Xiaomi 12 Lite vs Xiaomi 12T: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Xiaomi's lineup offers compelling mid-range options, and the 12 Lite and 12T are two popular contenders. Both phones boast sleek designs and impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12T emerges as the overall winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, more powerful chipset, and brighter display. However, the 12 Lite offers a more refined design and potentially better value for those prioritizing aesthetics and a slightly lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12 Lite Xiaomi 12T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, July 092022, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 11Available. Released 2022, October 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame-
Dimensions159.3 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.29 in)163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 950 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF-
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.47", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30/60fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 50% in 13 min120W wired, 100% in 19 min
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Lite Green, Lite PinkBlack, Silver, Blue
Models2203129G22071212AG
Price€ 119.80 / $ 269.00 / £ 121.15€ 181.96 / £ 283.32
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)1.09 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 100h Endurance rating 104h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.2 LUFS (Very good) -25.0 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 528905 (v9) GeekBench: 2943 (v5.1) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 780204 (v9) GeekBench: 3756 (v5.1)

Xiaomi 12 Lite

  • Stylish and lightweight design
  • Good all-around camera
  • Excellent value for money
  • Smooth display (likely 120Hz)

  • Less powerful chipset than 12T
  • Slower charging speed
  • Lower peak brightness display

Xiaomi 12T

  • Significantly faster charging (120W)
  • More powerful chipset (Dimensity 8100 Ultra)
  • Brighter display
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Less refined design compared to 12 Lite
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 12T takes a clear lead in the display department. Its measured peak brightness of 954 nits significantly surpasses the 12 Lite's 824 nits, resulting in better outdoor visibility and a more immersive viewing experience. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the 12T's brightness is a noticeable advantage. Both utilize AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates (likely 120Hz, though not explicitly stated).

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the 12T likely has an edge in overall image quality, particularly in low light. While specific camera specs aren't provided, the 12T's more powerful processor allows for better image processing. Both likely feature a main sensor around 108MP, and ultrawide and macro lenses. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.

Performance

The Xiaomi 12T's Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset is considerably more powerful than the 12 Lite's Snapdragon 778G. The Dimensity 8100 Ultra's higher clock speeds and more efficient 5nm process translate to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 12 Lite is still capable, but the 12T offers a noticeable performance boost.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar, with both phones achieving an endurance rating of 100-104 hours. However, the charging speed is where the 12T truly shines. Its 120W wired charging is incredibly fast, reaching 100% in just 19 minutes, compared to the 12 Lite's 67W charging (50% in 13 minutes). This makes the 12T significantly more convenient for topping up.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 12 Lite is ideal for users who prioritize a stylish design, a good all-around camera experience, and don't need the absolute fastest performance. The Xiaomi 12T is the better choice for power users, gamers, and anyone who values rapid charging and a brighter, more vibrant display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi 12T is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset.
❓ Is the Xiaomi 12 Lite worth buying if I don't need the fastest performance?
Yes, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is a great option if you prioritize design, value, and a good all-around experience. It's still a capable phone for everyday tasks.