Xiaomi 12 series debuts with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and really fast charging in one model *updated*

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Xiaomi 12 series debuts with Snapdragon8 Gen 1 and really fast charging in one model

Note: This article was first published on 29th December 2021 and we've just updated a new section with local launch prices and offers.

Standby to ready what we thought of the phones during our hands-on session.

Xiaomi lifted the veil on their latest flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 12 series, showcasing a trio called the Xiaomi 12, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, and the Xiaomi 12X.

As teased by the company, the two of the phones pack Qualcomm’s latest processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 System-on-Chip (SoC).

The Snapdragon 8 is built on a 4nm manufacturing process and packs next-generation processing power, AI features, imaging prowess, and 5G connectivity.

Xiaomi 12

The specs of the Xiaomi 12 look quite good. Image source: Xiaomi.

The Xiaomi 12 itself comes in three variants differing mainly in memory and storage capacities. These are 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, and 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

It has a 6.28-inch, FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080 pixels) curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 4,500 mAh battery supports up to 67W fast wireless charging, as well as wireless charging of up to 50W. There is even 10W reverse wireless charging if you need to charge your wireless earbuds.

The rear cameras consist of a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor that is accompanied by another 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera sensor.

Prices for the Xiaomi 12 start from RMB 3,699 (S$786).

Xiaomi 12 Pro

As with most smartphones, the Pro will represent the best of the lot. Image source: Xiaomi.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro will also come in three models, 8GB RAM with128GB storage, 8GB RAM with 256GB of storage, and 12GB RAM with 512GB of storage. Also inside all three versions is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powering them.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro is also the only one in the series with an under-display fingerprint scanner and has a larger 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.

Elsewhere, the the Xiaomi 12 Pro gets a 4600mAh battery with a speedy 120W charging support. Along with that, it gets support for 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging. In comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro's fast charging rate tops out at 23W.

In terms of camera prowess, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has three 50MP cameras comprised of a 50MP primary camera using Sony's latest IMX707 sensor (1/1.28-inch, 1.22µm pixel size), 50MP telephoto lens, and 50MP ultrawide camera.

Prices for the Xiaomi 12 Pro will start from RMB 4,699 (S$999).

Xiaomi 12X

Three phones in the series with three variants each for a total of nine phones.

This Xiaomi 12X is the lowest spec’d phone in the series. And unlike the other two, doesn’t feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 but uses instead the Snapdragon 870.

The Snapdragon 870 is a Snapdragon 865+ (a 2020 flagship processor) with slightly higher clock speeds. It is built on a 7nm process and features eight processing cores. The big change here is that the Prime Cortex A77 core is now clocked at 3.2GHz.

Like the other two models, the Xiaomi 12X will have three different variants and prices.

What's common on all three versions is a 6.2-inch FHD AMOLED (1,080 x 2,400 pixels) display and a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery is 4500mAh and has 67W fast wired charging.

The triple rear cameras on Xiaomi 12X will include a 50MP Sony IMX766 main shooter, a 13MP OmniVision OV13B ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP telemacro sensor.

The Xiaomi 12X will be sold at:-

RMB 3199 (S$680) for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model
RMB 3499 (S$6744) for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage model
RMB 3799 (S$807) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model

Local pricing and availability

The Xiaomi 12 series packs a cooling system that features an extra-large 2600mm² VC soaking plate. Image source: Xiaomi.

Right now, the Xiaomi 12 series seems to be exclusive to China only and will launch at the end of the month. We’ve reached out to Xiaomi locally on any local launch information or pricing but have yet to receive a reply.

*Updated on 23rd March 2022*

The Xiaomi 12 will be available on Xiaomi's official stores on Lazada and Shopee in two variants. These are the 8GB with 128GB of storage and the 8GB with 256GB of storage and they will be priced at S$999 and S$1,049 respectively.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro will only come in a single variant, 12GB and 256GB of storage, and will be priced at S$1,349.

Pre-orders for both smartphones will start at midnight tonight until 1 April 2022. There will also be a flash sale on Lazada and Shopee for the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro while stocks last.

Each customer who pre-orders a Xiaomi 12 or Xiaomi 12 Pro will receive complimentary premium gifts worth up to S$799. These include a Xiaomi Soundbar 3.1ch + Subwoofer, 1+1 extended warranty, and free on-time screen protection (within six months of purchase).

Besides the previously mentioned Lazada and Shopee, pre-orders can also be made at all Xiaomi authorised stores, selected partners', and telcos’ stores. To purchase from Telcos, kindly check with M1, Singtel and StarHub for more information.

Pre-ordering brings along with the device a VIP service that covers the following:-