This story was originally published on March 15, 2022, and last updated on March 23, 2022.
Xiaomi continues its relentless release cycle with an update to its flagship line. After releasing its more budget-friendly Redmi Note 11 series near the end of January, the company refreshed its flagship series with a trio of devices.
The Xiaomi 12 series is available in the Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12, and Xiaomi 12X. The brand continues to highlight these devices’ videography and entertainment features, as we’ve seen in the Xiaomi 11T and its siblings.
Cinematic photo and video capabilities
Xiaomi arms this smartphone series with hardware it promises can help you record studio-quality photos and videos, even in challenging conditions. All three devices get a pro-grade triple camera array, including a 50-megapixel primary wide-angle lens with 8K recording support on the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro, particularly, gets a 50-megapixel triple camera array, including a Sony IMX707 ultra-large primary sensor. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 and 12X get a 50-megapixel main paired with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide and 5-megapixel telemacro camera.
To get the most out of that hardware, Xiaomi also developed its proprietary AI algorithms, including ProFocus. The feature allows the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 to intelligently identify and track objects, preventing any blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. Xiaomi brings an eye and face autofocus capabilities, too. And improves low light shooting with Ultra Night Video. Xiaomi retains its One-Click AI Cinema features on these devices, so you can easily record your favorite moments in cinematic-like ways.
You can check out some of its camera features here:
Flagship performance and power efficiency
Xiaomi arms the Xiaomi 12 series with specs we’ve come to expect from 2022 flagships. The Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processors with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, while Xiaomi 12X has a Snapdragon 870 chipset with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. All three run on MIUI 13, which adds faster storage, higher background process efficiency, longer battery life, and more intelligent processing.
On top of that, there is also some very speedy charging tech infused into these devices. In particular, the Xiaomi 12 Pro gets 120W HyperCharge wired charging support that can recharge its 4,600mAh battery to full in just 18 minutes (using Boost mode). It also supports 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 and 12X support 67W wired turbocharging for their 4,500mAh battery. The Xiaomi 12 also supports the same wireless charging speed as the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Those two more premium handsets also get Xiaomi’s AdaptiveCharge tech, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to your charging habits so they can prolong your battery’s life.
Consume as much as you create
Thanks to their features like AMOLED Dot Displays with TrueColor support, you can enjoy what you create on these phones. The Xiaomi 12 series’ screens are protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. These displays also support features like Dolby Vision and HDR 10+. If you stay connected to your phone for extended periods, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is even SGS Eye Care Display Certified.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro also gets a power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display with AdaptiveSync Pro, which can intelligently adjust its LTPO display to switch between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on content. The Xiaomi 12 and 12X get a 6.28-inch FHD+ screen with 120Hz AdaptiveSync.
Xiaomi promises pro-grade audio, too, with tuning by Harman Kardon and support for Dolby Atmos. The Xiaomi 12 Pro goes the extra mile with a quad-speaker setup (two tweeter and two woofers), while the Xiaomi 12 and 12X get stereo sound.
New consistent look
Xiaomi promises a comfortable in-hand experience with curved designs and slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap to save space. The series comes in at 8.16mm thin all around, with the Xiaomi 12 Pro coming in as the heaviest at 205g. The Xiaomi 12 weighs 180g, while the 12X comes in at 176g. All three phones come in Gray, Purple, and Blue.
Price and availability
These are the international prices for the three devices:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro comes in two variants, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from USD 999 (around PHP 52,226 converted).
- Xiaomi 12 comes in three variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and will be available starting from USD 749 (roughly PHP 39,157).
- Xiaomi 12X comes in two variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and will be available starting from USD 649 (approx. PHP 33,975).
Xiaomi Philippines is bringing over the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12. Xiaomi 12 Pro (12GB + 256GB model) will retail at PHP 48,999 (around USD 935 converted) and Xiaomi 12 (8GB + 256GB) will available for PHP 39,999 (~USD 764) as early as March 24.
Those who pre-order in Xiaomi’s official online and authorized retail stores from March 24 to April 1 can also score amazing deals. Xiaomi 12 Pro buyers will be getting a free Mi TV P1 43″, while those who purchase a Xiaomi 12 will receive a free Mi TV P1 32″. (But the freebies are subject to stock availability.)
UPDATE 1: 2022/03/23, 8:00 P.M. GMT+8 BY NICOLE BATAC
Added Philippine pricing for the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12
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