What Xiaomi 12 looks like: design, materials and unique body details

Xiaomi 12, the flagship smartphone launched in December 2021, is a real breakthrough in design for the brand. This model is radically different from previous generations not only in “stuffing”, but also in appearance: the company has abandoned massive camera modules in favor of elegant lines, premium materials and a minimalist approach. If you are considering buying a used Xiaomi 12 or just wondering how it looks live – this article will help to understand all the nuances.

The Xiaomi 12’s look is often compared to the iPhone 13’s flat faces and symmetrical layout, but it has unique features, such as a triple camera in a compact square block or using an aluminum frame with a matte texture that doesn’t slide in the hands. We’ll analyze all the details — from color options to ergonomics — and show how the smartphone looks next to competitors.

Weight and weight: How comfortable is it in your hand?

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi 12 is its compactness by the standards of flagships of 2022. the body is 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.16 mm, and the weight is only 179 g (version with a glass rear panel) or 180 g (vegan leather).For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S22 at the same diagonal of the screen weighs 167 g, but due to the narrower bezels and curved display is perceived differently.

With flat faces, the smartphone sits confidently on the table and doesn't walk when you press the screen. However, sharp corners can seem uncomfortable with prolonged retention -- especially if you have small hands. The 8.16mm thickness makes the device visually thin, but because of the protruding chamber module (1.5mm) it won't lie flat on its back.

• 📏 69.9mm wide – comfortable for one hand, but not all.
• ⚖️ Weight: 179-180g – lighter than the iPhone 13 Pro (203g).
• 👆 Thickness: 8.16mm – thinner than the Xiaomi 11 (8.56mm).
• 🔲 Chamber module: protrudes by 1.5 mm, requires a cover.

⚠️ Note: If you are used to smartphones with rounded edges (such as the Google Pixel 6), the sharp edges of the Xiaomi 12 may initially seem uncomfortable.

Materials of the case: glass, aluminum or vegan leather?

Xiaomi 12 offers three options for the rear panel, which affect not only the tactile sensation, but also the weight, slipperiness and even the signal of the antennas:

1. Gorilla Glass Victus is glossy, fingerprints are visible but look premium, available in Gray, Blue and Purple.
2. Vegan skin is matte, nice to the touch, doesn't slip. Only in the color Green.
3. Aluminum frame – all versions have the same, with a matte texture that prevents slipping.

Important: the vegan version is 1 g heavier than glass, but it is better held in the hand, but the 5G signal may be weaker in the leather model because of the less transparent material for radio waves. If you often use mobile Internet in areas with poor coating, you better choose glass.

Color options: which one to choose?

The Xiaomi 12 was officially released in four colors, but their availability depended on the region. In Russia, the most common are Gray (gray) and Blue (blue), while Purple (purple) and Green (green, only with vegan skin) were limitations.

• 🖤 Gray: The classic choice, it looks strict and versatile. On glossy glass, fingerprints are almost invisible.
• 🔵 Blue: A gradient hue that plays in the light, the most popular among buyers.
• 💜 Purple: Rare color, often oversold at a markup, gives off pink or lilac at different angles.
• 🌿 Green: Only vegan skin, matte shade of "mint" green, not catchy, but stylish.

Tip: If you're planning on using a smartphone without a case, look at Green, which is less dirty and doesn't require constant cleaning, but Blue and Purple look better under the protective glass, because their gradient effect is lost when scratched.

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To verify the authenticity of the Xiaomi 12 color when buying used, look at the serial number in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). The original purple and green models are marked 2201122C in the room.

The camera module: what does it look like and why is it so compact?

One of the most notable features of the Xiaomi 12 is its miniature camera module, which takes up less space than its competitors. S22 Ultra, here used a square block with three lenses and LED-flashing, symmetrically arranged.

Technically, the module includes:

• 📷 Main camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX766), f/1.88, optical stabilization.
• 🌃 Wide-angle: 13 MP, angle of view 123°, f/2.4.
• 🔍 Telephoto: 5 MP (macro/depth), f/2.4.

The module’s design is Leica-style (although the collaboration with the brand began later, with the Xiaomi 12S).Square shape and metal frame make it visually neat, but the 1.5mm protrusion still requires the use of a case to keep the smartphone from swinging on the table.

Screen and frames: what does it look like in front?

Front of Xiaomi 12 It is almost indistinguishable from modern flagships thanks to AMOLED-The screen has a minimum bezel. 6.28", permit 2400 × 1080 (Full HD+) and maintains the refresh rate 120 Hz. Features of design:

• 🖥️ Frames: Upper and lateral - 1.6 mm, lower - 2.8 mm.
• 🕳️ Cut: Centered hole for front camera (16 MP).
• 🔄 Bending: Screen flat, no 2.5D-rounding.
• 🌈 Colors: Supports 1 billion shades (10-bit), DisplayMate A certificate+.

Comparison with competitors:

• iPhone 13: the frame is thicker (3.5 mm from the bottom), but there is a “bang”.
• Samsung Galaxy S22: The screen is curved on the sides, but the diagonal is smaller (6.1).

⚠️ Warning: A flat screen without rounding means that the protective glass will fit perfectly, but when falling at an angle, the risk of cracks is higher than that of devices with a curvature. 2.5D-glass (for example, Xiaomi 11).

Comparison with other Xiaomi models

To understand how Xiaomi 12 looks on the background of other smartphones of the brand, compare it with the closest relatives:

Xiaomi 12 stands out among them with minimalist design and lack of aggressive “game” elements (unlike the POCO or Redmi K series), it can be called the most “adult” and restrained flagship of the brand at the time of release.

Covers and accessories: what is suitable?

Thanks to the standard dimensions for Xiaomi 12, it is easy to find accessories:

• 📱 Cases: Suitable models for Xiaomi 12 (not to be confused with 12 Pro or 12X!). Popular brands Spigen, Ringke, Nillkin.
• 🔋 Charging: Supports 67W fast charging (there is a Xiaomi block in the kit) MDY-12-ED).
• 🎧 Headphones: Jack USB-C (3.5 mm missing).

Important: because of the protruding chamber module cases without additional protection of lenses can leave scratches on the table. Choose models with reinforced sidebars (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).

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Xiaomi 12 is not compatible with cases from Xiaomi 12 Pro or Xiaomi 12X due to the different dimensions of the camera module and the location of the buttons.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the appearance of Xiaomi 12