The Xiaomi 12S Pro is an excellent all-round phone that may fly under the radar due to its lesser-known status compared to the newly released Xiaomi 12S Ultra. Despite this, it offers significant upgrades and impressive features, making it a compelling option for those in China or willing to import it internationally. One of the standout aspects of the 12S Pro is its new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus chip, which delivers seamless performance and power efficiency. The phone also boasts an excellent Leica camera system, with a Sony IMX 707 sensor that produces high-quality photos. The authentic mode can result in overly processed images, but the vibrant mode strikes a great balance between stylization and reality. The display is another highlight of the device, featuring a crisp 1080p resolution (521 pixels per inch) and impressive brightness levels (500 nits). The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate creates a smooth and seamless experience. Battery life is also commendable, with users able to reach the end of the day without worrying about running out. However, the speaker system falls short of expectations, being weak despite the branding partnership with Harman and Carden. In conclusion, the Xiaomi 12S Pro offers an impressive array of features and performance capabilities that make it a great option for those seeking an excellent smartphone experience. While minor flaws exist in the form of a weak speaker and unnecessary pre-installed screen protector scratches easily, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall value proposition of this device. Rating: 4/5 stars.
While the Xiaomi 12S Ultra may be grabbing all the attention with its latest release, the 12S Pro is a solid choice for those seeking an all-around great phone. Although it's not a massive upgrade, this mid-cycle spec bump still offers impressive performance and power efficiency. The first thing that catches your eye about the 12S Pro is its design. Gone are the days of traditional glass finishes; instead, Xiaomi has opted for an eco-leather finish on the latest model. This change has paid off in spades, as the phone now feels more secure in the hand and boasts a unique texture that's both visually appealing and tactilely pleasing. In terms of build quality, the 12S Pro is incredibly well-made. The eco-leather finish gives it a premium feel without sacrificing durability or water resistance. Plus, with wireless charging capabilities (up to 50 watts) still intact, you can easily top up your phone's battery on the go. One notable design change is the curved screen, which now sports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth visuals and animations. This feature adds a new layer of visual appeal to the phone, making it feel more premium than its competitors. Overall, Xiaomi has done an excellent job with the design and build quality of the 12S Pro. The eco-leather finish, coupled with the sleek design and impressive performance capabilities, make this phone a serious contender in the market. In terms of minor complaints, there's nothing major to report – just some small details that could be tweaked for perfection. Despite these minor imperfections, the Xiaomi 12S Pro is a solid choice for anyone looking for an all-around great smartphone experience.
Battery Life: A Surprising Strength of the Xiaomi 12S Pro In my experience with the Xiaomi 12S Pro, battery life has been nothing short of impressive. Despite its powerful specs and feature-rich display, I've consistently found myself with plenty of juice left in the tank at the end of each day. According to reports, the 12S series of phones have outperformed the iPhone 13 Pro Max in battery endurance tests, which is a significant achievement considering the latter's reputation for having excellent battery life. The Xiaomi 12S Pro has managed to strike a perfect balance between performance and power efficiency, with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ chip providing a noticeable boost without draining the battery. I've found that even with moderate use, the phone can easily last until bedtime, often leaving me with around 10-15% of battery life remaining. The fact that it comes with fast charging capabilities, including support for up to 120W wireless charging, means you can quickly top up when needed. One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 12S Pro's battery life is its ability to handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. Whether it's gaming, video editing, or multitasking, the phone has consistently shown resilience and efficiency in keeping its charge levels steady. Overall, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's battery life is a pleasant surprise that makes it an even more attractive option for those looking for a powerful smartphone with long-lasting performance.
The Xiaomi 12S Pro boasts an impressive display that is sure to please even the most discerning users. This stunning screen comes out of the box set to 1080p, but don't let its resolution fool you – it's actually a 10-bit AMOLED panel with an astonishing 521 pixels per inch. The sheer density of pixels makes for an incredibly detailed and vibrant visual experience. One of the standout features of this display is its impressive brightness level, which peaks at 500 nits. This means that even in direct sunlight, the screen remains crystal clear and easily visible. Additionally, it's also certified with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring that every frame of video content is displayed with the utmost accuracy and color precision. But what truly sets this display apart is its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can be set to automatic for a seamless viewing experience. The resulting animations are silky smooth, making even the most complex graphics appear effortless. Whether you're scrolling through your favorite social media feeds or indulging in immersive mobile gaming experiences, this display is sure to deliver. In terms of overall aesthetics, the 12S Pro's screen also features a subtle curve that provides an ergonomic and comfortable viewing experience. The inclusion of an optical fingerprint sensor under the glass further adds to the device's sleek and modern design. All in all, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's display is a true showstopper – offering a perfect blend of visual clarity, color accuracy, and smooth refresh rates. Whether you're a casual user or a hardcore gamer, this device's stunning screen is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment on demand.
