing the camera with a one-inch sensor
(Translated)Show original
J
journaldugeek.com
1er août 2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S Ultra review: Is it the new king of photography?
(Translated)Show original
X
xataka.com
29/08/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: First Impressions and Review
(Translated)Show original
A
androidplanet.nl
04/07/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi unveils 12S series: largest camera sensor ever in a smartphone
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

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

  • Excellent compact form factor and premium build quality
  • Significant performance boost and improved power efficiency from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Improved heat management compared to the standard Xiaomi 12, especially during gaming
  • Strong camera performance featuring Leica-tuned color profiles (Authentic and Vibrant modes)
  • Great battery life for its size, often lasting a full day on a single charge
  • High-quality 120Hz AMOLED display with excellent brightness and color rendering
  • Fast 67W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities

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

  • Limited availability as it was released primarily as a China-exclusive model
  • Lack of a global ROM, requiring users to deal with Chinese software bloatware or flash custom ROMs
  • Missing common international software features like out-of-the-box Google Play Services or Android Auto on the native ROM
  • Lack of official IP-rated water and dust resistance
  • Potential issues with network band compatibility for users in certain western regions
  • No dedicated telephoto lens, which limits optical zoom versatility compared to Pro or Ultra models

Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S (8GB + 256GB variant) is a compact flagship smartphone featuring a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and a vibrant 6.28-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Its key pros include excellent performance for gaming and daily use, a versatile Leica-tuned triple camera system (50MP main with OIS, 13MP ultrawide, 5MP telemacro), and robust charging capabilities including 67W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging for its 4,500mAh battery. A significant con is that the phone was primarily released for the China market, meaning global availability is limited, and models acquired via import may come with Chinese software (MIUI 13 based on Android 12) with some pre-installed bloatware and potential issues with pre-installed Google services. The device also lacks an IP rating for formal dust/water resistance (though some sources mention IP68 for the Ultra model) and does not support expandable storage via microSD card.

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