The Chinese manufacturer has just launched its new high-end smartphone, the Xiaomi 12, in France. Available in two versions, this ultra-powerful model acts as a technological showcase by matching the prices of the competition.
Fans of the brand have been waiting for it since its presentation in China at the end of December 2021: the Xiaomi 12 is finally available in France since its official launch on Thursday March 17. The new high-end smartphone from the Chinese manufacturer is offered in its first two versions, the 12 “very short” and the 12 Pro. The two devices succeed the Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro models launched in 2021, Xiaomi having chosen to abandon the Mi name used for ten years on some of its smartphones, in order to unify its ranges in the world. True technological showcases, these two devices will be the stars of the Chinese brand’s catalog throughout 2022… pending the arrival of a Xiaomi 12 Ultra, probably before the summer.
As had already been confirmed by the brand, the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro have in common a very similar design, available in two screen diagonals, and an exceptional engine, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from Qualcomm, presented beginning of December 2021. Extremely powerful and doped with AI, it will equip the vast majority of high-end smartphones in 2022. Both mobiles also benefit from Harman Kardon stereo speakers, fingerprint readers under the screen and above all Android 12 and the new Xiaomi MiUI overlay in version 13.
Xiaomi 12: a monster of power in a compact format
With its “only” 6.28-inch panel, the Xiaomi 12 is a UFO within the brand’s ranges, known for their XXL phones. Lovers of small formats, able to fit easily in a pocket, will welcome this choice. With the Galaxy S21 and its 6.21 inches and the iPhone 13 and its 6.1 inches, it is one of the rare high-end models to adopt such a compact and light format (180 grams). Which won’t prevent it from being one of the most powerful models of 2022!
Despite its relatively small size, this screen has excellent features: an AMOLED technology panel, Full HD+ definition (2400 x 1080 pixels), impressive brightness of 1100 nits, faithful colors and 120 Hz refresh. With its latest-generation Corning Gorilla Glass Victus glass, this panel with almost non-existent edges is also protected against drops and scratches.
The Xiaomi 12 has a triple module housed in a rectangular photo block. The main lens is associated with the 50 Mpix Sony sensor which has already proven itself on several high-end smartphones. It is accompanied by an ultra wide-angle (13 Mpix sensor) and a macro lens (5 Mpix sensor). In the absence of optical zoom, the originality would come from the new ProFocus mode capable of ensuring precise tracking of its subjects.
Despite its lightness and limited thickness (8.2 mm), the Xiaomi 12 has a good capacity battery (4500 mAh), compared to that of the Galaxy S22 limited to 3700 mAh or that of the iPhone 13 (only 3227 mAh). It mainly benefits from a 67 W wired fast charge (100% in 39 min), a 50 W wireless charge (100% in 53 min) and a 10 W reverse charge.
Xiaomi 12 Pro: bigger in everything
Much larger, the Xiaomi 12 Pro does not, however, play excessively with a 6.73-inch screen. Xiaomi also likes to point out that its latest addition weighs only 205 g compared to 238 g for the iPhone13 Pro Max with a close diagonal (6.7 inches). Using Amoled LTPO technology (the current must), the QHD panel of the 12 Pro (1440 x 3200 pixels) is able to vary its refresh rate very finely depending on use up to 120 Hz. Xiaomi is also announcing a very high brightness with peaks at 1500 nits.
On the photo side, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has the same rectangular block accommodating 3 lenses. But unlike the Xiaomi 12, the main 50 Mpix sensor is a brand new reference from Sony, supposed to provide unprecedented performance, especially in low light. It is accompanied by two other 50 Mpix sensors, one associated with an ultra wide-angle lens, the other with a telephoto lens providing 2X optical zoom, and of course ProFocus.
Despite the thinness of its case (8.16 mm), the Xiaomi 12 Pro has a 4600 mAh battery, which benefits from the ultra-fast 120 W charging system discovered on the Xiaomi 11T Pro. According to Xiaomi, it would be the possibility of fully recharging the device in just 18 minutes: a great feat, if the promise is kept. 50 W wireless charging (100% in 42 minutes) and 10 W reverse charging are also included.
Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro: pre-order with a gift
Compatible with 5G and Wi-Fi 6, the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro are available for pre-order from Thursday March 17. The 12 model in the 8-256 GB version is priced at 900 euros and the 12 Pro model in the 12-256 GB version at the price of 1100 euros. Prices much higher than what had been anticipated until then – and than those that made Xiaomi’s reputation – especially since the Mi 11 was offered from 750 euros at launch. To pass the pill, and motivate its strong community to quickly jump on these new models, Xiaomi is offering its new S1 connected watch, worth 269 euros, until March 28, for the purchase of a Xiaomi 12. or Xiaomi 12 Pro.
