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Originally posted on the 15th of March, I have now updated this with official UK pricing and availability.
The Xiaomi 12 series was announced in China in December 2021 and it is now being launched globally.
Three phones are being launched, the flagship Xiaomi 12 Pro then the Xiaomi 12 and the 12X.
Xiaomi 12 Series UK Price & Availability
- Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro will be available to pre-order from 1st April, with official sales starting on 15th April.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro will be available in 12+256GB and retail for £1049
- Xiaomi 12 will come in 8+128GB and 8+256GB and retail for £749 and HH849 respectively.
Both will be available to buy online through mi.com/UK or our official Amazon store. They’ll also be available in the open market through popular retailers such as Currys, Argos and Very. Or you can purchase from our operator partners, Vodafone and 3UK.
Those that pre-order the Xiaomi 12 Pro will be able to claim a free Xiaomi Watch S1.
Those that pre-order the Xiaomi 12 will be able to claim a Mi Smart Clock, Mi Smart Speaker and two Mi 360 Cameras.
Xiaomi 12X Availability in the UK?
I originally wrote that you should skip the Xiaomi 12 and get the 12X instead. Disappointingly it appears that the 12X is not being launched in the UK, at least for now.
The Xiaomi 12 and 12X are almost identical except that the 12 uses the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 while the 12X is on the Snapdragon 870.
As good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is, it is incredibly power-hungry, unless you have a specific need for that amount of processing power, the Snapdragon 870 is a better chipset.
The only thing I would miss from the 12 would be the 50W wireless charging.
Xiaomi 12 Pro
If you are on the lookout for a new flagship phone this year I think the Xiaomi 12 Pro should be on your shortlist.
It has pretty much everything you could want from a premium flagship device:
- The display is 120Hz LTPO AMOLED running at 3200×1440
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- An excellent camera specification with three 50MP sensors and the primary rear sensor being the Sony IMX707 with a 1/1.28” sensor size.
- I think this is the first phone to launch in the UK with 120W wired charging which provides 100% in 18 min
- You also get 50W wireless charging
- It has WiFi 6E (not all flagship phones implement this)
It is not perfect though:
- 4600mAh battery is quite small for that insanely powerful chipset and the large high-resolution display
- Telephoto lens is only 2x optical
- There doesn’t seem to be any official IP rating
Price and Availability
The embargoed press release confirms that the Xiaomi 12 series will be launched in the UK in April with exact pricing and availability to be confirmed later.
Bizarrely, they have confirmed Global US pricing even though Xiaomi doesn’t sell phones in the US.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro comes in two variants, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from $999 US Dollars.
- Xiaomi 12 comes in three variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from $749 US Dollars.
- Xiaomi 12X comes in two variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB and will be available starting from $649 US Dollars.
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs 12 vs 12X Specification Comparison Table
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 12X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 120Hz 6.73” AMOLED Dot Display | 120Hz 6.28" AMOLED Dot Display | 120Hz 6.28" AMOLED Dot Display |
| DisplayMate A+ | DisplayMate A+ | DisplayMate A+ | |
| Samsung E5 material | Aspect ratio: 20:9 | Aspect ratio: 20:9 | |
| Aspect ratio: 20:9 | FHD+, 2400 x 1080 | FHD+, 2400 x 1080 | |
| WQHD+, 3200 x 1440 | TrueColor | TrueColor | |
| TrueColor | 1,100 nits peak brightness(typ) | 1,100 nits peak brightness (typ) | |
| HBM 1,000 nits (typ), | Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1(typ) | Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1 | |
| 1,500 nits peak brightness(typ) | 16,000 brightness adjustment | Dolby Vision®, HDR 10+ support | |
| Contrast ratio: 8,000,000:1(typ) | Over 68 billion colors | Over 68 billion colors | |
| 16,000 level brightness adjustment | Dolby Vision®, HDR 10+ support | 120Hz AdaptiveSync | |
| Dynamic 120Hz LTPO | 120Hz AdaptiveSync | Up to 480Hz touch sampling rate | |
| Micro Lens | Up to 480Hz touch sampling rate | Low Blue Light Certification | |
