Xiaomi 12 has become one of the most talked-about flagships of the brand, despite the fact that it premiered in December 2021. However, in 2026, interest in this model has grown again - for good reason. Users are actively looking for information about a possible re-release, restyling or even a budget version of Xiaomi 12 Lite, and compare it with the new models of the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series. In this article, we will see whether to wait for the new release of Xiaomi 12 in 2026, where it can be bought at the current price and what alternatives are worth considering.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi 12 in its classic version has not been produced by the company since 2023, and there have been no official announcements about the return of the model. However, there are still new devices from stock balances on the market, as well as used versions in excellent condition. In addition, in some regions (for example, in India or China), special editions or redesigned versions under other names may appear, and then we will analyze all possible scenarios and give clear recommendations for purchase.
Xiaomi 12 release date: what is known for 2026
The initial release of Xiaomi 12 took place on December 28, 2021 in China, and the global premiere took place in March 2022.
- 📅 December 2021 – start of sales in China (price from 3,699 yuan for the base version).
- 🌍 March 2022 – Global release including Europe and Russia (priced from 749)€).
- 🛑 2023 – the official termination of production of the new Xiaomi 13 series.
- 🔄 2026 – only warehouse residues and used devices remain on the market.
To date, Xiaomi has not announced any plans to resume production of the Xiaomi 12 or release an updated version of it, all rumors of a “new release” in 2026 are related to either:
- 📦 Remains sell-off - some retailers may position this as a "new batch".
- 🔄 Rebranding – for example, a reissue called Xiaomi 12E Xiaomi 12S Ultra Lite (but there are no such models).
- 🤖 AI-generated fakes – fake announcements periodically appear in social networks.
If you see suggestions for a “soon release of Xiaomi 12 in 2026,” it’s likely either a scam or a different model. POCO F6, It is positioned as a “budget flagship” with similar characteristics).
⚠️ Warning: At sites like AliExpress or JD.com, the new Xiaomi 12 can be sold at a discounted price, often either fakes or devices with unoriginal components (such as a replaced battery.
Xiaomi 12 technical specifications: is it important to buy in 2026?
Despite its age, the Xiaomi 12 remains a powerful device thanks to the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 13 (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| RAM/Memory | 8/12 GB LPDDR5 + 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 | 8/12 GB LPDDR5X + 128/256/512 GB UFS 4.0 |
| Screen. | 6.28" AMOLED, 120 Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits | 6.36" AMOLED, 120 Hz, Dolby Vision, 1900 nits |
| Camera. | 50 MP (Sony) IMX766) + 13 MP + 5 MP | 50 MP (IMX800) + 10 MPs + 12 MP (Leica) |
| Battery | 4500mAh, 67W fast charging | 4500mAh, 67W + 50 watts wireless |
As of 2026, the Xiaomi 12 is still able to compete with many mid-budget innovations (for example, Redmi). K70 or POCO X6 Pro, but inferior to the flagships in:
- 🔋 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known for increased power consumption.
- 📸 Photo Opportunities – No Support 8K-Video and inferior to image processing.
- 🔄 Updates — MIUI 15 will be the last major firmware for this model.
However, for gaming, media and everyday tasks, the Xiaomi 12 is still a great choice – especially if you find it for below 30,000 rubles (which is real in the secondary market).
Where to buy Xiaomi 12 in 2026: proven ways
Since there are no official deliveries of the new model, here are 4 reliable ways to buy Xiaomi 12 in 2026:
- Some stores (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video or Wildberries) may still have new devices in stock. The price is usually overpriced (from 40,000 rubles), but you get a full warranty.
- Xiaomi Recommerce Service Official exchange and sale of used equipment from Xiaomi. The devices are tested and have a warranty of 12 months. Cost: 25 000-35,000 rubles depending on the condition.
- On AliExpress, JD.com or Taobao, you can find new devices from Chinese vendors. Risks: no Russian firmware, possible forgeries. Tip: choose sellers with a rating above 98% and read reviews.
⚠️ Warning: If a seller claims to have a "new batch of Xiaomi 12 straight from the factory," it's almost certainly a hoax.The last official batch came off the assembly line in early 2023.
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 13 vs Xiaomi 14: Which is the best time to buy in 2026?
