Xiaomi Mi 10S vs Xiaomi 12X: A Detailed Comparison

Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Mi 10S and 12X both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different users. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12X emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, potentially improved camera capabilities (though details are limited), and a more modern design. However, the Mi 10S remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing value and a slightly larger screen.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Mi 10S	Xiaomi 12X

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands	1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China

Launch
Announced	2021, March 10	2021, December 28
Status	Available. Released 2021, March 12	Available. Released 2021, December 31

Body
Dimensions	162.6 x 74.8 x 9 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)	152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm (6.01 x 2.75 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	208 g (7.34 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~419 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.28 inches, 95.2 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1120 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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 650
OS	Android 11, MIUI 12	Android 11, 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
	UFS 3.0	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	108 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm	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
Video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS	8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm	32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps	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, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.1 / 5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Charging	33W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 56 min 30W wireless, 100% in 69 min 10W reverse wireless	67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 39 min
Type	Li-Po 4780 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Titanium Black, Ice Blue, Pearl White	Gray, Blue, Purple
Models	M2102J2SC	2112123AC, 2112123AG
Price	About 430 EUR	About 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 Mi 10S

Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
Good camera system
Solid battery life
Potentially lower price

Slower charging speeds
Older design
No specific camera improvements over previous generations

Xiaomi 12X

Significantly faster charging (67W)
More modern design
Potentially improved camera (details lacking)
Compact size

Potentially higher price
Unspecified battery endurance (though likely good)
Smaller screen size compared to Mi 10S

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar displays powered by the Snapdragon 870, but the 12X likely has a more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim is nominal and doesn't provide concrete data. The Mi 10S may offer a slightly larger screen size, which some users prefer.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse for the 12X. The Mi 10S is known for its capable camera system, offering good image quality in various conditions. The 12X likely features improvements, potentially including better low-light performance or video recording capabilities, but without specific specs, it's difficult to definitively say.

Performance

Performance is virtually identical. Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 870 chipset and the same CPU configuration, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. Differences in software optimization could slightly impact real-world performance, but it's unlikely to be significant.

Battery Life

The Mi 10S has a slight edge in endurance rating (105h vs unspecified for 12X), suggesting potentially longer battery life under typical usage. However, the 12X's 67W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the Mi 10S's 33W.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi 10S? Users seeking a reliable, well-performing phone with a good screen and solid battery life at a potentially lower price point. Who should buy the Xiaomi 12X? Those prioritizing fast charging, a more compact design, and potentially a more advanced camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 12X worth the extra money compared to the Mi 10S?

It depends on your priorities. If fast charging and a more modern design are important, the 12X is worth it. If you're on a budget and prioritize battery life, the Mi 10S remains a strong choice.

❓ What are the key differences in camera performance?

Specific camera specs for the 12X are limited. The Mi 10S has a proven camera system, while the 12X likely offers improvements, potentially in low-light performance or video recording, but concrete data is needed for a definitive comparison.