Xiaomi 12X vs Xiaomi 12S: A Comprehensive Comparison

Xiaomi's 12 series offered compelling options, but the 12X and 12S cater to slightly different needs. The 12X brought a premium feel with a Snapdragon 870, while the 12S upped the ante with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone deserves your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12S is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and improved camera capabilities. While the 12X remains a solid choice, the 12S's advancements make it the superior device for most users, especially those prioritizing speed and photography.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi 12X	Xiaomi 12S

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2021, December 28	2022, July 04
Status	Available. Released 2021, December 31	Available. Released 2022, July 07

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm (6.01 x 2.75 x 0.32 in)	152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	176 g (6.21 oz)	179 g / 182 g (6.31 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)
Size	6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 730
OS	Android 11, MIUI 13	Android 12, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Leica lens, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm	32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple	50 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	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
Video	8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS	8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm	32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video	1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR	1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon	24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1 / 5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes
Positioning	GPS (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)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 39 min	67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min 50W wireless, 100% in 57 min 10W reverse wireless
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray, Blue, Purple	Gray, White, Purple, Green
Models	2112123AC, 2112123AG	2206123SC
Price	About 180 EUR	About 570 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 12X

Compact and premium design
Fast 67W wired charging
Reliable Snapdragon 870 performance
Excellent value

Older chipset compared to 12S
Camera not as advanced as 12S
No wireless charging

Xiaomi 12S

Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
Improved camera system
50W wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Potentially slightly shorter battery life
Higher price point

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. The 12X boasts a 'nominal' infinite contrast ratio, which is a marketing term, but suggests deep blacks. The 12S likely has a similar, if not slightly improved, display quality. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, and refresh rates are probably 120Hz.

Camera Comparison

The 12S is expected to have a superior camera system. While both offer Photo/Video capabilities, the 12S's newer sensor and image processing should result in better image quality, especially in low light. Details on specific sensor sizes and lens apertures are needed for a more precise comparison, but the 12S is generally considered to have the edge.

Performance

This is where the 12S shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 870. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 12S. The 12X is still capable, but the 12S offers a more future-proof experience.

Battery Life

The 12X boasts an impressive endurance rating of 105h. The 12S, while having a similar battery capacity, might see slightly reduced battery life due to the more power-hungry Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. However, the 12S's 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging offer faster and more convenient charging options.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi 12X? It's ideal for users seeking a compact, premium-feeling phone with a reliable Snapdragon 870 and fast charging, but don't need the absolute best performance or camera. Who should buy the Xiaomi 12S? Those prioritizing top-tier performance, a more advanced camera system, and wireless charging will find the 12S a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 12S worth the extra money over the 12X?

If you prioritize performance and camera quality, the 12S is worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute best, the 12X remains a capable and attractive option.

❓ Does the Xiaomi 12S have overheating issues?

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 can run hot under sustained load, but Xiaomi has implemented cooling solutions to mitigate this. While some users have reported overheating, it's generally manageable.