Which Xiaomi 12 smartphone to choose in 2026: a complete model guide

The Xiaomi 12 line, released in 2021-2022, is still a hot choice for those looking for flagship capabilities at a reasonable price. 12S Ultra? each is focused on different tasks, from compactness and autonomy to maximum performance and photographic capabilities.

In this article, we will not just list the specifications, but will help you determine priorities: which is more important – the processor, screen, camera or work time? Consider the unique chips of each model, which the manufacturer does not advertise in advertising, but which can be decisive in everyday use, for example, why the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity is better for gamers than the standard 12 Pro, or in which scenarios. 12S Ultra is losing out to cheaper options.

We also look at current prices for 2026 (taking into account the used market and official sales), typical owner problems, and give you a checklist to check your phone before you buy, and if you're hesitating between a new and a used version, here's the pros and cons.

1.A brief overview of the Xiaomi 12 line: what are the differences between the models

All smartphones of the Xiaomi series 12 built on the basis of Android 12 (upgradeable MIUI 14 Android-based 13/14), But the stuffing is very different:

• 🔹 Xiaomi 12 Lite: lightest (173g) and thinnest (7.3mm), with Snapdragon processor 778G. Ideal for social networks and selfie shooting (frontal 32 MP).
• 🔹 Xiaomi 12: «The Golden Mean with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, AMOLED-screen 6,28″ (120 Hz) and triple chamber 50+13+5 MPP.
• 🔹 Xiaomi 12 Pro: flagship with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, screen 6,73″ (LTPO 2.0, 1–120 Hz) and camera 50+50+50 MP (together with Leica).
• 🔹 Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity: an alternative with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor+, Better optimized for gaming.
• 🔹 Xiaomi 12S Ultra: “monster” with a 50.3 MP camera (1-inch Sony sensor) IMX989), ceramic body and stylus support.

Important: Xiaomi 12S The Ultra was not officially sold in Russia, but it can be found in the gray market or ordered from China. NFC Google Services, which is critical for comfortable use.

Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro: What to choose for everyday tasks

If you don’t want extreme features, the choice is likely to be between the base model of Xiaomi 12 and the advanced 12 Pro.

For whom is the Xiaomi 12 suitable:

• 👍 Those who appreciate the lightness and compactness.
• 👍 Users who have enough base camera (50 MP with good processing).
• 👍 Those who do not need ultra-fast charging (67 W vs 120 W at Pro).

For whom is the Xiaomi 12 Pro suitable:

• 📸 Photographers: Leica camera gives more natural colors and better detail.
• 🎮 Gamers - better cooling and a bigger screen.
• ⚡ For those who are constantly traveling – 120-watt charging saves time.

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If you need a smartphone “for everything” without compromise – take Xiaomi 12 Pro. If the priority is convenience and price, the basic Xiaomi 12 will be enough.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Pro has a problem overheating during long gaming sessions (especially in versions without improved cooling).If you plan to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, consider 12 Pro Dimensity - it warms less.

3.Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity: Why it's better for gaming

Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity is often left in the shadows, but it deserves attention thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor.+. Here’s why it may be the best choice for gamers:

• 🎮 More stable. FPS games through architecture ARMv9 4-core GPU Mali-G710.
• 🔥 Less heating compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (especially noticeable in the PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings).
• 🔋 Best autonomy for gaming loads (10-15% longer than 12 Pros on Snapdragon).

There are, however, downsides:

• 📉 Worse is camera optimization (no collaboration with Leica).
• 🔄 Fewer custom firmware (the developer community is smaller than the Snapdragon versions).

🔹 Performance Test: In benchmarks (AnTuTu) v9) 12 Pro Dimensity is gaining ~1,050,000 points, while 12 Pro on Snapdragon — ~The difference is uncritical, but in games it's manifested in the smoothness of animations.

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If you choose between 12 Pro and 12 Pro Dimensity, check the support for the games you play, such as Genshin Impact is better optimized for Snapdragon and Free Fire is better optimized for Dimensity.

4. Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Is it worth paying for the camera?

