Xiaomi 12X vs Xiaomi 13: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Xiaomi 12X offered a premium experience in a smaller package, while the Xiaomi 13 brings significant upgrades. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 13 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, brighter display, wireless charging, and a slightly better battery life. However, the 12X remains a compelling option for those prioritizing a more compact size and potentially a lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12X Xiaomi 13
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, December 282022, December 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 31Available. Released 2022, December 14
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back or silicone polymer back, aluminum frame
Dimensions152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm (6.01 x 2.75 x 0.32 in)152.8 x 71.5 x 8.0 mm or 8.1 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)185 g or 189 g (6.53 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~414 ppi density)
Size6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.36 inches, 97.7 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 13Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1 - 128GB UFS 4.0 - 256/512GB
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm-
Triple50 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), AF50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 75mm (telephoto), 1/3.75", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps (HDR), 4K@24/30/60fps (HDR10+, 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit LOG), 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 1080p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR1080p@30fps
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
Comms
Bluetooth5.1 / 5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), 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, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), 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, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 39 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 38 min 50W wireless, 100% in 48 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Blue, PurpleWhite, Black, Flora Green, Mountain Blue, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Gray
Models2112123AC, 2112123AG2211133C, 2211133G
PriceAbout 180 EUR€ 314.00
SAR EU0.59 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 105h Endurance rating 108h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.6 LUFS (Very good) -25.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 598003 (v8), 690298 (v9) GeekBench: 3168 (v5.1) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 1248260 (v9) GeekBench: 5129 (v5.1) GFXBench: 109fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 12X

  • Compact and pocketable
  • Excellent value for money
  • Smooth performance for everyday tasks
  • Fast 67W wired charging

  • Older chipset
  • No wireless charging
  • Lower peak brightness display
  • Potentially less impressive camera

Xiaomi 13

  • Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Wireless charging support
  • Improved camera system
  • Sleek design

  • Higher price point
  • Slightly larger size compared to 12X
  • No significant battery life advantage

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13 takes a commanding lead in the display department. While both offer excellent contrast (nominally infinite), the 13's measured peak brightness of 1254 nits is a substantial improvement over the 12X, making it much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. The 12X's display is still good, but lacks the punch and visibility of the 13.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Xiaomi 13 generally produces better results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 13's newer image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor (spec details are missing, but generally assumed) contribute to improved detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are also likely improved on the 13.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi 13 is a generational leap over the Snapdragon 870 in the 12X. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The 13's more efficient 4nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency. The 12X is still capable, but the 13 is in a different league.

Battery Life

Battery life is very similar between the two, with both achieving an endurance rating of 105h/108h. The Xiaomi 13's more efficient chipset helps offset its slightly larger battery. The addition of 50W wireless charging on the 13 is a significant convenience factor that the 12X lacks.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi 12X? It's ideal for users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone and don't need the absolute latest performance or wireless charging. Who should buy the Xiaomi 13? Those seeking top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and the convenience of wireless charging will find the 13 a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 13 worth the extra cost over the 12X?
If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and wireless charging, then the Xiaomi 13 is definitely worth the upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget and prefer a smaller phone, the 12X remains a solid choice.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two phones?
The Xiaomi 13 generally offers better camera quality, particularly in low-light conditions and for video recording. While the 12X's camera is still capable, the 13's newer hardware and image processing provide a noticeable improvement.