The camera system on the Xiaomi 12S Pro is a highlight of the device. The main sensor is a Sony IMX 707, slightly smaller than the one found in the ultra model. However, it's paired with Leica's imaging system, which stylizes photos in a distinct way. Two modes are available: Vibrant and Authentic. While I find the Authentic mode to be too extreme, making colors appear darker than usual and crushing blacks, the Vibrant mode strikes a nice balance between processing and artistic flair. The color profile is reminiscent of Leica's signature look, giving images a pleasant, stylized feel. In comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro Max appears washed out and uninspiring. The camera delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions. Photos are detailed, with clear clarity. However, occasional overexposure can occur when lighting isn't optimal. The vibrancy of the image sometimes goes too far, making it look overly processed. Nonetheless, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's camera is a great shooter, capable of producing high-quality images. One notable feature is the Portrait mode, which effectively isolates subjects from their background. The bokeh effect is smooth and pleasing to the eye. Low-light performance is also commendable, with minimal noise and artifacts present in photos taken under dim conditions. The 32-megapixel selfie camera, while fine, has a distinctly HDR-ish look that could be toned down for more natural results. Additionally, the babyface beauty mode setting is turned on by default, which might not appeal to everyone's taste. Overall, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's camera system is a significant strength of the device. Its unique Leica-inspired aesthetic and impressive image quality make it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts. While there are some minor quirks, such as occasional overexposure and an overly processed look in certain modes, the overall performance is excellent, making the Xiaomi 12S Pro a great option for those seeking a reliable camera phone.
The Xiaomi 12S Pro is an excellent phone that offers great value for its price. At around $800 in China, it's a steal considering the upgrades it brings to the table. The price has remained relatively the same compared to its predecessor, which is impressive given the significant improvements. One of the standout features of the 12S Pro is its camera system, partnered with Leica. While some may find the authentic mode too stylized, I prefer the vibrant mode for its more natural look and feel. The 50-megapixel main sensor produces excellent images, with good detail and clarity. The 2x optical zoom and 32-megapixel ultrawide camera also deliver great results. The phone's performance is another area where it shines. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus chip provides a significant boost in speed and power efficiency, making the phone feel incredibly smooth and fast. Battery life has also been impressive, with plenty of juice left at the end of the day. While some may be tempted to wait for the next iteration or a competing device, the Xiaomi 12S Pro is a solid choice for those looking for a high-end smartphone without breaking the bank. The value proposition is strong, and it's hard to find another phone that offers such a comprehensive package at this price point. In terms of price and value, I would say that the Xiaomi 12S Pro is an excellent option for anyone in the market for a new smartphone. It's not perfect, but it's close enough to be considered one of the top choices in its class.
While the recent release of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra may be stealing the spotlight, the 12S Pro is an excellent all-around phone that deserves attention in its own right. This device boasts a new chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus, which delivers significantly better performance and power efficiency. The upgrade to this newer processor makes a tangible difference in daily use, with animations feeling snappy, loading times fast, and transitions smooth. In fact, our review unit didn't stutter once during testing, even when pushed to its limits. If you're concerned about raw benchmarks, the 12S Pro scores impressively high on Antutu, boasting a 15% improvement over the 12 series. One of the most impressive aspects of the 12S Pro's performance is its ability to handle demanding games without breaking a sweat. In our tests, we were able to play Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG at their highest settings for extended periods without any significant drop in frame rate or heat buildup. The phone did get slightly hotter during intense gaming sessions, but remained within a safe temperature range. The display on the 12S Pro is also noteworthy, offering an impressive 521 pixels per inch and 500 nits of peak brightness. This makes it a pleasure to use outdoors, even in bright conditions. The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the visual experience, making animations look smooth and fluid. In conclusion, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's performance is a significant improvement over its predecessors and rivals. With its snappy interface, impressive gaming capabilities, and high-quality display, this phone is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich Android device.