Xiaomi 12S The Ultra is a smartphone for photography enthusiasts, and its main advantage is Sony's 1-inch sensor. IMX989 (The same is used in the Sony Xperia Pro-I, which provides the same:

• 📷 Best light transmission capacity (in the 2 more than the standard 1/1.28″ sensory).
• 🌙 Less noise in night shootings (thanks to 1.6 μm pixels).
• 🎨 Wide dynamic range (14) EV 12-13 EV rival).

But there are nuances:

⚠️ Attention: 12S The Ultra weighs 225g and is 9.1mm thick, one of the heaviest and most bulky flagships of 2022. If you care about single-handed comfort, consider this.

🔹 Comparison with iPhone 13 Pro Max:

💡 If photography is a hobby or a job for you, 12S Ultra justifies its price, and 12 Pros are enough for everyday shots.

5. Xiaomi 12 Lite: Budget option or a waste of money?

Xiaomi 12 Lite is the most affordable model in the lineup, but is it a good choice in 2026?

Pros:

• 💰 Price: can be found for 15-20 thousand rubles (used or new balances).
• 📸 Good selfie camera (32 MP with autofocus).
• 🔋 Adequate autonomy (4300 mAh) + 67W charging).

Cons:

• 🐢 Snapdragon processor 778G It is weak for modern games (Genshin Impact will have to reduce the settings).
• 📉 The screen is only 90 Hz (vs 120 Hz for other models).
• 🚫 No stereo speakers (sound worse than older models).

🔹 Who's right for:

• 👗 Those looking for a stylish and lightweight smartphone for social networks.
• 📱 As a second phone (for example, for work).
• 🎓 Students or students who don’t need top-end performance.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Lite does not have official support for Android 14 – the maximum version MIUI, And that's what he's going to get. MIUI 14 powered by Android 13. If you care about long upgrades, consider other options.

6. Current prices for 2026: where it is more profitable to buy

Prices for the Xiaomi 12 vary greatly depending on the state (new / b / y), region and configuration. Here are the approximate prices for June 2026:

🔹 Advice on buying used:

Battery status (C Settings) → Battery. → The condition must be >85%)

The performance of all cameras (especially the 12S Ultra – Check the focus)

Absence of “yellow spots” on the screen (typical problem) AMOLED after 2 years of use)

Original charging (120-watt power supplies are hard to find separately)

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💡 Where not to buy:

• 🚫 On Olkh without checking (many scammers with "bricks" after failed firmware).
• 🚫 In small online stores without feedback (the risk of running into a fake, especially with the help of a fake). 12S Ultra).

7.Typical problems and how to avoid them

Every Xiaomi 12 has its own “diseases”: Here’s what you need to know before buying:

Xiaomi 12 / 12 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1):

• 🔥 Overheating under long loads. Solution: use heat sink covers or limit FPS play.
• 📵 Problems with 5G In some regions (check your carrier’s range support).

Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity:

• 🎵 Weak sound in headphones (driver problem, treated by flashing).
• 📡 Bad Wi-Fi 6 reception at long distances from the router.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra:

• 📷 Camera hangings when shooting in RAW. Solution: Turn off Professional Mode in Camera Settings.
• 🔋 Rapid battery wear (due to high energy density) Recommended to keep the charge in the range of 20–80%.

🔹 Common problem of all models: Over time, the screen may appear “yellow shade” due to degradation AMOLED. It's not a defect, it's a feature of technology to slow things down:

• ✅ Reduce the brightness to 70-80%.
• ✅ Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the Settings.
• ✅ Use dark themes of design.

8.Alternatives to Xiaomi 12 in 2026

If you’re considering the Xiaomi 12 but aren’t sure about the choice, here are a few alternatives with similar specs:

🔹 When to consider alternatives:

• 🔋 If you want better autonomy, look at the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ (5,000 mAh).
• 📷 If the camera is the priority, and the budget allows, it is better to take the Google Pixel 7 (b / w).
• 💰 If you want to save money, but not sacrifice productivity — POCO F5 Pro will give more for the same money.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 12