Xiaomi 12 has become one of the most talked about flagship families of 2022, offering users four models at once: the standard Xiaomi 12, compact Xiaomi 12X, advanced Xiaomi 12 Pro and top Xiaomi 12S Ultra with a Leica camera. At first glance, the devices look similar, but under the hood hide fundamental differences that affect performance, photo quality and even comfort of use.
If you’re facing a choice between these smartphones, it’s important to understand that the difference between the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro isn’t limited to screen size or battery size, but rather the processor type (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs 8+ Gen 1), cooling, camera capabilities, and even wireless charging support, and the 12X and 12S Ultra models are all out of the lineup — the first as a budget option, the second as a photomonster with optical stabilization.
In this article, we will analyze all the key differences Xiaomi 12 from other models of the series, compare them on 10 criteria – from design to autonomy – and help you decide which version is right for you.
1. Design and dimensions: who is more compact and who is more massive?
All smartphones Xiaomi 12 series are made in the brand style with minimalist frames and rounded corners, but their sizes are very different. the Basic model Xiaomi 12 and 12X turned out to be the most compact — their screen diagonal is 6.28 inches, and weight does not exceed 179 g. This makes them comfortable for one hand, which is rare among modern flagships.
But Xiaomi 12 Pro and 12S Ultra already belong to the category of “shovel”: their screens have grown to 6.73 and 6.73 inches, respectively, and the weight has exceeded 200 g 12S Ultra stands out especially because of the massive Leica camera with two “islands” of objects thickness of the device reaches 9.1 mm (versus 8.2 mm in the base model).
- 📏 Xiaomi 12 / 12X: 152.7×69.9×8.2 mm, 179 D - Ideal for small hands
- 📏 Xiaomi 12 Pro: 163.6×74.6×8.2 mm, 204 d - classic "large" flagship
- 📏 Xiaomi 12S Ultra: 163.6×75×9.1 mm, 225 D - the heaviest and thickest in the series
Also worth noting are the body materials: the 12X and base 12 have a matte glass back panel, while the 12 Pro and 12S Ultra have glossy ceramics (Ultra has a texture under the skin), the latter looking premium, but more stained and sliding in the hand.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a case, pay attention to the notch under the camera 12S Ultra — because of the non-standard location of objects, many universal cases will not work.
2. Screens: AMOLED vs E5 AMOLED - should you overpay?
All models of the Xiaomi 12 series are equipped with AMOLED-screen-support HDR10+ And it's 120 Hz, but the technology is different. 12X standardized AMOLED-panels with brightness up to 1100 nits, while 12 Pro and 12S Ultra gets advanced E5 AMOLED Samsung with peak brightness of 1500 nits.
The difference is noticeable when used in the sun: Pro screens remain readable even on a bright day, while the base models can sag contrast. In addition, the 12 Pro and 12S Ultra support LTPO 2.0 technology, which allows you to dynamically adjust the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz to save charge. In 12 and 12X, the frequency is fixed at 120 Hz or 60 Hz.
| Model | Screen type | Size/Permission | Brightness (peak) | LTPO Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12X | AMOLED | 6.28" / 2400×1080 | 1100 nits | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi 12 | AMOLED | 6.28" / 2400×1080 | 1100 nits | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | E5 AMOLED | 6.73" / 3200×1440 | 1,500 nits | ✅ Yes (1-120 Hz) |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | E5 AMOLED | 6.73" / 3200×1440 | 1,500 nits | ✅ Yes (1-120 Hz) |
Another nuance is resolution: The base models have Full HD+ (2400×1080), while the Pro versions have Quad HD+ (3200×1440), the difference you see when you watch small text or high-resolution video, but for most tasks (social media, games) it is not critical.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs 8+ Gen 1
The most fundamental difference between the models is the processors. The basic Xiaomi 12 and 12X run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, while the 12 Pro (in some regions) and 12S Ultra received the newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
- 🔥 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm): Prone to overheating, especially in gaming; energy efficiency lower
- ❄️ Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm, optimized): 30% cooler, 10% more productive in the CPU and 30% in GPU
In practice, this means that the 12 Pro and 12S Ultra have longer performance in resource-intensive games (such as Genshin Impact at maximum settings) and less than trottlates. While the 12 and 12X can warm up and reset frequencies after 15-20 minutes of intense load.
Also, the amount of RAM should be considered:
- 12X: 8GB LPDDR5
12:8/12GB LPDDR5
- 12 Pro: 8/12 GB LPDDR5
12S Ultra: 8/12GB LPDDR5X (20 percent faster)
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. China), the Xiaomi 12 Pro was sold with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, not the 8+ Gen 1. Before buying, specify the version of the processor in the characteristics of a particular device!
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If you plan to play on a smartphone, it is better to choose a model on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (12S Ultra or 12 Pro version with the new chip).
