Xiaomi 12

Xiaomi 12 Review: A Compact Powerhouse That Doesn't Compromise (Much)

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the Xiaomi 12, and it's left me with a distinct impression: this phone knows exactly what it's trying to be. At a price point that puts it squarely in the mid-range, it’s aiming to deliver a flagship experience without the flagship price tag. My testing involved everything from daily communication and media consumption to pushing its limits with some moderately demanding tasks. My initial impression is positive; it’s a phone that feels good in the hand and generally performs admirably. However, as with any device, there are nuances to consider before making the leap.

Market Context: Finding Its Niche

The Xiaomi 12 arrives at a fascinating time. The market is saturated with increasingly large phones, making the 12's more compact form factor feel somewhat refreshing. Xiaomi's strategy here seems clear: cater to those who crave high-end features but prefer a phone that doesn't feel like a tablet in their pocket. From my perspective, this is a smart move. Not everyone wants or needs a massive screen, and the 12 carves out a valuable niche. The price point feels competitive, especially when considering the internal hardware. It positions the 12 as a compelling alternative to some of the more bloated offerings in its category.

Design & Hardware: Small Size, Premium Feel

My first impression upon unboxing the Xiaomi 12 was its surprisingly petite size. In a world of ever-expanding screens, the 6.28-inch display feels almost nostalgic, but in a good way. It fits snugly in my hand, and one-handed operation is genuinely comfortable – a welcome change from some of the behemoths I've been testing lately. The phone's lightweight build (just 179 grams) further enhances this ease of handling. The materials feel premium, though the glossy back can be a bit slippery. I quickly opted for a case, as the provided user also mentioned, more for peace of mind than anything else. While I haven’t intentionally tested its durability through drops, the construction feels solid enough to withstand the rigors of daily life.

Display: A Visual Treat in a Smaller Package

The display is undoubtedly one of the Xiaomi 12's standout features. The AMOLED panel, with its 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support, is genuinely impressive. In my testing, colors were vibrant and accurate, making everything from browsing photos to watching videos a pleasure. Scrolling through social media feeds is buttery smooth, and the high refresh rate contributes to an overall fluid user experience. The peak brightness of 1100 nits is more than adequate for outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. I specifically tested this while out on a brighter day and had no issues seeing the screen clearly. For media consumption and even some casual gaming, the display shines. It’s sharp, detailed, and a genuine joy to look at.

Performance: Flagship Power in a Smaller Shell

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides more than enough power for everyday tasks and even some more demanding workloads. In my real-world usage, apps launched quickly, multitasking was seamless, and I experienced no noticeable lag. While I'm not a hardcore mobile gamer, I did put the device through its paces with some graphically intensive titles, and it handled them without breaking a sweat. The provided user mentioned they aren't much of a gamer but found the phone quick for regular tasks, and I can definitely corroborate that. Temperature management seems well-optimized; even during extended periods of use, the phone didn't get excessively hot in my hands. Overall, the performance is snappy and responsive, living up to the expectations set by its flagship-caliber processor.

Camera System: Capturing Moments with Impressive Clarity

The camera system on the Xiaomi 12 is another area where it punches above its weight. The 50MP main sensor, utilizing a Sony IMX766, consistently produced excellent images in my testing. Like the original reviewer, I took it on a recent hike and was genuinely impressed with the detail and color accuracy, especially in those golden hour sunset shots. Low-light performance is also commendable, capturing usable images even in challenging conditions. The inclusion of an ultrawide and a macro lens adds versatility to the shooting experience. Video recording capabilities are also strong, with the option to shoot in up to 8K resolution. While 8K might be overkill for most users, the 4K footage is crisp and well-stabilized. I experimented with various shooting modes and found the camera to be a reliable and capable companion for capturing everyday moments. The selfie camera also performs admirably, producing clear and detailed images.

Battery & Charging: Solid Endurance and Blazing Speeds

Battery life is always a key consideration, and the Xiaomi 12, with its 4500mAh battery, delivers respectable endurance. In my typical day of moderate use, including browsing, social media, emails, and some video streaming, I consistently made it through a full day on a single charge. Heavier usage, involving gaming or prolonged video consumption, did necessitate a top-up by late afternoon, as the provided review also indicated. However, the 67W fast charging is a game-changer. In my tests, it significantly reduces downtime, quickly bringing the battery back to a usable level. The inclusion of 50W fast wireless charging is a welcome bonus, adding convenience for overnight or desktop charging. The power management seems efficient, optimizing battery usage without overly aggressive background app limitations.

Software: MIUI – Feature-Rich but Requires Acclimation

The software experience on the Xiaomi 12 is driven by Android 12 with Xiaomi's MIUI skin on top. While feature-rich, MIUI can be a bit of an acquired taste. As the original reviewer mentioned, it takes some getting used to. There are numerous customization options and added functionalities, but the interface can feel a little cluttered at times. In my daily usage, I found some of the pre-installed apps redundant, and the notification management could be more refined. However, the software is generally smooth and responsive, and Xiaomi has been reasonably good with updates, although the long-term update policy remains a consideration.

Value Analysis: A Sweet Spot in the Mid-Range

Analyzing the Xiaomi 12's value proposition, I believe it hits a sweet spot. For its price, you get a well-built phone with a fantastic display, a powerful processor, and a capable camera system. It’s a compelling package that offers a near-flagship experience without the premium price. I think this phone is ideal for someone who prioritizes a compact design, excellent performance, and a great display, all while keeping the budget in check. Those who might want to look elsewhere are perhaps users who are heavily invested in a specific ecosystem or those who prioritize a stock Android experience or require expandable storage, which the Xiaomi 12 lacks. Compared to competitors in this price range, the Xiaomi 12 holds its own remarkably well, often exceeding expectations in areas like display quality and charging speed.

Conclusion: A Highly Recommended All-Rounder

Ultimately, my time with the Xiaomi 12 has been overwhelmingly positive. It's a well-rounded smartphone that excels in key areas. The compact design is refreshing, the display is gorgeous, the performance is snappy, and the camera is surprisingly capable. While MIUI might not be for everyone, its feature set is undeniable. If you're in the market for a powerful, pocketable phone that doesn't break the bank, the Xiaomi 12 should definitely be on your shortlist. It offers a fantastic blend of features and performance that makes it an excellent value proposition in today's crowded smartphone market.