Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) vs Xiaomi 12S: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's flagship lineup often presents compelling choices, and the 12 Pro (Dimensity) and 12S are no exception. Both offer premium features and impressive performance, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone is the best fit.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S edges out the 12 Pro (Dimensity) thanks to its superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, faster charging (wired and wireless), and generally improved camera system. However, the 12 Pro might offer slightly better value depending on pricing and availability.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) Xiaomi 12S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, July 042022, July 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 13Available. Released 2022, July 07
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight201 g (7.09 oz)179 g / 182 g (6.31 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)
Size6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.20 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MC10Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC467W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min 50W wireless, 100% in 57 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5160 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, BlueGray, White, Purple, Green
Models2207122MC2206123SC
PriceAbout 570 EURAbout 570 EUR

Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)

  • Powerful Dimensity 9000+ chipset
  • Vibrant AMOLED display
  • Fast 67W wired charging
  • Potentially better value

  • Slightly less efficient than Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Camera not as advanced as 12S
  • No wireless charging

Xiaomi 12S

  • Superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Excellent camera system with larger sensor
  • Fast wired and wireless charging
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • May have slightly less RAM in some configurations

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. While both offer excellent visuals, the 12S might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel variations and calibration. Resolution is likely to be similar (FHD+).

Camera Comparison

The Xiaomi 12S boasts a significant camera upgrade, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX707 main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The 12 Pro (Dimensity) has a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2x telephoto. The 12S's larger sensor and improved image processing algorithms result in better low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the 12S is undeniably the performance winner. It offers significantly better sustained performance and efficiency compared to the Dimensity 9000+ in the 12 Pro, especially under heavy load. Gaming and demanding applications will run smoother and with less throttling on the 12S.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4600mAh battery. However, the 12S's faster charging capabilities (67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless) give it a clear advantage. The 12 Pro only offers 67W wired charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)? Users prioritizing a powerful processor and a vibrant display at a potentially lower price point. Who should buy the Xiaomi 12S? Those seeking the absolute best performance, faster charging, and a more refined camera experience, willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 better than the Dimensity 9000+?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 generally offers better sustained performance and efficiency, especially under heavy load and for gaming.
❓ Does the Xiaomi 12S support wireless charging?
Yes, the Xiaomi 12S supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
The Xiaomi 12S has better low-light camera performance due to its larger main sensor and improved image processing.