| AdaptiveSync Pro | 360° ambient light sensor | X-axis linear vibration motor | |
| Up to 480Hz touch sampling rate | Low blue light certification | ||
| Dolby Vision, HDR 10+ support | X-axis linear vibration motor | ||
| 360° ambient light sensor | |||
| SGS Eye Care Display Certification | |||
| X-axis linear vibration motor | |||
| Rear Camera | • 50MP wide angle camera | • 50MP wide angle camera | • 50MP main camera |
| - IMX707, f/1.9 | - f/1.88, 6P lens | - F/1.88, 6P lens | |
| - 1/1.28” 7P lens | - 2μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | - 2μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | |
| - 2.44 μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | - 8K recording | • 13 MP ultra-wide angle camera | |
| - 8K recording | - 4K HDR 10+ recording | - 123° FOV, f/2.4 | |
| - 4K HDR 10+ recording | - Ultra Night Video, One-click AI cinema | • 5MP telemacro camera | |
| - Ultra Night Video, One-click AI cinema | - Xiaomi ProFocus (Motion tracking focus/Eye tracking focus/ Motion Capture) | - 50mm equivalent focal length, Auto Focus | |
| - Xiaomi ProFocus (Motion tracking focus/ Motion Capture/Eye tracking focus) | - Portait Night mode, Portrait HDR | • Night mode | |
| - Ultra Night Photo, Portrait Night mode | • 13MP ultra-wide angle camera | ||
| • 50MP ultra-wide angle camera | - 123° FOV, f/2.4 | ||
| - 115° FOV, f/2.2 | • 5MP telemacro camera | ||
| • 50MP telephoto camera | - 50mm equivalent focal length, Auto Focus | ||
| - 48mm equivalent focal length, f/1.9 | • Night mode (wide/ultra wide) | ||
| • Night mode (wide/ultra-wide/telephoto) | |||
| • 50MP mode (wide/ultra-wide/telephoto) | |||
| Front Camera | 32MP in-display selfie camera | 32MP in-display selfie camera | 32MP in-display selfie camera |
| f/2.45, 1.4μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | f/2.45, 1.4μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | f/2.45, 1.4μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel | |
| HDR 10+ recording | HDR 10+ recording, AI portrait video, Selfie Night mode | Selfie Night Mode, AI portrait video, Time-lapse selfie | |
| Selfie Night mode, AI portrait video | |||
| Dimensions3 & Weight3 | 163.60mm x 74.60mm x 8.16mm | 152.70mm x 69.90mm x 8.16mm | 152.70mm x 69.90mm x 8.16mm |
| 205g | 180g | 176g | |
| Processor | SnapdragonTM 8 Gen 1 | SnapdragonTM 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 870 |
| 4nm power-efficient manufacturing process | 4nm power-efficient manufacturing process | 1x ARM Cortex-A77 @ 3.2GHz | |
| ARM-V9: | ARM-V9: | 3x ARM Cortex-A77 @ 2.4GHz | |
| 1x ARM Cortex-X2 @ 3.0GHz | 1x ARM Cortex-X2 @ 3.0GHz | 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz | |
| 3x ARM Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz | 3x ARM Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz | Qualcomm Adreno™ 650 | |
| 4x ARM Cortex-A510 @ 1.8GHz | 4x ARM Cortex-A510 @ 1.8GHz | LiquidCool Technology | |
| Qualcomm® Adreno™ | Qualcomm® Adreno™ | MIUI 13 with Android 11 | |
| LiquidCool Technology | LiquidCool Technology | ||
| MIUI 13 with Android 12 | MIUI 13 with Android 12 | ||
| RAM+ROM | LPDDR5 RAM | LPDDR5 RAM | LPDDR5 RAM |
| UFS 3.1 storage | UFS 3.1 storage | UFS 3.1 storage | |
| Audio | Quad speakers | Symmetrical dual speakers | Symmetrical dual speakers |
| SOUND BY Harman Kardon | SOUND BY Harman Kardon | SOUND BY Harman Kardon | |
| Dolby Atmos® | Dolby Atmos® | Dolby Atmos® | |
| Charging | 4,600mAh battery (typ) | 4,500mAh (typ) battery | 4,500mAh battery |
| 120W wired | 67W wired turbo charging | 67W wired turbo charging | |
| Xiaomi HyperCharge | 50W wireless turbo charging | ||
| 50W wireless turbo charging | 10W reverse wireless charging | ||
| 10W reverse wireless charging | Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge | ||
| Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge | |||
| Connectivity | Type-C | Type-C | Type-C |
| Dual SIM, dual 5G standby5 | Dual SIM, dual 5G standby5 | Dual SIM, dual 5G standby5 | |
| Supports NFC6 | Supports NFC6 | Supports NFC6 | |
| Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | |
| 5G | 5G | 5G | |
| Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E7 | Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 7 | Wi-Fi 67 | |
| Available Colors | Gray, Purple, and Blue | Gray, Purple, and Blue | Gray, Purple, and Blue |
Full Press Release
Xiaomi today announces the launch of the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for global markets, featuring three groundbreaking devices: Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X.
Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power and an all-round elevated experience.
Capture cinematic shots at any time
Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scene, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. All three phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide-angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.
Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. This sensor can catch large amounts of light and empowers users with advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased colour accuracy. Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X feature a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP telemacro camera, ideal for filming from different perspectives.
Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms. These innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects. Xiaomi ProFocus intelligently identifies and tracks objects, preventing blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. These advancements also include eye and face auto focus capabilities. Ultra Night Video uses Xiaomi’s proprietary algorithms to record video even under extreme low-light, meaning moody, atmospheric shots are clearer than ever.
Available on all three devices, One-click AI Cinema offers numerous creative options for show-stopping video editing, such as Parallel World, Freeze Frame Video and Magic Zoom modes.
Flagship processing, unprecedented performance and power-efficiency
A flagship experience requires flagship performance. Xiaomi 12 Series features advanced Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM mobile platforms. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 boast a Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform. Built on a 4nm process, this processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30% and energy efficiency by 25% when compared to the previous generation1. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12X is powered by the flagship 5G processor – Snapdragon® 870 – for smooth everyday usage. All three devices come with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps.
For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs a high-performing cooling system, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leading–cooling capability.
All-around elevated entertainment experiences
Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments via an exceptional entertainment experience.
All three devices offer vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support. For added peace of mind, the display features scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and supports Dolby Vision®, this industry leading imaging technology brings your content to life with vibrant colour and detail. Xiaomi 12 Series also supports HDR 10+. Xiaomi 12 Pro is SGS Eye Care Display Certified, showing care for users’ long-term visual health during longer viewing sessions.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content.
Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X deliver Xiaomi’s most colourful smartphone display to date, with more than 68 billion colors on 6.28-inch full-HD+ displays. Both feature 120Hz AdaptiveSync, for an impressively high-definition, vibrant, and flicker-free display that conveys every detail.
No cinematic experience is truly complete without pro-grade audio. Xiaomi 12 Series features SOUND BY Harmon Kardon, and creates an immersive audio experience powered by Dolby Atmos®, delivering spatial sound with rich detail, clarity, and realism across all your favorite entertainment. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s quad speakers – in the form of two tweeters and two woofers – deliver clear details and cover an astounding range of sound. Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X both deliver balanced stereo sound ideal for immersive gaming or video.
To optimise the core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance.
Next-generation charging
To ensure Xiaomi 12 Series delivers pro-grade cinematic and entertainment experiences all day, the devices deliver next-level charging speed and safety.
Xiaomi 12 Pro features incredibly fast 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. With a 4,600mAh battery fully charged in just 18 minutes using Boost mode, Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers next-generation charging capabilities that keep up with user demands2.
Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X fit 4,500mAh batteries into compact body designs. Both devices support 67W wired turbo charging for a speedy power-up. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.
Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 both leverage Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to charging habits, prolonging battery life.
Flagship capabilities packaged in an iconic design
These portable pocket-sized film studios fit comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to Xiaomi 12 Series’ iconic user-centered design. Slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap save precious space within the device. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 6.73-inch display is encased in a sleek middle frame with sophisticated 3D curves. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X’s 6.28-inch display measures just 69.9mm in width and is accented by smooth curves for a perfect fit3. All three devices are available in Gray, Purple, and Blue.
OS updates
Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro will both receive 3 Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
YouTube Premium Free of Charge
Xiaomi 12 Series customers will receive up to three months of YouTube Premium free of charge, a move to give users access to the best content ad-free and offline, where available 4. The benefits include a subscription to YouTube Music Premium where users can get unlimited, ad-free access to more than 80 million official songs plus live performances, covers, and remixes.
Global Availability
- Xiaomi 12 Pro comes in two variants, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from $999 US Dollars.
- Xiaomi 12 comes in three variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from $749 US Dollars.
- Xiaomi 12X comes in two variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB and will be available starting from $649 US Dollars.
UK availability
The UK will launch the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro in April. Full pricing and availability will be provided in the coming weeks.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
