The question of which phone is better in the Xiaomi 12 lineup worries many users looking for a balance between compactness and flagship power.The 2022 series was a turning point for the brand, offering a non-standard form factor for the Android market along with extreme specs in older versions. The choice of a particular model depends not so much on budget as on your priorities in device use scenarios.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between the base model, the Pro version, the compact S and the Ultra photoflagman so you can make a better decision. The key difference in the whole series is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which behaves differently in different cases. Let's determine which device will be the perfect companion for you.
Model review and concept
Xiaomi 12 is unique in that it has chosen not to go down the path of increasing screen diagonals, but to offer an alternative to bulky phablets. The base model and the S version have 6.28-inch screens, making them one of the most convenient flagships for one-handed control. At the same time, the Pro and Ultra models have retained the classic sizes for the top segment of 6.73 inches, focusing on multimedia content.
Despite the differences, all devices are built on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. However, the engineering implementations of cooling and power consumption are radically different. If you're looking for a gaming device, you should look at the heat removal system, which is more efficient in larger housings.
The design of the devices also plays an important role in the selection: the glossy backs of the younger models quickly collect prints, while the ceramic or eco-skin in the older versions (Pro and Ultra) provide better grip and premium appearance.
⚠️ Note: The base model of Xiaomi 12 has a glass back panel that can be slippery without a protective case.
So the concept of the series is about dividing the audience, for those who appreciate ergonomics, and for those who want the maximum screen and camera, and understanding this philosophy helps to weed out unnecessary options.
Productivity and gaming opportunities
At the heart of all smartphones in the series is an 8-nanometer processor, which, despite its power, is known for its tendency to heat. In the compact cases of the basic Xiaomi 12 and 12S, trottling (reducing the frequency for cooling) comes faster. If you are an avid mobile gamer, this is a critical parameter.
The Pro and Ultra models feature a more advanced cooling system with a larger evaporation chamber area, which allows you to keep high frames per second (FPS) in heavy games like Genshin Impact or PUBG for longer sessions. The difference in performance in synthetic tests is minimal, but in real tasks it is noticeable.
RAM capacity also varies, with top-end versions getting up to 12GB of LPDDR5, which allows for fast running with a variety of open applications. 8GB is enough for everyday tasks, but the performance margin is important for the long-term relevance of the device.
It’s worth noting that software optimizing the MIUI shell (or HyperOS in newer updates) plays a big role.Setting up performance modes in the Settings menu → About Phone → The kernel version (a few quick taps) can open up additional game profiles.
- 🚀 Xiaomi 12/12S: Great for light and medium games, but can bask in heavy projects.
- 🎮 Xiaomi 12 Pro: Stable Framerate, Good Cooling System, Suitable for Most Gamers.
- 🔥 Xiaomi 12 Ultra: Maximum performance with the best heat sink in the series, a choice for hardcore users.
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For mobile gaming, the body size and cooling system are critical, so the Pro and Ultra models are preferable to compact versions.
Displays and multimedia
All models are AMOLED with high refresh rate support, the base versions have a 2400×1080 (FHD+) matrix, which is the standard for a 6.28-inch diagonal, and the pixel density is high, and the picture looks sharp.
The flagship Pro and Ultra flaunt WQHD+ screens with a resolution of 3200×1440. This gives incredible detail, especially noticeable when viewing text or high-quality photos. In addition, the Xiaomi 12 Pro uses a unique technology LTPO 2.0, allowing you to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz to save energy.
Sound is also a strong point of the series, all models are equipped with stereo speakers, tuned with support from Harman Kardon, and the Pro has a three-speaker system, where one of them acts as a tweeter, which creates a more surround sound.
| Model | Diagonal | Permission | Technology | Brightness (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 | 6.28" | FHD+ (1080p) | AMOLED 120 Hz | 1100 nits |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | 6.73" | WQHD+ (2K) | LTPO AMOLED | 1,500 nits |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 6.73" | WQHD+ (2K) | LTPO AMOLED | 1,500 nits |
| Xiaomi 12X | 6.28" | FHD+ (1080p) | AMOLED 120 Hz | 1100 nits |
The color rendering across all devices is calibrated individually, as confirmed by DisplayMate certificates. Users can choose between warm and cold shades in the screen settings, and enable True Color mode to automatically adapt to ambient lighting.
