Which smartphone Xiaomi 12 to choose in 2026: a full guide to models

Choosing a flagship smartphone from the Chinese giant is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the lineup that spawned several iconic devices. The question of which Xiaomi 12 is the best is still a hot debate in the enthusiastic communities, because each modification has its own unique advantages: some models are famous for their compactness, others – crazy power of zoom, and still others – the perfect balance of price and quality.

In this article, we'll take a look at the technical details so you can make a smart decision, and we'll look at whether you should overpay for Ultra or whether the base 12 will be your ideal companion, and it's important to understand that the software and accessories market has changed dramatically in the years since they were released.

Many users forget that "best" is subjective, that the matrix is critical for the photographer, that cooling system is critical for the gamer, that autonomy is for the average user, and that's why we're going to look at each model under a microscope to find the one that's right for you.

Xiaomi 12 Basic Model: King of Compactness

The standard Xiaomi 12 is often called one of the last true flagships of small forms.--Its 6.28-inch screen allows you to comfortably control the device with one hand, which in 2026 became a rarity, and it has a time-tested Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which, despite its age, copes with most tasks.

But there's a caveat that's not talked about in stores: It's a processor that tends to heat up over long periods of time, and if you're planning on playing heavy games for hours, you should consider alternatives or get an external cooler right away, and for social media and work, it's perfect.

⚠️ Warning: The base version has a lower battery capacity (4,500 mAh) compared to the Pro models. If you're heavy on your smartphone all day, be sure to carry a power bank with you.

The camera here is good, but not outstanding. The Sony IMX766's main sensor provides great detail during the day, but at night it can be inferior to more expensive brethren. The optical stabilization allows you to shoot good video, but the telephoto lens is absent as a class - only a macro TV, which is rarely useful.

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When buying a used Xiaomi 12, be sure to check the state of the main camera plume - this is a weak point of the model, often suffering from shocks.

The bottom line is simple: it's a choice for those who like small phones, the only full-fledged Xiaomi flagship with a screen diagonal of up to 6.3 inches in this lineup, and if size is your priority, then this model has almost no competition within the brand.

Xiaomi 12 Pro: Multimedia Monster

The Pro version was designed to respond to the needs of those who need a large screen and specs. Here we see a 6.73-inch display with a resolution of 3200×1440 pixels (WQHD+), the picture on it is simply amazing, with support for LTPO 2.0 technology, which dynamically changes the refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz.

Unlike the younger model, there are three full-fledged 50MP cameras, the TV has a 2x optical zoom, which is the middle ground for portrait photography. You can shoot wide, the main module and the TV, getting the same high quality.

• 🚀 Powerful charge of 120 watts (charges the battery in 18 minutes).
• 📺 Best screen in the lineup with DisplayMate A certification+.
• 🔊 Harman Kardon Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.

But the size of the device is impressive, with one hand almost impossible to hold, and the weight of 205 grams felt in your pocket, and the lack of IP68 waterproofing (only household spray protection) makes it less protected than you would like at such a price.

If you care about multimedia experience, the Xiaomi 12 Pro beats the base version on all fronts. It’s a real home theater and a game console in one case.

Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro: fixing bugs and Leica

This is the answer to the question of which Xiaomi 12 is better in reliability. Models with the index "S" came out a little later and got an updated platform Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This chipset is made by TSMC process technology, which solved the problems with overheating and power consumption.

The 12S series is about collaborating with the legendary Leica company, and it's not just about marketing: it's about changing the algorithm for processing photos, it's about branded filters like Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic, and it's about making the photos more contrasting, with the right bokeh and the right colors.

The models are almost identical on the outside to their predecessors without an S, but on the inside they are completely different devices: the battery holds the charge much better, and the trottling (resetting frequencies due to heating) has almost disappeared. For gamers, this is the most important factor.

If you're looking for a balance between size and power, the Xiaomi 12S (small) looks much more attractive than the regular 12th.It's cooler, faster and shoots better.It's arguably the most underrated smartphone in the lineup.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra: King of Photography

When it comes to what Xiaomi 12 is best for a photo, everyone points to Ultra, which is a device with a huge round camera block on the back that immediately catches your eye. Inside, lurks a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor — at the time of its release, it was a revolution in mobile photography.

The size of the matrix allows you to capture a huge amount of light. Night shots are clean, without porridge and noise, and dynamic range allows you to save details in lights and shadows at the same time. Peripheral zoom camera with a 5-fold optical approximation is also done at the highest level.

Now, of course, this machine is bulky, heavy, and protrudes a lot, and it's hard to put on a table, and you need special covers, but the quality of the images justifies the inconvenience. It's almost a professional tool.

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Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the choice of a mobile photography enthusiast for whom the quality of the shot is more important than usability.

Performance comparison and game tests

In 2026, the demands for games are growing, but the power reserve of these flagships is still large. Versions on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (regular 12 and 12 Pro) can show unstable FPS in heavy projects like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile at maximum settings.

Models with the prefix "S" behave much more confident. Stable frame rate is longer, and the body heats up moderately. If the smartphone is bought primarily as a gaming machine, then the usual 12th or 12 Pro is better to bypass.

• 🎮 Genshin Impact: 12S Ultra holds 60 FPS stable, the usual 12 drops to 40 after 15 minutes.
• 🏎️ Asphalt 9: All models do great, the difference in loading graphics is minimal.
• 🔫 Call of Duty Mobile: Support for 120 FPS available on all screens of the line.

Software optimization: The newer versions of the HyperOS shell (based on Android) have improved memory algorithms, which have extended the life of these devices, but physical heating is not going anywhere software.

Autonomy and charging speed

The battery is the Achilles heel of many flagships, and the Xiaomi 12 is no exception. The younger model with a 4500 mAh battery may require recharging by the evening of its second day of active operation. The Pro and Ultra versions have 4600 mAh batteries, which is a little better, but not drastically.

But the charging speed is phenomenal. HyperCharge's technology allows you to recharge the energy from the power supply. 0 before 100% roughly 20-25 It changes habits, you can charge your phone while you shower or drink coffee.

⚠️ Note: Use of non-original chargers with lower power 67 Watts can lead to very slow charging. Not all protocols PD/QC They are working at full speed with Xiaomi.

Wireless charging is present in all models except perhaps the most basic regional versions (you need to check the box).The 50W power allows you to charge the phone wirelessly almost as fast as the usual wired charging competitors.

The final verdict: what to choose in 2026?

To sum up, there is no “best” among them, there is only “best for you.” If you are a fan of compact phones and want just a good device, take the Xiaomi 12S. This is the most balanced option without obvious weaknesses.

If you want a multimedia combine with a chic screen for movies, your choice is Xiaomi 12 Pro or 12S Pro. The difference in the processor here plays an important role, so overpaying for the version of the "S" is worth it.

Finally, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is for those who are willing to put up with size for the best camera in the class, and in 2026 it still has the potential to give a head start to many modern middle-class photographers in terms of photo quality.

Remember, when you buy a used device, it's important to check not only the appearance, but also the condition of the battery, which over the years of operation could degrade.

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