PhoneLifespan

Xiaomi 12

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$280
Global launch (~€799); not US-official. USD-equivalent from EU pricing; import-only for US.
$800 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until December 2025 · Buy-by December 2023

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2021◆ Buy-by Dec 20232025

Xiaomi promises 4 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until December 2025 — buying it today still gets you about -0.5 years of safe use.

Source: Xiaomi's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

Our verdict

A compact Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship that's now reached the end of its support life, best considered only as a cheap secondhand pickup.

Pros

  • Genuinely compact 6.28-inch body at just 180g
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 with a 50MP Sony IMX766 main camera
  • 67W wired and 50W wireless charging

Cons

  • Software support has now lapsed, so it no longer receives security patches
  • No official IP water-resistance rating and no telephoto camera
Best for: Bargain hunters wanting a small high-end phone secondhandBest for: Users who prioritize one-handed size over longevityAvoid if: You want a phone that will keep getting security updatesAvoid if: You need water resistance or a zoom camera

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.28-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080, 120Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM8GB / 12GB
Storage128GB / 256GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main50MP
ultra-wide13MP
front32MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery4,500 mAh
Charging67W wired, 50W wireless
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm
Weight180 g
MaterialsAluminum frame, glass or eco-leather back
Water resistanceNone
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 12 with MIUI 13 at launch
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
Update policy3 OS upgrades · 4 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Xiaomi 12 get updates?

It was covered by three Android upgrades and about four years of security patches, which means its support has effectively ended as of late 2025.

Is the Xiaomi 12 water resistant?

No. The standard Xiaomi 12 has no official IP rating, so you should keep it away from water and dust exposure.

Does the Xiaomi 12 have a telephoto camera?

No. It pairs a 50MP main camera with a 13MP ultrawide and a small macro sensor, but there is no dedicated zoom lens.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.