Cameras: from amateur to professional
Here's the biggest difference between the models. If you're wondering which phone is best for photos, the answer is unequivocal: Xiaomi 12S Ultra. This model was created in collaboration with Leica and features an inch sensor Sony IMX989. It's a physically large matrix that captures more light and gives a natural background blur without software algorithms.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is interesting with its triple 50MP camera. There's no big zoom telephoto lens, but there's a great portrait module and ultra-wide-angle camera that's as detailed as the main one. This is a rare case where all three lenses are equal.
What is the secret of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra camera?
The base Xiaomi 12 and 12X are equipped with a good core module Sony IMX766, which is familiar to us from many flagships of the past.It takes great pictures in the daytime, but noticeably inferior to the older brothers in night shooting and zooming. TV here has a resolution of only 8 MP, which is a compromise for the sake of compactness.
⚠️ Attention: Camera in Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a significant protrusion. Without a case, the phone can lie on the table unstablely, and the lens can scratch.
All models support 8K recording for video, but the most stable stabilization and microphone performance is in the Pro and Ultra versions. If video blogging is a priority for you, consider them.
Autonomy and charging speed
The physical size of the case dictates the battery capacity. Compact Xiaomi 12 and 12S got a battery of 4500 mAh. For today's powerful processor it is "back-to-back." Active users will probably have to recharge the device by evening.
The Pro and Ultra models feature 4,600mAh batteries, although the difference in numbers is small, the more efficient screen and better cooling allow them to live a little longer, but the series’ main trump card is charging speed.
- ⚡ 67W: Basic wired charging in models 12 and 12X. Full charging takes about 40 minutes.
- ⚡⚡ 120W: Hypercharging in the 12 Pro. The smartphone charges fully in less than 20 minutes.
- 🔋 50W: Wireless charging available in all models except version 12X.
It's important to note that there's Smart Charging technology that's trained in your habits, and if you put your phone on overnight charging, the system will stop charging at 80 percent and hit 100 percent just before you wake up, saving battery life.
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Use the original cable and power supply that comes with it. Third-party accessories may not support Xiaomi's fast charging protocols, and speeds will be limited to the standard 18-25W.
In cold climates, lithium polymer batteries can behave unstable. Try not to leave your phone in the cold, as this can lead to a sharp discharge or even shutdown of the device.
Software and relevance
At the time of release, the smartphones were running MIUI 13 (based on Android 12), and most devices have already received an upgrade to MIUI 14 and are on a HyperOS schedule, which ensures that the interface and security features are up to date.
User experience may vary from version to version due to hardware limitations, such as some AI features in the camera or advanced animations can run smoother on Pro versions due to greater memory and better cooling.
☑️ What to look for when buying a used Xiaomi 12
Global firmware versions may differ from Chinese ones due to the presence of Google pre-installed services and the lack of advertising modules typical of the domestic Chinese market. When buying an import version (CN), you should consider the possibility of flashing it to a global one, which sometimes requires unlocking the bootloader.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader to install global firmware on the Chinese version erases all data and requires waiting (7 to 168 hours) through your Mi Account.
Summary comparison and recommendations
To sum up, choosing the "best" phone in the lineup depends on your personal preferences. Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the undisputed leader for photographers and those who want the most specs. Xiaomi 12 Pro is the middle ground with the best screen and charging. Xiaomi 12 / 12S is the perfect choice for those who are tired of shovels.
The 12X is almost identical to the base twelve, but it is built on a Snapdragon 870 processor, a chip that is less powerful but significantly cooler and more energy efficient, making the 12X one of the most reliable and long-lived smartphones in the series.
If you value compactness above all else, go for the 12S (because of the more efficient processor). If you want a camera, just the Ultra. If balance and screen matter, the Pro. In any case, the Xiaomi 12 series remains one of the most interesting in the company's history.