4.Cameras: from budget module to Leica camera
The difference is huge. The Xiaomi 12X has the most modest set: a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX766) with f/1.9 aperture, a 13MP ultra-wide and a 5MP telephoto (actually macro) that is acceptable during the day, but the detail fades at dusk.
Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro are already equipped with more advanced modules:
Main camera: 50 MP Sony IMX707 (12 Pro – with optical stabilization)
Ultrashirik: 50 MP (12 Pro - 115° field of view)
- Telephoto: 2× Optical zoom (only 12 Pros)
And the absolute champion in the photo – Xiaomi 12S Ultra with a Leica camera:
Main sensor: 50 MP Sony IMX989 (1 inch, like professional cameras!)
Ultrashirik: 48 MP with autofocus
- Telephoto: 48 MPs from 5× optical zoom (perscope)
Laser autofocus and optical stabilization on 5 axes
The difference in quality between the 12X and 12S Ultra is comparable to the difference between a budget smartphone and a DSLR, which gives a professional level of detail even in RAW, whereas the 12X is only suitable for social networks.
Photos from Xiaomi 12S Ultra vs 12 Pro
5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
Autonomy is another parameter where models diverge greatly: the base Xiaomi 12 and 12X have 4,500 mAh batteries, while the 12 Pro has 4,600 mAh and the 12S Ultra has 4,860 mAh. But capacity is not the only factor: CPU, screen, and software optimization are important.
Based on the test results:
12X and 12 are held on a single charge for about 6-7 hours of screen (at mixed load)
- 12 Pro – 7-8 hours (thanks) LTPO-screen)
12S Ultra – 8–9 hours (coolest processor + large battery)
The charging speed also varies:
12X/12/12 Pro: 67W wired, 50W wireless
12S Ultra: 67W wired, 50W wireless + 10W reverse charging
⚠️ Attention: Wireless charging on Xiaomi 12X It is the only model in the series without Qi support. If you want this feature, choose other options.
| Model | Battery capacity | Wire-based charging | Wireless charging | Reverse charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12X | 4500 mAh | 67 W. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi 12 | 4500 mAh | 67 W. | 50 W. | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | 4600 mAh | 120 W. | 50 W. | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 4860 mAh | 67 W. | 50 W. | 10 Watts. |
6. Additional chips: what do Pro versions know, what do the basic ones not?
In addition to the main characteristics, the Xiaomi 12 series models are different and “little things”, which can be decisive when choosing:
- 🎵 Stereodynamics: y 12 Pro and 12S Ultra is symmetrical (Harman Kardon) 12/12X — asymmetrical (one speaker is weaker)
- 🔒 Fingerprint scanner: 12S Ultra – ultrasonic (like Samsung), the rest – optical
- 📡 5G-modem 12S Ultra — Snapdragon X65 (support for mmWave, the rest of the — X60
- 💧 Water protection: 12 Pro and 12S Ultra — IP53 (dust-proof), 12/12X — certified
It is also worth mentioning the cooling system:
- 12X/12: graphite gaskets
- 12 Pro: steam chamber + graphite
12S Ultra: Double steam chamber + graphite (most efficient)
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If you want water protection, look at the Xiaomi 12 Pro or 12S Ultra, which IP53 certification will save you from splashes, but not diving. For full water resistance (IP68), you have to look towards the Xiaomi 13.
7.Prices and relevance in 2026: is it worth buying?
At the time of release in 2022, the prices for Xiaomi 12 started from the ~50 000 ₽ for the basic version, and 12S Ultra cost in ~100 000 ₽. Now (2026) the situation has changed:
- 💰 Xiaomi 12X: ~25 000–30 000 ₽ (B/u) - the most budgetary option
- 💰 Xiaomi 12: ~35 000–45 000 ₽ — Optimal Price/Quality Relationship
- 💰 Xiaomi 12 Pro: ~50 000–60 000 ₽ — It makes sense to pay for only 8.+ Gen 1
- 💰 Xiaomi 12S Ultra: ~70 000–80 000 ₽ — It is only relevant for photographers
Should you buy Xiaomi 12 in 2026? Yes, but with reservations:
The 12X is even inferior to mid-budget new products (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+)
12 and 12 Pro (with 8+ Gen 1) are still able to compete with the flagships of 2023
The 12S Ultra is one of the best camera phones, but its price is still high.
The main disadvantage is the lack of official updates. Xiaomi has already stopped supporting MIUI for this lineup, so the new features of Android 14 and 15 devices will not get. Also, it is worth considering the wear of batteries on used models - after 2 years of operation, their capacity could sink by 15-20%.
Check the state of the battery in Settings → Battery condition
Make sure the sensor is working without dead zones.
Check the camera for artifacts (especially on the 12S Ultra)
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