Xiaomi 12 Lite vs Xiaomi 13 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

Xiaomi's 'Lite' series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, balancing features and affordability. The Xiaomi 12 Lite and 13 Lite are both strong contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 13 Lite edges out the 12 Lite thanks to its brighter display, more efficient chipset, and faster charging. While the 12 Lite still offers excellent value, the 13 Lite’s upgrades make it the slightly better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12 Lite Xiaomi 13 Lite
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, 42, 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 092023, February 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 11Available. Released 2023, March 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frameGlass 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)159.2 x 72.7 x 7.2 mm (6.27 x 2.86 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)171 g (6.03 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 950 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 644
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOSAndroid 12, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-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)50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
Dual-32 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.3, (depth)
FeaturesHDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF-
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, 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), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
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
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 min67W wired, 100% in 40 min
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Lite Green, Lite PinkBlack, Lite Blue, Lite Pink
Models2203129G-
Price€ 119.80 / $ 269.00 / £ 121.15About 180 EUR
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 100h Endurance rating 93h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.2 LUFS (Very good) -28.5 LUFS (Average)
Performance AnTuTu: 528905 (v9) GeekBench: 2943 (v5.1) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 534143 (v9) GeekBench: 2936 (v5.1), 2434 (v6) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 12 Lite

  • Excellent value for money
  • Good camera performance
  • Stylish design
  • Fast charging (50% in 13 mins)

  • Older chipset
  • Slightly dimmer display
  • May not receive as many software updates

Xiaomi 13 Lite

  • Brighter display
  • Faster and more efficient chipset
  • Faster charging (100% in 40 mins)
  • Likely better camera software

  • Slightly shorter endurance rating
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13 Lite boasts a significantly brighter display at 938 nits compared to the 12 Lite's 824 nits. Both offer excellent contrast (infinite nominal), but the 13 Lite's increased brightness provides better visibility in outdoor conditions. Color accuracy is generally good on both, though the 13 Lite might have slightly improved calibration.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the 13 Lite likely benefits from software optimizations and potentially a slightly improved sensor. While detailed camera specs are not provided, the 13 Lite's newer chipset often translates to better image processing. Low-light performance is likely improved on the 13 Lite.

Performance

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the 13 Lite is a noticeable upgrade over the 778G in the 12 Lite. The newer chipset's 4nm process offers improved efficiency and performance. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 13 Lite. Both phones handle everyday tasks with ease.

Battery Life

The 12 Lite holds a slight edge in endurance rating (100h vs 93h), but the 13 Lite's 67W charging is considerably faster, reaching 100% in 40 minutes compared to the 12 Lite's 13 minutes to 50%. This means while the 12 Lite might last slightly longer on a single charge, the 13 Lite can be topped up much quicker.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi 12 Lite? Those seeking a budget-friendly option with a good camera and decent performance. Who should buy the Xiaomi 13 Lite? Users prioritizing a brighter screen, faster performance, and quicker charging speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 13 Lite worth the upgrade from the 12 Lite?
If you prioritize a brighter display, faster performance, and quicker charging, then yes. However, if you're on a tight budget and happy with the 12 Lite's performance, the upgrade might not be essential.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi 13 Lite, thanks to its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, will offer noticeably better gaming performance and smoother frame rates.