Alright, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12T, breaking down what these numbers actually mean for you, the user. I've been itching to get my hands on these phones and see how they stack up against each other. Let's get into it!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 12T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable; 12T feels larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 202g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | 12T’s larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming; 12 offers more one handed comfort. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2712 | 12T’s higher resolution provides sharper visuals, better detail. |
| PPI | 419 | 446 | 12T has a moderately sharper display but both are plenty sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is much better in bright sunlight, it has a much higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | 12's Snapdragon typically faster for tasks, 12T's Dimensity more power efficient for everyday use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 835,913 | 12 demonstrates a stronger peak performance, app loading, gaming, and overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G610 MC6 | 12's GPU tends to be stronger for graphically demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Sony IMX766) | 108MP (f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm, Samsung HM6) | 12T higher resolution for cropping/printing; 12 better in low light, sensor better performing. |
| Front Camera | 32MP (1/3.14", 0.7µm, Samsung JD1) | 20MP (f/2.24, 1/2", 0.8µm, Sony IMX596) | 12 higher resolution selfies, 12T’s larger sensor may capture more light, better for low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm, Samsung S5K4H7) | 12 has higher resolution images on the ultra wide lens, while 12T has a wider aperture ultra wide. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1) | 12 offers better macro photos as it has more resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | 12 has better video capturing capability, including 8k recording. |
| DXOMARK Score | Main: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Main: 115, Photo: 120, Video: 127 | 12T is overall slightly better in photo and video capture, though the margin is very minimal. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 12T has a larger battery, expect slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 120W Fast Charging | 12T has substantially faster wired charging, 12 has additional wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (no guaranteed updates) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | 12T is guaranteed to receive android 14 update, while Xiaomi 12 might not. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Both devices offer great compatibility to bluetooth devices, but 12T is just slightly ahead as it offers a newer version. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly stronger screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: The Compact Powerhouse
- Strengths: Compact and lightweight design, high peak display brightness, more powerful processor for demanding tasks, better overall video capture capabilities, Wireless charging support.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior chipset and GPU, more versatile video features, more compact and lighter, much higher peak brightness, better build quality due to gorilla glass victus.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen, smaller battery, slower wired charging ( but offers wireless charging).
Xiaomi 12T: The Battery and Media Maestro
- Strengths: Larger display with higher resolution, larger battery, faster wired charging speeds, better overall image and video processing capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior fast wired charging and battery life, slightly better overall camera in video and image processing (dxomark scores), larger display with slightly higher resolution and pixel density.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, less powerful chipset for gaming, lacks wireless charging, lower screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best possible performance for gaming, demanding apps, and want a compact phone.
- Commuters: People who value a lightweight, pocketable phone that still packs a punch.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who often use their phone in bright sunlight and need a bright display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value having the latest processor and tech features in a smaller form factor
Xiaomi 12T is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for watching videos and playing games.
- Heavy Users: People who need a long battery life and want a very fast charging phone.
- Photography & Videography fans: Users that like taking pictures and videos, and want the best software processing on the image.
- Value Seekers: Those looking for a powerful phone at a more budget-friendly price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize a compact design or a larger display?
- If a pocketable size is more important, go with the Xiaomi 12.
- If a larger screen for media and productivity is your main goal, choose the Xiaomi 12T.
- How much do you value raw power over battery life and charging speed?
- The Xiaomi 12 has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and is more powerful for gaming and demanding tasks.
- The Xiaomi 12T offers slightly less peak performance but much faster charging and a bigger battery.
- What are your must-have camera features?
- If you desire the ability to record 8k and a wider range of capturing options, go for the 12.
- If you want better image processing, video, and a great experience on a daily basis, then go for the 12T.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Gamer: If you game heavily on your phone and need the most processing power, I'd recommend the Xiaomi 12, due to its superior chipset.
- The Binge-Watcher: The 12T's bigger, higher-res screen and battery make it a superior choice for extended viewing.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The Xiaomi 12's compact design and powerful performance fits best with your workflow.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi 12T’s overall experience makes it the better phone for casual usage, providing a more balanced experience, bigger screen, and larger battery.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12T. For me, the larger, higher-resolution display and significantly faster charging speed are more appealing. While the Xiaomi 12's raw power and compact design are impressive, the 12T strikes a better balance for my daily needs, plus the camera and battery are just slightly better for daily usage. The display is what makes me lean to the 12T as it is much more appealing for my daily use case of watching videos and scrolling. Plus, that 120W charging is something I just can't ignore. As always, the final choice comes down to your personal preferences and what you value most in a smartphone.
