Choosing between the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 13 is not just a matter of preference, but a balanced decision between a time-tested model and a new flagship with improved specs. Both smartphones belong to the premium brand lineup, but share them with almost two years of development, optimizations and technological innovation. If you are looking for a device with better performance, the 13th model definitely wins thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. But should you overpay for upgrades, if the Xiaomi 12 is still a relevant option with a great camera and display?
In this article, we will discuss 10 key aspects that will help you decide on your choice: from technical specifications to the real user experience. You will learn how much different smartphones in everyday use, whether you should expect discounts on the Xiaomi 12 or better immediately take the Xiaomi 13, and what hidden shortcomings each model has (for example, problems with overheating in the 12-series under prolonged loads).
1.CPU and performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Gen 2
The main difference between the models lies under the hood. Xiaomi 12 is equipped with a chipset Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm), which at the time of release was the top, but suffered from problems with overheating and inefficient power consumption. Xiaomi 13 received an updated Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (also 4 nm, but with an optimized architecture), which is 20-30% more productive in synthetic tests and 15% more economical.
In real tasks, the difference is noticeable:
- 🎮 In Games: Xiaomi 13 stable 90 FPS In Genshin Impact on maximum settings, while Xiaomi 12 crucifix 20-30 play-off.
- 📊 Multitasking: On 13-The model can be kept in the background before 15+ applications without rebooting, against 8-10 bal 12-oo.
- 🔋 Heating: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 heat up 42-45°C under load, and Gen 1 — before 50°C+, what causes trottling.
But for most users (social media, photos, videos) the difference is not going to be very big. If you're not a gamer and you're not mounting video on your phone, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in Xiaomi 12 will do just fine. But for enthusiasts and those who plan to use a smartphone for 3+ years, you'd better choose Xiaomi 13, which will stay relevant longer.
2.Display: AMOLED with Dolby Vision vs brighter screen support
Both smartphones are equipped AMOLED-screens with Dolby Vision support and HDR10+, Xiaomi 13 has a few key improvements:
| Parameter | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.28" (FullHD+) | 6.36" (FullHD+) |
| Brightness (max.) | 1100 nits | 1900 nits |
| Frequency of update | 120 Hz (LTPO) | 120 Hz (LTPO 2.0) |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
The main advantage of the Xiaomi 13 is brightness up to 1900 nits (vs. 1100 for the 12th model), which is critical for use in the sun: text and pictures remain clear even in bright light. Also, the 13th version improved color reproduction (delta E 0.35 vs. 0.41 for the 12th) and added support for Dolby Atmos speakers.
However, the Xiaomi 12 has a more compact screen (6.28"), which may be a plus for users with small hands.Adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz) is available in both models, but in the Xiaomi 13 it runs smoother thanks to optimizations in MIUI 14.
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To check the actual screen refresh rate, install the Display Tester app and turn on the Refresh Rate test. On Xiaomi 13, the frequency should fluctuate smoothly from 1 to 120Hz depending on the content.
3 Camera: Leica vs "regular" optics - should you overpay?
Here, Xiaomi 13 is clearly taking off with the partnership with Leica.
- 📸 Main module: Xiaomi 12 - 50 MP (Sony) IMX766), Xiaomi 13 - 50 MP (Sony) IMX890) The difference in detail and color reproduction is noticeable even to the naked eye.
- 🌃 Night shooting: The 13th model improved the algorithm Night Mode 2.0, which better copes with noise and saves textures.
- 🎥 Video: Xiaomi 13 record 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps s HDR, while Xiaomi 12 limited 4K@30fps into HDR-mode.
Examples of photos in the same conditions:
The Xiaomi 12 (left) often overexposes colors in automatic mode, especially in low light conditions. the Xiaomi 13 (right) gives more natural shades and better shade work thanks to Leica profiles (Authentic and Vibrant).
How to Include Leica Profiles on Xiaomi 13?
If photography is your priority, take the Xiaomi 13 without thinking, but if you shoot mostly for social media and don’t need professional settings, the Xiaomi 12 camera will also show good results.
4. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
On paper, the battery capacity is almost the same: 4500 mAh for Xiaomi 12 and 4500 mAh for Xiaomi 13.
- ⚡ Fast charging: Both models support 67W wired 50W wireless charging, but Xiaomi 13 charge up 100% on 10-15 Minutes faster thanks to optimisation of the power controller.
- 🔋 Autonomy: In the PCMark test, Xiaomi 13 lasted 12 hours 30 minutes, and Xiaomi 12 - 10 hours 45 minutes.
- 🌡️ Heat while charging: Xiaomi 12 warms up more, especially when wirelessly charging, which can shorten battery life.
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If you use wireless charging frequently, pay attention to the Xiaomi 13 – it warms less and recovers charge faster.
Both smartphones support reverse wireless charging (10W), which is convenient for charging headphones or smartwatches. However, the Xiaomi 13 has the advantage of Surge G1 technology (built-in power management chip), which extends battery life by 10-15%.
5. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more comfortable in the hand?
The style of Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 13 is similar: a glass case with an aluminum frame, but there are nuances:
- 📏 Sizes: Xiaomi 13 slightly larger (152.8 × 71.5 × 7.98 mm 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.16 mm 12-i) but due to the flatter faces, it is in the hand more confidently.
- 🎨 Colors: 13th model is available in Black, White, Green (Leica Edition), and 12th - in Black, Blue, Purple, Pink.
- 🔒 Protection: Both models have ratings IP53 (Splash protection, but Xiaomi 13 better tolerates falls thanks to a strengthened frame.
The power button on the Xiaomi 13 is slightly higher, which is more convenient for large hands, and the 13th version also improves the tactile response of the vibration motor (linear X-axis vs. the usual 12th).
⚠️ Warning: Both models are slippery due to the glossy glass.We recommend buying a case with texture immediately (for example, the official Xiaomi Silicone Case) or pasting a matte protective glass.
6.Software: MIUI 14 vs MIUI 13
At the time of the release, Xiaomi 12 was running MIUI 13 (Android 12), and Xiaomi 13 got MIUI 14 (Android 13) out of the box. Both models are now upgraded to HyperOS (based on Android 14), but there are differences in optimization:
- 🤖 Performance: Xiaomi 13 HyperOS runs smoother, especially in multitasking.
- 🔒 Security: 13th model will receive updates longer (until 2026 against 2026 for the 12th).
- 🎯 Chips: Xiaomi 13 has exclusive features, for example, AI-Super resolution for photos and improved Game Turbo.
Both models support face unlocking (3D-Scanner, but Xiaomi 13 recognizes faster and more accurately in low light.
Update to the latest version of HyperOS|Disable unnecessary system applications (MIUI Cleaner, Mi Video)|Enable adaptive screen refresh rate|Set up Leica profiles in the Camera app-->
7.Price and relevance in 2026
At the beginning of 2026, the prices for models are very different:
- 💰 Xiaomi 12 (8/128 GB - from 35 000 ₽ (bazaar).
- 💰 Xiaomi 13 (8/256 GB - from 55 000 ₽ (new).
20,000 difference ₽ Justified if you need it:
- 📈 Better performance and future relevance.
- 📸 Professional camera with Leica optics.
- ☀️ Bright screen for use on the street.
If you have a budget, the Xiaomi 12 is still a great choice, especially in the 12S Ultra version (if you find it at a discount).But remember: in a year or two, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 may start to slow down with new games and apps.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used Xiaomi 12, be sure to check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636## → Battery information) Capacity below 85% of the original - an excuse to bargain or refuse to buy.