Xiaomi 12 is still a hot choice for those looking for a flagship smartphone at a reasonable price. Despite the release of newer series (Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14), the 12-series models continue to sell, offering a great ratio of performance, cameras and design for less money. But how to understand the variety of modifications? Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, 12 Lite, 12S Ultra — each has its own features, and not always more expensive is better.
In this article, we will not just list the specifications, but help you make an informed choice for specific tasks: gaming loads, photography, compactness or autonomy. We will analyze real user reviews, performance tests and even nuances that are often not mentioned in reviews - for example, why the Xiaomi 12S Ultra can disappoint the average user, and the Xiaomi 12 Lite will be the ideal option for a girl. We will also reveal the secrets of how to save up to 30% when buying a used model without the risk of "pek"
Xiaomi 12 lineup review: who is who
The Xiaomi 12 family includes six main models, but in 2026, four are actively represented in the market:
- 📱 Xiaomi 12 is the base model with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a compact body.
- 📸 Xiaomi 12 Pro is an improved version with a 2K- display, a more powerful camera and quick charging.
- 🎮 Xiaomi 12X is a lightweight version of the base model with the same processor but a smaller battery.
- 🌟 Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a top-end model with a Leica camera, a huge 1-inch sensor and a premium build.
- 💃 Xiaomi 12 Lite is a budget variant with Snapdragon 778G, a slim body and a focus on design.
It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro are in a different sub-series (with Dimensity processors), so we won’t consider them in this comparison.It’s also worth noting that the 12X and 12 Lite have not officially shipped to some regions, but they can be found at “gray” sellers.
The most common question is, "Should you overpay for a Pro or an Ultra?" The answer depends on your priorities. For example, if you're not a professional photographer, the difference between the 12 Pro and 12S Ultra in everyday shots will be minimal, but the weight and dimensions of the Ultra can be disappointing. On the other hand, the 12 Lite loses in performance, but benefits in autonomy thanks to a less voracious processor.
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro: what’s the difference and who will do what
These are the two most popular options in the lineup, and they're often compared. Let's see what you're paying for in the Pro version.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display. | 6.28”, AMOLED, 120 Hz, FullHD+ | 6.73", AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K+ |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (clock speed higher by 0.1 GHz) |
| Camera (main) | 50 MP (Sony IMX766), f/1.9 | 50 MP (Sony IMX707), f/1.9 + 50 MP telephoto (2× zoom) |
| Charging. | 67 W (full charge in 39 minutes) | 120 W (full charge in 18 minutes) |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4600 mAh |
| Weight. | 179 | 204g |
Who to choose Xiaomi 12:
- 👍 For those who value compactness, this is one of the smallest flagships of 2022.
- 💰 Those who want to save 10-15 thousand rubles without a critical loss in characteristics.
- 🎮 Gamers – the performance difference between 12 and 12 Pro is minimal.
Who to choose Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- 📸 Photography enthusiasts – an additional telephoto module and the best main camera give a noticeable advantage.
- 🔋 For those who are constantly on the road, 120-watt charging saves when you need to quickly restore charge.
- 👓 For those who watch a lot of video, the 2K- display is really gratifying.
⚠️ Warning: Both smartphones warm up at long loads (especially the 12 Pro because of the more powerful charging).If you play heavy games often, consider a cooling case.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Should I Take It in 2026?
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a flagship flagship developed in collaboration with Leica, and its main feature is the Sony IMX989 1-inch sensor (the same as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), which delivers stunning photo and video quality.
Pros:
- 📷 The best camera in the lineup is night mode, portraits and video at the professional camera level.
- 🔧 Premium assembly - ceramic housing, protection IP68.
- 🔋 4860 mAh + 67-watt charging (there is a separate cooler for cooling when charging!).
Cons:
- 💸 Price – even used models rarely fall below 50-60,000 rubles.
- 🏋️ Weight – 225 g, this is one of the heaviest smartphones Xiaomi.
- 📏 Dimensions - because of the huge camera, the phone "lames" on a flat surface.
- ⚡ Heat – When shooting video in 8K or long games, a break is required.
Secret Life Hack: If you like the 12S Ultra camera but don’t like the price, pay attention to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra – it’s cheaper (yes, it’s not a typo!) due to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra release, while the camera and hardware are even better there.
