Xiaomi 12S vs Xiaomi 12X: A Detailed Comparison

Xiaomi's 12 series offered compelling options, but choosing between the 12S and 12X can be tricky. Both phones boast premium designs and features, but they cater to different priorities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S takes the crown with its significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and faster charging. However, the 12X remains a strong contender, offering excellent value and impressive battery life for those prioritizing longevity and a slightly more affordable price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12S Xiaomi 12X
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2022, July 042021, December 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 07Available. Released 2021, December 31
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm (6.01 x 2.75 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g / 182 g (6.31 oz)176 g (6.21 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)
Size6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1100 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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 11, 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
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-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, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 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, HDR1080p@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 Adaptive5.1 / 5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
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, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min 50W wireless, 100% in 57 min 10W reverse wireless67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 39 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Purple, GreenGray, Blue, Purple
Models2206123SC2112123AC, 2112123AG
PriceAbout 570 EURAbout 180 EUR
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 105h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 598003 (v8), 690298 (v9) GeekBench: 3168 (v5.1) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 12S

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Faster charging (67W wired, 50W wireless)
  • Potentially better camera quality
  • Premium build quality

  • Higher price
  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to 12X
  • Can run hotter under heavy load

Xiaomi 12X

  • Excellent battery life (105h endurance rating)
  • Smooth performance for everyday tasks
  • More affordable price
  • Premium design

  • Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 870)
  • Slower charging speeds
  • May struggle with demanding games

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but expect deep blacks and vibrant colors. The 12S might have a slightly higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, while the 12X is likely 90Hz. Resolution is likely to be similar (FHD+).

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems. The 12S likely has a more advanced primary sensor and potentially improved image processing due to the newer chipset. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detail in photos from the 12S. Both should capture good video quality.

Performance

This is where the 12S shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the 870 in the 12X. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 12S. The 12X still offers a smooth experience for everyday tasks, but it won't handle demanding games as well.

Battery Life

The 12X boasts an impressive endurance rating of 105 hours, suggesting superior battery life. While the 12S has faster charging speeds (both wired and wireless), its more power-hungry chipset might result in shorter real-world battery life compared to the 12X.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 12S is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and the latest technology. The Xiaomi 12X is a great choice for users who prioritize battery life, a smooth experience, and a more budget-friendly price without sacrificing premium design and a good camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 12S worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and the latest technology, the 12S is worth the investment. However, if battery life and value are more important, the 12X is a compelling alternative.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi 12S, with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, offers significantly better gaming performance than the 12X.