Xiaomi Mi 12: release date, specifications and whether the expectations are worth it

The question of when exactly the Xiaomi Mi 12 will hit store shelves has long been one of the most talked-about in the tech community, marking a major transition for the company, marking the introduction of a new processor and a change in naming strategy for flagship devices. Users around the world have been watching each leak closely, trying to see if the new product will compete with market leaders.

The official presentation has already taken place, and now we have accurate data on specifications, design and software, the flagship lineup received the most powerful chipset at the time of release, which was supposed to provide a huge increase in performance, but potential buyers often worry not only about dry numbers, but also the real availability of the device in their region.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the timeline of the device, its key features, and compare it with subsequent models, weighing the pros and cons to make an informed decision about the purchase, and analyzing whether this device is relevant today or better pay attention to the latest releases of the brand.

Official date of presentation and start of sales

The world premiere of Xiaomi Mi 12 took place on December 28, 2021 in China, an event that was a landmark, as Xiaomi traditionally seeks to introduce its new flagship before competitors present the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. The global version was shown a little later, in early 2022, which allowed engineers to adapt the software for the international market.

The launch was undulating in China, where pre-orders opened almost immediately after the announcement, and the first shipments were sold out in minutes; the global release began in March 2022, covering markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America; and it is important to note that in some regions, shipments may have been delayed due to logistical difficulties.

For those who follow the news, it is important to understand the difference between an announcement and the actual retail appearance. Often, between the presentation and the start of free sale, it takes between two and four weeks. In the case of the Mi 12, this interval was minimized thanks to the company’s well-established supply chains.

Key technical characteristics and innovations

At the heart of the device was the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a 4-nanometer processor that delivered significant improvements in graphics processing speed and energy efficiency compared to the previous generation, with performance in the Antutu benchmarks exceeding 1 million points, which was an absolute record at the time of release.

The display matrix also underwent major changes, using LTPO 2.0 technology that allows you to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. This solution allowed you to significantly save battery power with static content. The brightness of peak values reached 1100 nits, which made the image readable even under direct sunlight.

The cameras received new sensors from Sony. The 50MP optical stabilization core module allowed high-quality photos and videos to be captured even in low-light conditions. Optical stabilization (OIS) has played a key role in improving video quality by making the picture smooth without the use of electronic stabilizers, which often produce artifacts.

Design, ergonomics and materials of the body

The company's engineers bet on compactness, which was a breath of fresh air for users tired of "shovels." The 6.28-inch screen allowed you to comfortably control the smartphone with one hand. The back panel is made of matte glass or eco-skin depending on the chosen color variation, which is pleasantly tactile and does not collect fingerprints.

The frame of the device is made of aeronautical aluminum, which has undergone special processing to improve strength. Ergonomics was thought out to the smallest detail: rounded edges and a centered camera module improves the balance of weight in the hand. The weight of the device is about 180 grams, which is a great show Xiaomi Mi 12 looks modern and minimalist.

The IP53 moisture and dust protection means that the device is spray and dust-proof, but it is not a risk to get fully immersed in water. The IP68 standard was required for full water resistance, which was replaced with a more affordable option in this model to reduce the cost.

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Use the protective glass immediately after purchase. Curved edges of the screen (2.5D) increase the risk of chipping when falling on a hard surface, and replacing the display is expensive.

Software and Update Support

At the time of its release, the smartphone was running a MIUI 13 shell based on Android 12. The interface was optimized to work with the new hardware, offering improved animation and memory management. The company paid special attention to protecting privacy by introducing new tools to control the access of applications to data.

The update policy for this series included two major Android versions and three years of security patches. Software support is a critical factor in selecting a flagship, as it affects the relevance of the device for several years. Users received regular updates, bug fixes and improvements to the MIUI stable became easier and faster.

More recently, it has been possible to upgrade to HyperOS, a new operating system designed to integrate the smart home ecosystem, cars and mobile devices, and the transition to the new OS has brought changes in visual style and improved interconnectivity with other gadgets of the brand.

Comparison with competitors and subsequent models

In the market, the Xiaomi Mi 12 competed with the Samsung Galaxy S22 and OnePlus 10 Pro. The main advantage of the Chinese flagship was the price, which was noticeably lower with similar or better characteristics.

Compared to the Xiaomi 13, the newer smartphone has an improved telephoto lens and a more energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Comparison of models shows that the performance gains were about 25-30%, which is noticeable in heavy tasks, and the thirteenth series also improved the algorithms of night shooting.

The table below shows the key differences between generations:

Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 12 right now?

Buying the Xiaomi Mi 12 today only makes sense if there is a significant discount or in the segment of mileage devices in excellent condition.The market situation is such that for the same amount, you can often find more recent mid-range models with a warranty.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used device, be sure to check the status of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, and after two years of active use, the capacity can fall to 80% or below, which will require replacement.

If your budget is tight but you want flagship performance, this smartphone can be a compromise solution. It still pulls on modern games and apps without problems. However, it is worth considering that new features tied to artificial intelligence may not work on the old processor to its fullest.

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Buying Xiaomi Mi 12 is justified only at a price significantly lower than current models of the middle class or for connoisseurs of compact sizes.

Alternatively, the Xiaomi T or Redmi K series offer similar performance for less money, albeit with simplified body materials. The choice depends on your priorities: brand and materials or pure power and savings.

Possible problems and known bugs

Like any complex electronic device, the Xiaomi Mi 12 is not without its drawbacks: users have noted cases of overheating of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor in hot weather or during prolonged load, which led to a decrease in screen brightness and frame rates in games to protect components.

Early firmware versions had problems with the camera's autofocus and the underscreen fingerprint scanner, known bugs were gradually patched by developers through updates, but some artifacts could be preserved, and there were complaints about the NFC module operating in certain regions.

⚠️ Warning: It is not recommended to use the device in extremely high ambient temperatures. Overheating can lead to irreversible damage to the battery and bloating of the body.

Another problem was the availability of spare parts, and if the display or back cover is damaged, finding the original components can take time, especially in small towns, and this should be considered when operating a device without a protective cover.

Summary and expert recommendations

The Xiaomi Mi 12 was a major step for the company, proving its ability to create high-quality compact flagships. Despite some problems with the heat of the processor, the device remained in the memory of users as one of the most balanced in its class.

If you choose between this device and newer models, carefully evaluate your needs. For everyday tasks, you may not notice the difference, but in the long run, software support will be the deciding factor. The smartphone market is growing rapidly, and what was the top of the day is now becoming the middle class.

We hope this detailed analysis has helped you understand the situation with the output and relevance of the model. A balanced approach to buying equipment always pays off with the long life of the gadget and satisfaction from use.