NIUSGEEK tests the Xiaomi 12T, a cell phone with a MediaTek processor and a 108-megapixel main camera.
Xiaomi has impressive logistics to invade the global market with various cell phone models in all categories.
However, in recent years its tactic to impact all segments with slight variations still has us a bit confused, especially since current phones are not necessarily superior to 2021 designs. Is it the case with this Xiaomi? 12T we have to test? This is NIUSGEEK’s opinion.
Xiaomi 12T: technical specifications
XIAOMI |
XIAOMI 12T |
| DIMENSIONS | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6mm | 202 grams |
| SCREEN | AMOLED 6.67″ 1220 x 2712 | 120 Hz | up to 900 nits | CGG5 |
| YOU | Android 12 | MIUI 13.0.4 |
| CPUs | MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra |
| GPU + RAM | Mali-G610 MC6 | 8GB RAM LPDDR5 |
| STORAGE | 128 or 256GB | UFS 3.1 | no microSDXC expansion |
| MAIN CHAMBER | 108MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS |
| WIDE ANGLE CAMERA | 8MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1/4″, 1.12µm |
| CAMERA MACRO | 2MP, f/2.4 |
| SELFIE CAMERA | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.47″, 0.8µm |
| CONNECTIVITY | 5G | Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.2 | GPS | NFC |
| MULTIMEDIA | Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos | HDR10+ | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| SECURITY | Fingerprint sensor under screen, facial recognition |
| AUTONOMY | 5000mAh | Charge at 120W |
Xiaomi 12T: A fresh “mini-tweak” to the design
Flatly, I tell you that it does not have a more premium design than the 12 model that we have tested , but it does represent an evolution compared to the 11T of 2021 in this section. The side buttons are smaller, and the slightly outlined curves refresh the image of the previous version.
We replaced the glossy cover of the 11T to give us a matte finish that accentuates the new camera arrangement that reduces the presence of the wide angle, in relation to the 11T, bringing the design closer to this year’s Xiaomi 12.
While we keep the same order of buttons and ports as the 11T, the edge sports a combination of materials – the top and bottom edges are brighter – and a tint that seems to divide the side of the device into three by taking up panel space, the rim and back cover. It is, without a doubt, more beautiful than last year.
Xiaomi 12T: a screen that gives us and takes us away
The 6.67-inch panel gains in pixel density and we achieve a resolution of 1220 x 2712, a little better than the 1080 that we maintained until the 2021 model. We maintain the color quality and the refresh rate at 120 hertz with total fluency.
The issue comes when we compare the evolution of this 12T in terms of the Gorilla Glass version and the maximum brightness that we obtain against direct light. In the first case, we went down from a Victus to a GG5 – an obvious setback in terms of durability -, while we went from 1000 to 900 nits as maximum brightness.
Rare decision, especially because it leaves us a little helpless in the face of falls and very intense sun. Well, that’s what decisions are.
Xiaomi 12T: MIUI 13 needs a readjustment
We are facing the traditional MIUI layer on Android 12, a combination that has been able to improve little by little and that has found in version 13 an opportunity to improve the dark mode and the speed of updates.
However, we didn’t notice radical changes in interface themes beyond those details. Both the AOD and the performance and management app remain identical to previous versions, showing no major improvements.
Nor do we see Xiaomi getting rid of its advertising load a few at a time, suggesting apps in certain nooks and crannies of the software. There are even ways to disable advertising – I’m talking about you, disabling msa in the applications section – but they hide really well from the eye of the less curious user.
In general, we have already seen a lot of MIUI 13, and we hope that version 14 will eliminate some of the interrupted experience in navigation and activation or deactivation of functions – I speak to you, little sign for phone restoration – for the benefit of our time.
Xiaomi 12T: Another step back compared to the 11T
Nothing serious. We are facing a 108 MP sensor with a different configuration than the 2021 model: 0.1 more aperture, a slightly smaller size in microns and the expected optical stabilization. There is not much distance with the result of Q11, but it is clear that we gained in detail thanks to the OIS.
With a new generation of smartphones comes a new generation of processors. MediaTek brings the power of Dimensity 8100 Ultra and its 5 nanometers, although it does not take much distance from the 1200U that we had in the 2021 model. Despite that, the arrival of this new chip allows compatibility with LPDDR5-type RAM and a release of processes more efficient.
Multimedia is delicious with this AMOLED panel and stereo sound, and I must say that Xiaomi’s long cooling layer, housed under the chassis, regulates the temperature of the equipment very well when we play for a long time. The fingerprint sensor is no longer located on the right edge and sits below the screen without suffering in operation. A premium item, finally.
Yes, but also the 11T or the 11T Pro. It is a strange move to “change components” from one generation to another, and have a better experience in certain aspects, but reduced in others. It is understood that the pandemic causes these imbalances in which the stock must be played with, but it can be a risky practice if applied poorly.
Xiaomi continues to manage the launch schedule like no one else, but it seems that it is overwhelming itself without giving time for a device with less than a year on the market to remain attractive to users. This version would lead me to decide on the 11T if I found it cheaper, and it is a problem that Xiaomi looked for.