Xiaomi 12T: When will the smartphone be released in 2026? release date, price and first reviews

Xiaomi 12T — One of the most anticipated models in the line of smartphones of the brand, which was supposed to be a logical continuation of the successful Xiaomi 11T. However, the history of this device was unusual: instead of the usual annual update, the company completely missed the release of the 12th series in favor of Xiaomi. 13T. Why this happened, whether to wait for a retro release and what alternatives are available to buyers in 2026 – we will analyze in this material.

If you are looking for information about the release date of Xiaomi 12T, But it's important to understand that officially, this model never existed in nature, and instead, Xiaomi introduced Xiaomi in October 2022. 13T and 13T Pro, and in 2023 – already Xiaomi 14T. However, there is still misinformation on the Internet about the “soon exit”. 12T", So we've gathered all the facts, the rumors and the logical explanations why this model won't be available, and for those who still want to buy a smartphone. 12T, prepared current analogues with similar characteristics and prices.

Why Xiaomi 12T Not out: official position and theories

In 2021, Xiaomi released Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pros are mid-range and premium smartphones with MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Snapdragon 888 processors, respectively, and it was logical to expect a continuation of the series in 2022, but instead two key events occurred:

• 📅 October 2022 – the announcement of Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro (skipping the number "12" in the title).
• 🔄 Change of strategy – Xiaomi decided to synchronize the numbering of flagship series (Xiaomi) 12/13/14) subflagship (12T/13T/14T).
• 📉 Falling demand - after exit 11T Sales of the T series lost to the flagships Xiaomi 12 and Redmi K50.

Xiaomi has not commented on the reasons for the skip 12T, But analysts have identified several factors:

⚠️ Note: If you see pre-orders or ads for Xiaomi 12T The company never announced this model, and all "leaks" with release dates (for example, "release in September 2023") are fake.

Another popular theory is that there is a global chip shortage in 2022, where Xiaomi could have redirected limited CPU inventories (like the Dimensity 8100) to more profitable models like the Redmi. K50 or POCO F4 GT. As a result, the T series was “missed” to optimize production capacity.

Technical specifications that were not: what was expected from Xiaomi 12T

If Xiaomi 12T Still out, its characteristics can be predicted based on trends in 2022 and the evolution of the T series. Most likely, the smartphone would have received the following “stuffing":

Interestingly, Xiaomi 13T, came out 12T, It has a more advanced processor (Dimensity 8).+ Gen 1), but lost in the resolution of the main camera (50 MP vs. the hypothetical 108-200 MP.

Among other expected features:

• 🔋 Reverse wireless charging (like in Xiaomi 12 Pro).
• 🎮 Dolby Vision support for the screen.
• 📡 5G-Modem with improved energy efficiency.
• 🔒 The fingerprint scanner in the screen (instead of the side, as in the 11T).

Xiaomi 13T vs. hypothetical 12T: What is the best thing to buy in 2026

If you are disappointed with the lack of Xiaomi 12T, The logical alternative is Xiaomi. 13T — Let's compare what you get instead of a missed smartphone:

Advantages 13T hypothetical 12T:

• ⚡ More modern processor (Dimensity 8)+ Gen 1 vs Dimensity 8100).
• 📸 Best Photo Processing Software (Thanks to Leica Algorithms).
• 🔄 Support MIUI 14 and updates to Android 15.

What could be better in 12T (if he had come out):

• 📏 Perhaps a more compact body (13T 201g).
• 💰 Below is the starting price (13T graduation ~50 000 ₽).
• 🔋 More capacious battery (5500 mAh vs 5000 mAh).

In 2026, Xiaomi 13T You can buy from 35,000 to 45,000. ₽ (depending on memory, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking for 12T. If you need a cheaper smartphone, pay attention to Redmi K60 or POCO F5 Pro – they are built on the same platform Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but are 10-15% cheaper.

Where and at what price could you buy Xiaomi? 12T (if only he had existed)

If Xiaomi 12T I did get out. 2022 In the year to year, the starting price in Russia would be approximately 40 000–45 000 ₽ post- 8/128 GB of memory:

• 🇨🇳 In China — ~350–400$ (25 000–30 000 ₽ at the 2022 rate).
• 🇪🇺 In Europe — ~500–550€ (35 000–40 000 ₽).
• 🇺🇸 In the U.S — ~500–600$ (Xiaomi is not officially for sale there).

Now (2026) similar in characteristics smartphones are as follows:

⚠️ Note: If you come across offers to buy Xiaomi 12T It's a scam on AliExpress, Avito, or telegram channels, most often under the guise of being a fraud "12T" Re-branded Redmi Notes are sold 11T Pro or fakes based on MediaTek Helio G96. Check it out. IMEI pre-purchase!

What's Xiaomi? 12T: top-up-5 alternative 2026 year

If you were looking for Xiaomi 12T Like a mid-range smartphone with a good camera and performance, here are the current analogues:

1. Xiaomi 13T — The T series is the successor to the T series, but with an improved processor and Leica camera. 12T. 🔹 Pluses: AMOLED 120Hz, Dimensity 8+ Gen 1, 67W charge. 🔸 Cons: no memory card slot, case slippery.

Realme GT Neo 5

• 🔹 Pros: 150-watt charging, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
• 🔸 Cons: there is no official sale in Russia.

If you need a camera, go with Xiaomi. 13T Or Civi 3. If you want maximum performance, Redmi. K60 or POCO F5 For those who love experimentation, Realme is perfect. GT Neo 5 with record charging.

💡

Before buying, check the support 5G Many Xiaomi smartphones do not work with Russian bands n78 (3.5 GHz) and n79 (Use the Kimovil Frequency Checker service to make sure you are compatible.

Rumors and leaks: was there a prototype Xiaomi 12T?

There are rumors that Xiaomi is 12T It was actually a prototype, but it was canceled at the final stage":

• 📱 Renders from @OnLeaks (June 2022) — It was supposedly shown to Xiaomi. 12T It's a triple camera with a perforation in the screen. K50 Ultra.
• 🔍 Certification in TENAA (July 2022 – Some media outlets adopted the model 22071212C (It was Xiaomi. 12S Ultra for 12T.
• 💬 Digital Chat Station Insider Statements - He Mentioned 12T Dimensity 8100, but later admitted the error.

The most plausible version: Xiaomi really planned 12T, But at the last minute, I redirected resources to Xiaomi. 13T, where:

1. Simplify marketing (Series 12 and 13 were released almost simultaneously).
2. Save money on developing two similar models.
3. Enhance positioning 13T as "renewed" 11T".

I wonder what the source code is. MIUI There are still references to tissot (code name) 11T) and plato (possible name for the 12T), But that doesn't prove the model exists -- these tags are often left over from cancelled projects.

💡

Xiaomi has never officially confirmed the development 12T. All leaks are either mistakes or marketing moves to draw attention to the problem. 13T.

What to do if you really need Xiaomi 12T"

If you are determined that you want Xiaomi 12T, And we have some bad news for you: this smartphone doesn't exist, and you can't buy it:

1. Consider the Xiaomi used-up 11T Pro In the secondary market (for example, on Avito or Yula) can be found 11T Pro for 20,000-25,000 ₽. Cons: outdated Snapdragon 888 processor and no updates.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and other sites often sell "Xiaomi" 12T" priced at 15,000 to 20,000 ₽. It's actually:

• 📱 Remarked Redmi Note 11T Pro (with Dimensity processor) 8100-Ultra).
• 📱 Helio-based fakes G99 or Snapdragon 695.
• 📱 Used smartphones with a replaced back cover (for example, POCO X4 Pro).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 12T