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

Xiaomi's flagship lineup often presents compelling choices, and the 12 Pro (Dimensity) and 12S Pro 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 make the right decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and generally improved camera system. While the 12 Pro (Dimensity) remains a capable device, the 12S Pro offers a more premium and future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) Xiaomi 12S Pro
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, 12, 17, 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, 79 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)163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight201 g (7.09 oz)203 g / 204 g (7.16 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
Size6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 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 50 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps (HDR), 4K@30/60fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 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, HDR10+
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, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min 50W wireless, 100% in 42 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5160 mAhLi-Po 4600 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, BlueGray, White, Purple, Green
Models2207122MC2206122SC
PriceAbout 570 EURAbout 670 EUR

Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)

  • Slightly more affordable
  • Good display
  • Decent performance

  • Older chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Less impressive camera

Xiaomi 12S Pro

  • Superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Incredibly fast 120W wired charging
  • Excellent camera system
  • 50W wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Potentially less availability in some regions

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The 12S Pro might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced display panel, but the difference is subtle. Resolution is likely similar (FHD+).

Camera Comparison

The 12S Pro boasts a Sony IMX707 main sensor, a significant upgrade over the 12 Pro's sensor. This translates to better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and more detailed photos. The 12S Pro also benefits from Xiaomi's computational photography enhancements, resulting in more refined images.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the 12S Pro is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 9000+ in the 12 Pro. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The 8+ Gen 1 is also known to be more efficient, potentially impacting battery life positively.

Battery Life

The 12S Pro's 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The 50W wireless charging is also a significant advantage. While both phones have similar battery capacities (around 4600mAh), the 12S Pro's efficiency and faster charging make it the winner in this category.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)? Users prioritizing a slightly more affordable flagship with a good display and decent performance. Who should buy the Xiaomi 12S Pro? Those seeking the absolute best performance, incredibly fast charging, and a top-tier camera experience, even at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 better than the Dimensity 9000+?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 generally offers better performance and efficiency than the Dimensity 9000+.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Xiaomi 12S Pro?
With the 120W wired charging, the Xiaomi 12S Pro can fully charge in approximately 19 minutes.
❓ Are the displays on both phones the same?
While both have AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, the 12S Pro's display may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness.