After months of anticipation, Xiaomi has finally announced the next-generation’s Xiaomi 12 series flagship phones in Singapore during a high profile launch event, which saw the unveiling of two high-end models including the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro.
The new Xiaomi 12 series marks the first time that the company is launching it’s flagship numerical series in two different sizes, just like what we saw on Apple’s iPhone 13 (Review) and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Starting with the higher-end model, the Xiaomi 12 Pro comes with a spacious 6.73” LTPO AMOLED curved display which offers an ultra-sharp 2K screen resolution along with a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz which intelligently adapts to the onscreen contents.
On top of that, it also features a commendable 12-bit color depth for a true-to-life color reproduction, as well as up to 1,500 nits peak brightness to ensure the screen remains visible in bright environment. Likewise, it’s also fitted with a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus for extra durability.
Moving on to the rear side of the phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro sports a redesigned camera housing which play host to a state-of-the-art triple cameras system. This include a 50 megapixels Sony IMX707 main camera which features an ultra-large 1/1.28” sensor that ”improves light capturing capabilities by 49% compared to the previous generation”.
Likewise, there’s also another pair of 50 megapixels Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensors to handle ultra-wide and portrait shots. These cameras are all equipped with a capable Night Mode feature which allows the phone to excel in extreme low-light scenarios and allows snappier shots. Also, let’s not forget that the phone features a 32 megapixels selfie camera upfront too.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is powered by the newly announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset along with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB built-in storage which are based on the latest LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage technologies respectively.
To keep it’s lights on, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is backed by a respectable 4,600mAh dual-cell battery with 120W fast-charging that’s capable of topping up a completely flat battery to it’s brim in just 18 minutes. Other than that, it also supports 50W wireless charging too.
Software-wise, the phone will be shipped with MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box. Those who’re interested in the Xiaomi 12 Pro can pick the phone from three different colorways including Black, Blue, as well as Pink.
Xiaomi 12
Coming to the slightly more affordable Xiaomi 12, this model now has a more compact form factor as compared to last year’s Xiaomi 11 (Review). It features a petite 6.28” AMOLED display which brings support for FHD+ screen resolution and a smooth 120Hz (non-variable) refresh rate.
On the imaging front, the Xiaomi 12 relies on a triple camera array at the back comprising of a 50MP Sony IMX 766 main camera, 13 megapixels ultra-wide camera, as well as a 5 megapixels tele-macro unit. This will be rounded out by a 32 megapixels front-facing camera for selfie and video calls.
Similar to it’s Pro model, the Xiaomi 12 is also powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 built-in storage in the memory department.
What’s different however, is that the vanilla Xiaomi 12 will be equipped with a toned-down 4,500mAh battery that features a slower 67W charging speed which is still pretty fast if you actually compare it to other flagship models in the market. Interesting, it does retains the 50W wireless charging support.
Pricing & Availability
In the Singapore, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is priced at S$1,349 for it’s 12GB+256GB trim, while the vanilla Xiaomi 12 is priced at S$999 and S$1`,049 respectively for the 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB models.
Both devices will be available for pre-orders starting 24 March to 1 April at all Xiaomi Authorized Stores, Selected Partners’ and Telcos’ Stores, as well as on Lazada and Shopee. Each pre-order of the Xiaomi 12 or Xiaomi 12 Pro will also entitle you to complimentary premium gifts worth up to S$799.
