Xiaomi 12S Pro vs Xiaomi 12S: A Detailed Showdown

Xiaomi's 12S series brought premium features to the mid-range market. But with two compelling options – the 12S Pro and the standard 12S – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S Pro takes the crown with its significantly faster 120W wired charging and potentially improved camera system (though specifics are limited). However, the 12S offers excellent value and a slightly more compact design, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12S Pro 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, 12, 17, 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, 79 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 07Available. Released 2022, July 07
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight203 g / 204 g (7.16 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)
TypeLTPO 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 (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLeica lens, color 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 50 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)50 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
Video8K@24fps (HDR), 4K@30/60fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, 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@120fps, HDR10+1080p@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
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, 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/6e, 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, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min 50W wireless, 100% in 42 min 10W reverse wireless67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min 50W wireless, 100% in 57 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4600 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Purple, GreenGray, White, Purple, Green
Models2206122SC2206123SC
PriceAbout 670 EURAbout 570 EUR

Xiaomi 12S Pro

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Potentially superior camera system
  • Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
  • Premium build quality

  • Higher price point
  • Potentially larger and heavier than the 12S
  • Limited availability in some regions

Xiaomi 12S

  • Excellent value for money
  • Compact and comfortable design
  • Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
  • Respectable 67W charging

  • Slower charging speeds compared to the Pro
  • Potentially less advanced camera system
  • May lack some premium features of the Pro

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The 12S Pro *may* have slightly better peak brightness, but this is not definitively confirmed. Resolution is likely to be similar (FHD+).

Camera Comparison

The 12S Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a larger main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the Pro model aims for a higher-tier photography experience. Specific sensor details are needed for a definitive comparison.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, ensuring flagship-level performance. Expect seamless multitasking, smooth gaming, and responsive app loading on both. Differences in real-world performance are likely to be minimal unless thermal management differs significantly.

Battery Life

The 12S Pro boasts a 120W wired charging capability, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The 12S, with its 67W charging, still offers respectable charging speeds, but it takes considerably longer to reach 100%. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4600-4800 mAh).

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is ideal for power users, photography enthusiasts (assuming camera improvements are realized), and those who prioritize incredibly fast charging. The Xiaomi 12S is a great choice for users seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank, and who don't need the absolute fastest charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 12S Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize incredibly fast charging and potentially a better camera, then yes. Otherwise, the 12S offers excellent value and similar performance.
❓ What is the biggest difference between the two phones?
The most significant difference is the charging speed. The 12S Pro's 120W charging is significantly faster than the 12S's 67W charging.