Xiaomi 12 when in Russia: full information about the start of sales

The question of when exactly Xiaomi 12 will appear in Russia has become one of the most discussed among fans of the brand after the presentation of the flagship in China. Users were eagerly waiting for the compact and powerful smartphone to reach the shelves of domestic retailers, given that previous models often came with a delay.

The official start of sales in the Russian Federation has taken place, and the device has become available for purchase in both large chain stores and partners of the company. However, even after the appearance on the shelves, customers still have many questions about the configuration, support for languages and software features of the Global Version. In this article, we will discuss in detail the chronology of events, the technical nuances of imported lots and what to look for when choosing.

It is worth noting that the official shipments of Xiaomi 12 to Russia began in April 2022, which was a relatively quick response to the global release, which allowed Russian users to access the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and a unique form factor almost simultaneously with the European market.

Official release date and start of sales

The smartphone’s world premiere took place at the end of 2021, but Russian buyers faced anticipation, with many retailers opening pre-orders immediately after the Chinese presentation, promising the first batches in the first quarter of the new year.

Major retailers such as M. Video, El Dorado and DNS began to actively advertise the gadget, offering various bonuses for pre-ordering. This included discounts, gift certificates and the ability to get headphones in the bundle. For many users, it was the presence of an official warranty from the manufacturer that became the decisive factor in waiting for an official release, rather than buying gray imported versions.

It's important to understand that the initial batches are often snapped up instantly, creating a shortage in the first weeks, and if you were planning to buy, you should have taken into account this hype, and now the situation has stabilized, and the device can be found without waiting for delivery from warehouses for a long time.

⚠️ Warning: When buying in the first days after the start of sales, carefully check the equipment. In some regions there were cases when the charger was not in the box, although in Russia it must be included in the kit by law.

The difference between the announcement date and the actual start of sales was about 3-4 months, which is the standard time for adapting the global version of the firmware and passing the necessary certification procedures in the customs union.

Recommended retail price and dynamics

At launch, the recommended retail price has caused a lot of controversy among consumers: Xiaomi’s flagship line has traditionally been positioned as a more affordable alternative to competitors, but currency fluctuations have significantly affected the final price tag in rubles.

In the early months, the cost of the device was stable as demand outstripped supply, retailers saw no reason to lower the price of a scarce commodity, but once the supply chains were established and supplies became regular, a natural cost adjustment began.

Six months after the release, the price began to decline steadily, with the first significant discounts, trade-in shares and cashback offers from partner banks, which meant that the buyer could purchase a powerful flagship at a more adequate price, close to its real market value.

At the moment, the Xiaomi 12 is well below the starting price, making it one of the most attractive offerings in the compact flagship segment. If you’re not chasing novelty, waiting for a price cut was a justified strategy.

Global Version vs. Chinese (CN vs. Global)

One of the most important issues when buying is the differences between versions. The Global ROM is adapted for the international market, including Russia, it has a built-in Google Play store, support for Russian out of the box and working notifications from all popular applications.

The Chinese version (China ROM) often enters the country through parallel imports, which are cheaper but require firmware or complex manipulation of the installation of Google services. Without flashing on the Chinese version, notifications from messengers in the background may not work, and the system may be oversaturated with Chinese services.

When buying, be sure to check the device model in the settings. For Russia, models with a label that indicates a global region are relevant. If you see instructions in the box only in Chinese and English, and a two-pin fork (you need an adapter), this is the Chinese version.

Official deliveries to Russia were made in a global version, which ensures full compatibility with the frequencies of Russian telecom operators and the correct operation of NFC for contactless payment (where it is still relevant) or transport.

Technical features and network support

Xiaomi 12 is based on the flagship platform Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This processor provides the highest performance, but is also known for its heat generation. Xiaomi engineers have applied a cooling system using graphene and a large copper plate to compensate for the heating.

The smartphone supports the main 4G bands (LTE) used in Russia: Band 3, 7, 20, 38. However, it is worth remembering that 5G support in Russia has not yet been deployed in large numbers, so this functionality remains unclaimed.

The screen is AMOLED with 120 Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth interface and high brightness even in the sun. To protect the glass used Gorilla Glass Victus, which is the standard for flagships of this level.

⚠️ Note: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor can heat up during long games.It is recommended not to use heavy applications during charging to avoid trottling (decreased performance).

The camera has also undergone changes: the 50MP optically stabilized core module allows high-quality images even at night. The wide-angle and telemacro modules complement the main camera, providing flexibility in shooting.

Where to buy and manufacturer's guarantee

Buying from official stores gives you a 12-month warranty from the manufacturer, which means that in the event of marriage, you can contact a Xiaomi authorized service center in any major city in Russia.

When buying from smaller online stores or marketplaces from third-party sellers (“grey imports”), the warranty is provided by the store itself, not by the manufacturer. In the event of a breakdown, the device will likely have to be sent for diagnosis to the same store, which may take longer.

Large chains allow you to return the goods within 14 days if you do not like them (while maintaining the presentation), while small sellers often refuse to return a serviceable phone.

For maximum security of the transaction, it is recommended to keep the check and the box with stickers, which will simplify the procedure of warranty service if it is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Xiaomi 12 is a compact flagship with an excellent camera and screen, which is officially sold in Russia since April 2022.

Final summary of the purchase

To sum up, the Xiaomi 12 has successfully reached the Russian market and has become available to a wide range of consumers.Despite initial delays and high exchange rates, the device has taken its place as one of the best compact smartphones of the year.

Buyers are advised to choose official sales for full warranty and compatibility, and current prices make this gadget a very attractive offer, especially with the release of newer, but more expensive models.

If you’re looking for a balance between size, performance and quality, this smartphone is still a viable choice, and the key is to check the software version and package carefully when you receive the product.

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Keep the box and documents for at least a year. Even if you don't plan on giving your phone away under warranty, the original packaging greatly increases the liquidity of the device in future resale.