Xiaomi 12: the year of release, key features and whether the smartphone is relevant

The question of Xiaomi’s 12th year of release is often raised by buyers looking for a balance between performance and price.This smartphone has become a landmark for the company, marking a shift to a more compact flagship format at a time when the industry was moving toward giant screens. Understanding the release date of the device is critical to assessing its relevance, software support and spare parts availability.

The model was introduced in late 2021, making it a technologically advanced device even by the standards of a few years later. Xiaomi 12 received a top-end processor, high-quality camera and fast charging, which still allows it to compete with the middle segment of modern public sector. In this article, we will discuss in detail the timing of the model, its evolution and why the release year plays a key role in choosing.

Many people confuse the global and Chinese release dates, which can lead to errors when buying firmware or accessories. The release chronology matters here, because software support is counted from the date the device first appeared on the market. Let's get into the details so you can make an informed decision.

Official release date and chronology of releases

The official premiere of the Xiaomi 12 smartphone took place on December 28, 2021, the presentation took place in China, where the brand traditionally presents its flagship lines first.This date should be considered the starting point of the age of the device. The global version, designed for the markets of Europe, Asia and other regions, was shown a little later – February 28, 2022 at an event in Barcelona.

The two-month difference between Chinese and global releases is standard practice for the company, but for the user, it means that the security and operating system update cycle can start at different times depending on the region, and if you buy a device with Chinese firmware, its age is technically longer than that of its European counterpart.

It’s important to understand that 2021 was a period of active implementation of new communication and multimedia standards. Xiaomi 12 was one of the first devices to receive a new generation of chipset, which set the tone for the entire industry in 2022.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used device, be sure to check the activation date in the service menu. If the phone was activated in China in January 2022 and you buy it in Europe as a "new" warranty, the warranty may have expired or invalid in your region.

The Chinese version often has a different index than the global one, which affects frequency support. For the European market, the device was adapted to local standards, but the hardware remained identical, confirming that the hardware platform was ready in 2021.

Technical characteristics and impact of the year of release

The year of release directly dictates the set of components installed in the smartphone. Xiaomi 12 is based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. This chipset was produced at 4 nm standards, which was an advanced solution for 2021. However, this processor is known for its high heat generation, which became the “childhood disease” of the flagships of late 2021 – early 2022.

The camera module also reflects the standards of its time, with the Sony IMX766, the main sensor with optical stabilization, a great choice when it was released, providing excellent photo quality in daylight and good results at night, but the current image processing algorithms in newer models have already surpassed the capabilities of this sensor.

The screen of the device received the AMOLED matrix with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. For 2021, the resolution of FHD+ at a diagonal of 6.28 inches was considered optimal for the balance between clarity and power consumption. Today, many users are accustomed to higher resolutions, but for a compact smartphone these parameters remain relevant.

💡

When choosing Xiaomi 12, pay attention to the amount of RAM. 8GB versions may have difficulty keeping apps in the background in 2026-2026, so it's better to look for a 12GB modification.

Compare the key characteristics taking into account the year of release:

So the hardware of the smartphone is in line with the high end of 2021, but when you look at it in the context of 2026-2026, some things, like the energy efficiency of the processor, may be outperforming the more recent middle-class solutions.

Software and Update Support

The issue of software support is directly related to the fact that Xiaomi 12 Xiaomi has improved its policy of updates in recent years, promising flagship lines 3-4 the year of major Android updates and 4-5 years of security patches, because the start of sales came to an end. 2021 The device should be supported at least until the end of the year. 2026-2026 year-end.

At the time of release, the smartphone was running the MIUI 13 shell based on Android 12. Subsequently, the device received an update to MIUI 14 and is now actively transferred to the new HyperOS platform. The transition to HyperOS was an important step in optimizing the system on aging hardware.

Users often wonder if new features on a device three years old are worth waiting for. The evidence shows that major innovations related to artificial intelligence and heavy graphics can bypass the 2021 model.

It is important to keep an eye on the update schedule in your region, and global versions often receive updates with a delay of 1-2 months compared to Chinese versions, which should be considered if you are critical to the relevance of security patches.

Comparison of versions: China, Global and Russian

Since the smartphone came in transition for many markets, there are several variations of the device: The Chinese version, released in December 2021, supports all frequencies but may not have Google Play preinstalled (though it is easy to put).

Russian users should pay attention to support for communication bands: in 2021-2022, operators actively redistributed frequencies. Xiaomi 12 supports most of the necessary bands, including 4G and 5G (where available), however, some versions may not support certain NFC frequencies, which is critical for contactless payment.

The differences also concern the configuration: in 2021, the company still put a charger in the box, which was a nice bonus for the flagship. In later batches of 2022, in some regions, charging could be removed in accordance with the global trend, so it is important to specify the configuration of the particular lot when buying.

• 📱 Chinese version: Two SIM-card, no memory card slot, full support for Chinese languages in voice assistant.
• 🌍 Global version: Support for all European languages, unlocked bootloader (in some cases), adapted frequencies.
• 🇷🇺 rostest (EAC): Guaranteed compliance with local standards, Russified box, availability of necessary certificates.

⚠️ WARNING: When buying the Chinese version for use in Europe or the CIS, check for range B20 (Its absence can lead to poor reception in the countryside and inside buildings with thick walls.

The choice between versions often comes down to price and warranty.Chinese versions are cheaper, but can have problems with notifications and app backgrounds due to the aggressive battery optimization characteristic of Chinese firmware.

The relevance of the smartphone this year

Should you buy Xiaomi 12 today, when it’s not 2021?The answer depends on your needs. If you want a compact flagship with a powerful processor and you’re willing to put up with not the most outstanding autonomy, then this is still a viable option. The performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 still exceeds the needs of 90% of mobile applications and games.

However, it is worth considering battery wear. Since the model was released at the end of 2021, even a new (unopened) phone could lie in storage for 2-3 years. Lithium polymer batteries age even without using. So when buying, be sure to check the charge cycles and battery status through the engineering menu or special utilities.

In the camera segment, the device also remains competitive, with optical stabilization and a high-quality main sensor, which allows you to take great pictures, but if you're looking at 10x zoom or professional 8K video, you'd better look at the 2023-2026 models.

The market dictates its terms: the price of Xiaomi 12 has now fallen significantly, which makes it an attractive offer. For the cost of a new budgetary, you get premium housing materials (glass and metal) and IP53 water protection, which is rare in the lower price segment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Xiaomi 12 is the latest of the Mohicans of the compact flagships of 2021, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful processor, but requires attention to the state of the battery and the firmware version.