If you’re considering the Xiaomi 12 as an option to buy, it’s worth comparing it to the newer flagships.
| Criteria | Xiaomi 12 (2021) | Xiaomi 13 (2022) | Xiaomi 14 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (105,000 in AnTuTu) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (130,000 in AnTuTu) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (160,000 on AnTuTu) |
| Screen. | 6.28", 120 Hz, no Dolby Vision | 6.36," 120Hz, Dolby Vision. | 6.36," 120 Hz, 3,000 nits of brightness |
| Price (2026) | 20 000–35 000 ₽ (b/w) | 45 000–60 000 ₽ (new) | 70 000–90 000 ₽ (new) |
The choice depends on the budget:
- 💰 Up to 30,000. ₽ — Xiaomi 12 (b/y) or POCO F5 Pro (new).
- 💰 30 000–50 000 ₽ — Xiaomi 13 (b/y) or Redmi K70 Pro (new).
- 💰 From 50,000. ₽ — Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi 13T Pro (new).
If you need a smartphone for gaming, then Xiaomi 12 will still handle most projects in the mid-range settings, but for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, it’s better to consider the Xiaomi 13 with a cooler chipset.
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Before buying, check the support 5G In your area, Xiaomi! 12 It does not support some Russian ranges. 5G (n78), while Xiaomi 13/14 wider spectrum.
Xiaomi 12 Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them
Like any flagship, the Xiaomi 12 has a number of common flaws that you should be aware of before buying:
- 🔥 Overheating - Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 warms up under prolonged loads.Solution: use a heat sink case or limit FPS play.
- 📉 Fast discharge - the battery loses capacity after 300-400 cycles. → Battery. → Status.
- 📶 Weak signal - some users complain of network reception problems. → SIM-map → Reset).
- 🔊 Quiet speakers — less volumetric than the Xiaomi 13. Solution: use headphones or an external Bluetooth speaker.
If you are buying a used device, be sure to check:
How to check the Xiaomi 12 for authenticity?
It is also worth noting that Xiaomi 12 does not support:
- 🔌 Wireless charging is more powerful than 50 watts (unlike Xiaomi 13 with 50 watts).
- 🎮 Game Turbo 6.0 Mode (only 5.0).
- 📷 Videotaping in 8K (maximum — 4K@60fps).
Updates and firmware: will Xiaomi 12 receive MIUI 16?
Xiaomi’s official policy for updates to Xiaomi 12 looks like this:
- 📱 Android – latest version: Android 13 (no updates to Android 14).
- 🔄 MIUI — last-stitch: MIUI 15 (released in 2026).
- 🛡️ Security – patches are due until December 2026, then support will stop.
This means that after 2026, the smartphone will be left without critical security updates.If that's the point for you, it's best to consider the Xiaomi 13, which will be supported until 2026.
However, there are ways to extend the life of the device:
- Update via Xiaomi EU — assemblies MIUI supportive.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may result in the Mi Account being blocked if the device is linked to the account. → Additionally. → Backup.
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If you're critically important to upgrades - Xiaomi 12 in 2026 is no longer the best choice.Consider Xiaomi 13 or POCO F6 Pro with longer support life.
Xiaomi 12 Alternatives in 2026: What to Buy Instead
If Xiaomi 12 didn’t suit you for specs or price, here are 5 of the best alternatives for 2026:
| Model | Pluses | Cons | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCO F6 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 120W charging, 2K-screen | Plastic case, no Leica cameras | 35 000–40 000 ₽ |
| Redmi K70 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 120W, 2K AMOLED | Heavy (209g), no official IP-rating | 45 000–50 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Thin case (7.2 mm), 67W charging, AMOLED 120 Hz | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (weaker than 8 Gen 1) | 30 000–35 000 ₽ |
| Realme GT 6 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 100W charging, 6,000mAh | Realme UI instead MIUI, frontal | 40 000–45 000 ₽ |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | Exynos 2200, 4 years of updates, IP68 | Come on, screen. 1080p (not 2K) | 45 000–55 000 ₽ |
If you want the most balanced option, then:
- For games — POCO F6 Pro or Redmi K70 Pro.
- For the photo - Xiaomi 13 Lite (thanks to the software processing Xiaomi).
- For long-term use – Samsung Galaxy S22 (longer).