In the comparison of products, this time two powerful and flagship Xiaomi smartphones, which were introduced in the past year, will meet. It is a duel of a compact device Xiaomi 12 vs a market newcomer with a label Xiaomi 13 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
But how will this pair turn out in a direct comparison of the most important features? We will try to find the answer to this in today's comparison article.
These are the technical specifications: Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 13 | |
---|---|---|
dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.0 / 8.1 mm |
Weight | 179 / 180g | 185 / 189g |
Used material | Glass-Aluminum | Glass-Aluminum |
Display | AMOLED / 6.28 inches | AMOLED / 6.36 inches |
1080 x 2400 px / 20: 9/120 Hz | 1080 x 2400 px / 20: 9/120 Hz | |
Density 419 ppi | Density 414 ppi | |
Gorilla Glass Foods | - | |
Optical fingerprint sensor under the surface of the display | Optical fingerprint sensor under the surface of the display | |
LED notifications | No (Always-On) | No (Always-On) |
processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 |
Measured power in AnTuT | 985 115 points | - |
4G LTE B20 band support | Yes | Yes |
Primary camera | 50 MPx | 50 MPx |
aperture f / 1.9 | sensor size 1 / 1.56 "| 1.0 µm | aperture f / 1.8 | sensor size 1 / 1.49 "| 1.0 µm | |
PDAF focusing | PDAF focusing | |
Secondary cameras | 13 MPx ultra widescreen aperture f / 2.4 1.12 µm | 12 MPx ultra widescreen aperture f / 2.2 1.12 µm |
5 MPx tele-macro | aperture f/2.4 | 10 MPx telephoto lens | PDAF | OIS | aperture f/2.4 | |
Front camera | 32 MPx | 32 MPx |
aperture f/2.5 | 0.7 µm | aperture f/2.0 | 0.7 µm | |
SD Card | No | No |
3.5 mm jack | No | No |
Infraport | Yes | Yes |
NFC | Yes | Yes |
Radio | No | No |
Drums | 4500mAh Li-Po | 4500mAh Li-Po |
Fast charging 67 W | Fast charging 67 W | |
Wireless charging 50 W | Wireless charging 50 W | |
Reverse charging 10 W | Reverse charging 10 W | |
Increased durability | No | Yes (IP 68) |
Design and display: In both cases 120 Hz AMOLED
At first glance, we can see the differences in design processing. For the new generation, the manufacturer relied on a flat display without curvature and ultra-thin frames. And this year there is also a unique design made of artificial "leather". The physical dimensions did not increase much, except for the width, but the diagonal of the display did. And specifically from 6,28" in the case of Xiaomi 12 na 6,36" on Xiaomi 13.
In both cases, it is a top-of-the-line and a flagship AMOLED panel with a dynamic high refresh rate on the level up to 120 Hz. There is also support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision technology. Both devices have an optical fingerprint sensor under the surface of the display. The maximum brightness is 1100 rivets on Xiaomi 12 a 1200 rivets on Xiaomi 13 (up to 1900 nits with HDR content).
Performance: Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
The marked difference comes in the area of performance. Last year's flagship processor Snapdragon 8 Gen1 it will suffice for the vast majority of users even nowadays, and practically the only negative is the question of slightly shorter software support in the case of the Xiaomi 12.
And this is where the powerful chip comes in Snapdragon 8 Gen2, intended for hierarchically highest devices, including Xiaomi 13. With this processor, you don't have to worry about more graphically demanding 3D titles either. Xiaomi 13 will also impress with the new generation of fast UFS 4.0 storage, as well as the new MIUI 14 software, which is optimized for the smoother running of the Android 13 operating system.
Camera: Distinct module and updated technology
A very important comparison is the photographic equipment of a pair of devices. Xiaomi 13 already brings cooperation with the German brand Leica, following the example Xiaomi 12S series. As for the new camera module, it has a square shape and protrudes quite significantly from the body of the device. Includes 50 MPx main (PDAF, OIS), 12 MPx ultra-wide-angle sensor as well 10 MPx telephoto lens.
However, even last year's Xiaomi 12 model does not have to be ashamed of its equipment. On the back, it offers a rectangular camera module that contains 50 MPx main sensor, 13 MPx ultra-wide-angle sensor and 5 MPx tele-macro camera. The older as well as the newer generation support up to 8K video (24 fps, HDR) and have 32 MPx "selfie" camera integrated in the recess in the display.
Battery: Fast charging is still in the package
The pair of compact flagship smartphones offer the same battery capacity that has stopped short of value 4500 mAh. Yes, we also know larger batteries on the market, but we must take into account the small dimensions of both devices. And if by chance one full working day is not enough for you, fast charging will please you.

They have the same equipment 67 W cable charging, 50 W wireless charging as well 10 W reverse charging, e.g. for accessories. The fast charger should be part of the global Xiaomi 13 package, following the example of last generation (Editor's note: Xiaomi 13 is currently only available in the Chinese version).
Price and availability of a pair of smartphones
At first glance, you can see a clear advantage in the selling price of the device Xiaomi 12. This smartphone has already managed to become cheaper to approximately the level 500 €. This is a very reasonable choice from the point of view of the price/performance ratio.
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Xiaomi 12 Global Version
Xiaomi 13 Chinese Version (without B20 LTE)
Xiaomi 13 is currently only available in the non-LTE B20 Chinese version from our partner TradingShenzhen, and we expect the price of the global version to start at €800.
Final Rating: Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 13
From the point of view of long-term use and software support or the best photographic functions, the novelty screams with its loud voice Xiaomi 13. It is a modern smartphone with very good equipment and the best from the workshops of Xiaomi, Leica and Snapdragon.
However, if you want to save a few euros and don't mind an older processor or vice versa, you prefer the most compact dimensions possible, Xiaomi 12, so a smartphone introduced in December 2021 is still a good choice.
Which of the two flagship devices from the Xiaomi ecosystem do you like more? You prefer compact Xiaomi 12? Or rather you are on the side of news Xiaomi 13which has bright colors and is aimed at the younger generation of users? Feel free to vote in the poll below. Follow our group on Facebook: Xiaomi Planet - A place for real Xiaomi fans as well as our portal Xiaomi Planet and find out more.