Xiaomi 12 Pro

Xiaomi 12 Pro Review: A Speedy Flagship with a Few Quirks

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Xiaomi 12 Pro through its paces, and it's been an interesting experience, to say the least. Coming in at a price point that undercuts some of the more established flagship players, the 12 Pro aims to deliver a high-end experience without the top-tier price tag. After thoroughly testing its various features, from its vibrant display to its ambitious camera system, I've got a solid grasp on where this phone shines and where it falls a little short.

Market Context: Punching Above Its Weight?

Xiaomi has carved out a reputation for offering impressive specs at competitive prices, and the 12 Pro is a prime example of this strategy. In a market saturated with premium devices, the 12 Pro positions itself as a contender for those seeking top-tier performance without necessarily breaking the bank. It feels like Xiaomi is aiming to capture the attention of users who appreciate cutting-edge technology but are also conscious of value. The price point places it in a sweet spot, making it an attractive alternative to some of the more established and expensive flagships.

Design & Hardware: Sleek and Substantial

First impressions matter, and the Xiaomi 12 Pro certainly looks the part of a premium device. The sleek design, coupled with the subtle grey finish on my review unit, gives it a sophisticated aesthetic. Picking it up, the phone feels reassuringly solid, though the 204-gram weight is noticeable. It's not unwieldy, but you definitely know you're holding a substantial piece of technology. The build quality feels premium, and the way the curved glass melts into the frame makes it comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. While I haven't intentionally put its durability to the test, it certainly feels like a well-built piece of kit.

Display: A Visual Feast

The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating feel incredibly smooth – a difference that's immediately apparent. As someone who consumes a lot of media on their phone, I was particularly impressed by the vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support truly bring videos to life, making it a joy to watch everything from YouTube clips to cinematic content. Even under bright sunlight, the display remains remarkably legible, thanks to its impressive peak brightness. Gaming on this display is also a treat; the smooth refresh rate and responsive touch sampling make for an immersive experience. For daily use, whether browsing the web or flicking through photos, the display is consistently crisp and engaging.

Performance: Power Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers the kind of performance you'd expect from a flagship device. In my testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Multitasking between numerous apps was seamless, and I didn't encounter any noticeable lag or stuttering. While I'm not a hardcore mobile gamer, I did fire up a few demanding titles, and the 12 Pro ran them flawlessly, with consistently high frame rates. The phone does get a little warm during intense gaming sessions, but the cooling system seems to do a decent job of managing the heat. Overall, for anyone who demands snappy performance, the Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers.

Camera System: A Tale of Impressive Potential

The Xiaomi 12 Pro boasts a compelling triple 50MP rear camera setup, and in many scenarios, it truly shines. The main lens, utilizing the Sony IMX707 sensor, is particularly impressive. In good lighting conditions, it captures images with stunning detail and vibrant, accurate colors. That sunset shot I took the other evening was genuinely breathtaking, showcasing the sensor's ability to capture rich detail even when zooming in. The ultrawide lens also performs admirably, offering a useful perspective for landscape shots and group photos. Portrait mode produces pleasing results with a natural-looking bokeh effect, separating the subject nicely from the background. While the 8K video recording is a nice spec to have, I found myself sticking to the excellent 4K video capabilities, which benefit from effective image stabilization. In comparison to other phones in this price range, the main camera holds its own, but I've noticed some inconsistencies in performance in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It’s a versatile system capable of producing excellent results, especially with the main lens, but it might require a little more finesse in certain situations compared to some top-tier competitors.

Battery & Charging: Fast Refills are a Game Changer

Battery life on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag. The 4600mAh battery is adequate for moderate use, but on days with heavy usage – lots of video watching, gaming, and photography – I found myself needing to top up by late afternoon or early evening. However, this is where the 120W HyperCharge comes into its own. This charging speed is truly remarkable. Plugging in the phone for even a short period provides a significant boost, and a full charge from empty can be achieved in what feels like the blink of an eye. This ultra-fast charging definitely mitigates some of the concerns around battery endurance. The inclusion of wireless charging is also a welcome addition, offering convenient top-ups throughout the day. The effective power management also helps to optimize battery usage, but for power users, keeping an eye on battery levels might be necessary.

Software: Functional and Feature-Rich

The Xiaomi 12 Pro runs on Xiaomi's MIUI, which is based on Android. The interface is generally clean and responsive, and it offers a wealth of customization options. While some may find the pre-installed apps a bit overwhelming, the overall experience is smooth and functional. The features offered are generally useful, and Xiaomi has been consistent with software updates, which is crucial for long-term usability and security.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Contender

The Xiaomi 12 Pro presents a strong value proposition. You get a stunning display, powerful performance, and a capable camera system, all at a price that undercuts some of the more premium offerings. This phone is ideal for users who prioritize a high-quality screen for media consumption, demand fast performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a versatile camera for everyday photography. However, if you absolutely need class-leading battery life or the absolute pinnacle of camera performance in all conditions, you might consider exploring other options. Compared to competitors in its price range, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a compelling blend of features and performance, making it a serious contender for those seeking a premium experience without the top-tier price tag.

Conclusion: A Speedy and Stylish Choice

The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a genuinely impressive smartphone. It delivers on its promise of a premium experience, boasting a stunning display, powerful performance, and incredibly fast charging. While the battery life might require some management for heavy users and the camera system has some minor inconsistencies, the overall package is compelling. If you're looking for a high-performing phone with a beautiful screen and don't mind charging it occasionally, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid all-rounder that offers a lot of flagship-level features without the flagship price tag.