After launching in China, Xiaomi 12 Pro it arrived in Italy and we tested it for it review. A smartphone at maximum power, with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen1 and ultra fast charging a 120W. And then three quality 50MP cameras, a screen really splendid. But with some software uncertainty. There is no doubt that Xiaomi 12 Pro is a top of the range. But is the top of the range right for you? We help you choose with our Xiaomi 12 Pro review.
Our Xiaomi 12 Pro review
By opening the package of this smartphone, you will find in addition to the phone a transparent silicone cover and above all the USB-A / USB-C cable and the 120W transformer, essential to make the most of the charging technology developed by Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is an imposing smartphone with its 6,73-inch diagonal (measuring 163,5 × 74,6 × 8,16 mm), but the curvature on the edges of the screen makes it less bulky and the weight is all in all contained, just over 200 grams. The rectangular module of the camera protrudes enough to make the smartphone a little unstable if you place it on the desk, but any cover is enough to remedy the problem. But it's a shame: the We really like our model's matte black finish and even the transparent cover doesn't do it justice.
In your hand, the build quality feels all, even when turned off you understand that this smartphone is a top of the range. Above and below you find the altoparlanti stereo Harman Kandon, which are of very good quality and reach a high volume. Below the slot for two SIMs and the USB-C input (even if there is no jack input). On the other hand, the IP certification is missing. Use the Gorilla Glass Foods for the screen, which should provide great protection for scratches.
A truly gorgeous screen
Once the smartphone is turned on, the screen really shines. THE 6,73 inch AMOLED display have a WQHD + resolution and take advantage of technology LTPO, being able to vary between a refresh rate of 1 up to 120Hz. The maximum brightness comes to 1500 nits, which illuminates video content by making the most of Dolby Vision and HDR10 +.
Beyond the technical data, the impression that the Xiaomi 12 Pro's display while preparing this review is great. The colors really shine, the screen is always very fluid. There is also the sampling rate of the touch a 480Hz for gamers. Nothing to say: the quality can be seen in all.
Xiaomi 12 Pro review: maximum performance
Xiaomi 12 Pro takes advantage of the power of the new Qualcomm processor, the very powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen1. In our case they accompany the 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 memory processor. All this power literally makes the device fly. In day-to-day operations we have never noticed any slowdown, quite the contrary. Trying to play, even without activating any of the MIUI 13 gaming optimizations, we travel at extreme speeds. We are perhaps not on the level of gaming phones, but anyone who does not use the smartphone to play at a professional level will not notice the difference.
We have made some benchmarks for the sake of scruple. But we don't believe there is any android app that this system does not fly.
The counterpart of this power lies in the management of the temperature. Qualcomm's processor heats up a lot, and managing the cooling on such a thin device isn't easy. By doing the benchmark stress tests actually the temperature rises too much. But in everyday use we seem to say that It's not a problem. Even rather long gaming sessions do not raise the temperature so much that it is annoying. It could do better, but it's not such a problem that the purchase of this smartphone is not recommended.
Autonomy and recharge
Battery life from 4.600mAh is good, even with many hours of active screen we always reached the end of the day. If you then use your smartphone a little (perhaps during work), the percentage of the battery barely drops. In a smartphone that shines throughout the hardware department, it's not great. But it's very good for the vast majority of users.
On the other hand, the refill from 120W. In less than twenty minutes you can fill the battery from 0 to 100%, and with just five minutes of charging you can reach above 40% even with the phone close to shutdown. We also liked how the software lets us choose whether or not to use fast charging (which actually warms the phone a bit). If you're the type of person who often needs lightning-fast top-ups, this is perhaps the best alternative available.
There is no shortage of the 50W wireless charging e the 10W reverse charge. You do not find better.
MIUI 13 and Android 12: a lot of customization (but some uncertainty)
Xiaomi 12 Pro arriva con Android 12 in salsa MIUI 13. The operating system immediately shows off the best qualities of the smartphone, in particular there are many possible customizations for the screen. You can have new static or animated wallpapers every day, you can select widgets and make your smartphone truly yours. But this is where we ran into some trouble. A couple of times we struggled to activate the widget menu (by pressing and holding on an empty space on the display).
But otherwise the Xiaomi's software performed well. We would have preferred a few less apps and more order in the menus, but MIUI 13 is mature. It's not perfect yet, but you can use it without any problems.
In everyday use, the smartphone performs very well. It took us a while to get used to the fact that the shortcut menu is operated by swiping down to the right, while notifications do the same on the left of the screen. But once we get carried away, it seems to us that the operating system is well thought out and customizable for every need. MIUI 13 isn't our favorite Android 12 version yet, but there's a lot to love.
Xiaomi 12 Pro review: perfect shots
If the power and the charging speed are the flagship of this smartphone, Xiaomi wanted to equip this 12 Pro of three cameras from the real top of the range. We have in fact three sensors from 50MP, the main one is the excellent Sony IMX707 while the others are Samsung Isocell JN1.
The main camera shows its full quality in almost every situation. The autofocus it is very fast and if you only have to take a shot on the fly, it will be a great ally. We really like the sharpness of the images and how the colors, too remaining natural, are vibrant. Even in poor light conditions it defends itself very well, the shots are of quality. Also excellent Night mode, which does not 'exaggerate' the exposure but offers realistic images.
Il wide angle it does not have the same color rendering but remains of the highest quality. The bokeh effect of the Portrait mode seemed great to us, with Xiaomi's software being accurate even when we tried to put it in trouble with jagged profiles like the leaves of a tree.
Lo optical zoom only reaches 2X, cwith very good quality images. Going up to x20 with the digital zoom, the details are lost, as it should be. Xiaomi does a good software job but cannot replace dedicated solutions.
Excellent videos, especially using the main camera, thanks also to the optical stabilization in 4K 60 fps e 8K. La 32MP selfie camera it is accurate and of good quality, excellent for video calls and social media.
Xiaomi 12 Pro review: is it worth it?
Xiaomi 12 Pro it is undoubtedly a top of the range. The screen, the processor, the fast charging are excellent. And while there are smartphones that take better shots, have more battery life or cleaner Android software, the smartphone defends itself well across the board.
The smartphone comes in two variants from 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, respectively at the price of € 1099,90 and € 1199,90. Which are not few. But if you take the 12GB model (the one we tested) by April 30, you will get a smartwatch for free Xiaomi Watch S1, while anyone who takes the 8GB model will get one Xiaomi Watch S1 Active.
In this price range there is plenty of choice. But if you are looking for pure power, maximum charge, quality cameras and a terrific screen, the answer you are looking for is Xiaomi 12 Pro. If instead you can give up excellent cameras, it is worth considering the standard version of Xiaomi 12.
PRO
- Powerful processor
- 120W recharge
- Great screen
AGAINST
- Good but not excellent autonomy
- Optical zoom only from 2x
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