Xiaomi 12X

Xiaomi 12X Review: The Well-Rounded Contender That Might Just Surprise You

I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the Xiaomi 12X, and after putting it through its paces in my daily routine, I’ve come away with a pretty clear picture of what this phone is all about. Priced in that competitive mid-range territory, the 12X aims to deliver a near-flagship experience without the top-tier price tag. My initial impressions were positive, particularly regarding the in-hand feel and the vibrant display. But as always, the devil is in the details, and my testing has revealed both pleasant surprises and a few expected compromises.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The Xiaomi 12X arrives at an interesting time. The mid-range market is more saturated than ever, with compelling options from various manufacturers vying for attention. From my perspective, Xiaomi is playing a smart game here. They're leveraging the strength of their flagship series – the Xiaomi 12 – while offering a slightly more accessible entry point. The 12X sits comfortably in that sweet spot where price meets performance, and in my opinion, it’s a strategic move to capture users who want premium features without breaking the bank. The price point feels justified considering the internal hardware and the overall fit and finish.

Design & Hardware: Compact Comfort

Picking up the Xiaomi 12X for the first time, the immediate thought that came to mind was its size. In a world of increasingly large smartphones, the 12X’s more compact dimensions are a welcome change. It genuinely feels great in the hand – the 69.9mm width makes one-handed use comfortable and secure. The rounded edges and smooth back panel contribute to this ergonomic feel. While the specific materials aren't explicitly stated as flagship-grade, the overall build feels solid and well-put-together. I opted for the purple variant, and it’s a sleek, understated color that avoids being overly flashy. While I haven't subjected it to any deliberate drop tests (and wouldn't recommend you do either!), the presence of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the display offers a degree of reassurance in terms of durability for everyday use.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.28-inch AMOLED display is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Xiaomi 12X. Firing it up, the colors immediately pop with vibrancy, thanks to the 68 billion color depth. Scrolling through social media feeds and browsing the web feels incredibly smooth due to the 120Hz refresh rate. I spent a good amount of time watching videos and the experience was genuinely immersive. The deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED panels and the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support make for excellent contrast and detail. Even under bright sunlight, I found the display to be sufficiently bright, although direct, intense sunlight could occasionally cause some minor visibility issues, which is fairly typical. For gaming, the responsiveness is excellent, and the high refresh rate contributes to a fluid and enjoyable experience. For daily use, whether it's reading articles or navigating apps, the display is sharp, clear, and a pleasure to look at.

Performance: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 12X is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, a chipset that has proven its mettle in the past. In my testing, this translates to a consistently smooth and responsive experience. I routinely had multiple apps running in the background – switching between social media, browsing, and email – and the 12X handled it all without a hiccup. While I'm not a hardcore mobile gamer, I did put it through its paces with a few graphically intensive titles. The gameplay was smooth, and I didn't encounter any significant frame drops or lag. Perhaps more importantly, even during extended gaming sessions, the phone managed its temperature well. It did get slightly warm to the touch, but never uncomfortably hot, which is a testament to its thermal management. In terms of notable quirks, I didn’t encounter anything particularly problematic. The performance is reliable and consistent, which is exactly what you want in a daily driver.

Camera System: A Solid Performer with Room for Improvement

The camera system on the Xiaomi 12X is a bit of a mixed bag, as the user review rightly points out. The 50MP main sensor, a Sony IMX766, truly shines in well-lit conditions. I took some photos during a sunny afternoon, and the results were impressive – sharp details, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. However, as light levels drop, the limitations become more apparent. While the night mode does a decent job of brightening up scenes, there's a noticeable increase in noise and a softening of details. The 13MP ultrawide lens is adequate for capturing wider perspectives, but the image quality isn’t quite on par with the main sensor, exhibiting softer details and some distortion around the edges. The 5MP macro lens is there, and it can get you reasonably close to subjects, but the image quality isn't anything to write home about. The 32MP front-facing camera delivers good quality selfies with decent detail and accurate skin tones. Video recording capabilities are solid, with the ability to shoot up to 8K at 24fps (although I primarily stuck to 4K at 30fps for practicality). Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera system is competitive, but it doesn’t necessarily set a new benchmark. For everyday snapshots and social media sharing, it’s more than capable.

Battery & Charging: Endurance and Speed

Battery life on the Xiaomi 12X, with its 4500mAh capacity, has been satisfactory in my experience. On a typical day with moderate usage – browsing, social media, some calls and messages, and a bit of video streaming – I consistently managed to get through a full day without needing to reach for the charger. Heavier usage, such as extended gaming or prolonged video recording, will naturally drain the battery faster, requiring a top-up in the late afternoon or early evening. However, this is where the 67W fast charging comes into its own. As the user mentioned, it’s incredibly quick. In my testing, I was able to go from a nearly empty battery to a substantial charge in a remarkably short amount of time – often enough to comfortably get me through the rest of the day. This fast charging capability significantly mitigates any concerns about battery endurance. The power management seems efficient, although there aren't any overly aggressive battery-saving features that drastically impact performance.

Software: Familiar MIUI

The Xiaomi 12X runs on Android 11 with Xiaomi's MIUI 13 skin on top. MIUI is a heavily customized Android experience, and your mileage may vary depending on your preferences. Personally, I find it to be feature-rich, with plenty of customization options. However, it does come with a fair amount of pre-installed apps, some of which you might consider bloatware. Navigating the interface is generally smooth, and Xiaomi has made strides in recent versions to improve performance and reduce bugs. While the provided data mentions the device will receive 3 Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches (though this was specifically stated for the 12 and 12 Pro, not the 12X), clarity on the long-term update policy for the 12X itself would be beneficial.

Value Analysis: Striking a Balance

The Xiaomi 12X occupies a compelling position in the market. For the price, you're getting a phone with a fantastic display, solid performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870, and impressively fast charging. The camera system is competent, although not class-leading. In my opinion, this phone is ideal for someone who prioritizes a smooth user experience, enjoys media consumption, and appreciates the convenience of rapid charging. It’s a great option for users who want a taste of premium features without the top-tier price. However, if you're a photography enthusiast seeking the absolute best camera performance in this price bracket, you might want to explore alternatives from brands like Google or Samsung. Similarly, those who demand the latest and greatest processor for intensive gaming might consider devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or later.

Conclusion: A Solid All-Rounder

After spending considerable time with the Xiaomi 12X, my recommendation is largely positive. It’s a well-rounded smartphone that delivers a great overall experience. The compact design, vibrant display, and smooth performance are standout features. While the camera system isn't perfect, it's more than capable for most users. The fast charging is a game-changer, and the battery life is respectable. Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12X is a smart choice for those seeking a capable and enjoyable smartphone without breaking the bank. If you value a balanced set of features and appreciate a more manageable size, the Xiaomi 12X is definitely worth considering.