Why is 12S Ultra cheaper than 13 Ultra?
Xiaomi 12 Lite: Budget flagship or disappointment?
Xiaomi 12 Lite is the company's attempt to offer a lightweight version of the flagship for less money. But how successful?
What do we sacrifice?
- 🔄 The Snapdragon 778G processor (instead of 8 Gen 1) is a mid-level processor, not a flagship.
- 📸 The camera is the main module at 108 MP, but without optical stabilization and with mediocre processing.
- 🔋 There is no superfast charging - only 67 watts (like the base Xiaomi 12).
What do we win?
- 💰 Price - a new 12 Lite can be found for 25-30 thousand rubles (2 times cheaper than 12 Pro).
- 🎨 Design - slim body (7.3 mm), weight 173 g and 6 color options.
- 🔋 Autonomy – thanks to a less voracious processor, it keeps the charge longer than flagships.
Who's 12 Lite for?
- 👗 Girls who appreciate stylish design and compactness.
- 📱 Those who need a smartphone for social networks, calls and easy games (Genshin Impact on the medium settings still pull).
- 💼 Business users who need a reliable, well-screened device to work with documents.
⚠️ Warning: If you're considering 12 Lite for gaming, consider that the Snapdragon 778G is a massive 8 Gen 1 loss in performance. For example, in PUBG Mobile, there will be a noticeable drop in FPS at maximum settings.
Do you play heavy games (if you do, take 12 or 12 Pros)|Is it important to have optical stabilization in the camera?|Are you ready to put up with mediocre night photography?|Is the mid-range processor good for the price of the flagship?-->
Xiaomi 12X: Why it is needed and who is suitable
Xiaomi 12X is the most mysterious model in the lineup. It's basically a Xiaomi 12, but with a smaller battery (4500 mAh → 4300 mAh) and no wireless charging support. It's cheaper by 5,000 to 7,000 rubles. The logical question is, "Why does it even exist?"
The answer is simple: the 12X was designed for those who want the most compact flagship with a top-end processor, but are willing to sacrifice autonomy.
- 👔 Businessmen who carry a telephone in their chest pocket.
- 🚶 Tourists who are interested in a small weight (176 g).
- 🎮 Gamers who play only at home (where there is always an outlet).
But there are pitfalls:
- 🔋 When used actively, 12X discharges in 4-5 hours (versus 6-7 for 12 Pro).
- 🔌 No wireless charging - it's uncritical, but frustrating for a flagship.
- 📦 In some regions, the 12X was sold without a box (phone + cable only).
If you like the 12X but are worried about the battery, consider an external power bank – many users carry a compact battery with them at 5000 mAh, which solves the problem of autonomy.
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Before buying the Xiaomi 12X, check if your region supports official updates for this model.In some countries, the 12X was sold as a "global version" without local support.
How to choose between the new and used Xiaomi 12: risks and benefits
Prices for the new Xiaomi 12 in 2026 start from 40 thousand rubles, while used models can be found for 20-25,000.
The benefits of buying used:
- 💰 Savings of up to 50% (especially for 12 Pro and 12S Ultra).
- 📦 Often included covers, glass, additional accessories.
- 🔧 Time-tested model - all "childhood illnesses" firmware have already been fixed.
Risks and how to avoid them:
- 🔋 Battery: Check the charging cycle through Settings → Battery status. If more than 500 cycles, refuse.
- 📱 Display: Look for burns (spots from static interface elements) and broken pixels.
- 🔌 Charging: Make sure the phone is charging at full speed (for the 12 Pro, 120W).
- 📡 Network: Check the 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth (especially if you buy for games with a gamepad).
Where's the best place to buy?
- 🛒 Official retailers (Svyaznoy, M. Video) – sometimes sell “window” or returned phones with a warranty.
- 🌍 Avito/Yula – only at highly rated sellers and in person.
- 📦 Aliexpress is risky, but you can find profitable offers with a guarantee from the platform.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of phones marked "Global ROM" - often hidden under this are Chinese versions with firmware that does not support Google Services. Check through Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (should be "Global" or "EEA", but not "China").
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When buying a used Xiaomi 12, be sure to ask the seller to make a factory reset with you, this will check whether the phone is locked (Mi Account is not tied), and make sure there are no hidden defects.