Xiaomi 12 Lite evaluation: Light But Not a Lightweight

(*12*)Price When Reviewed

From $399

Xiaomi has been busy. Its 12S differ of units have not too long ago been introduced and following on is the mid-range 12 Lite type that guarantees the vintage Xiaomi revel in at a modest value.

But, in a fiercely aggressive sector of the marketplace, can the Chinese type compete? Here’s the entire Tech Advisor evaluation of the Xiaomi 12 Lite.

Design & Build

• Comfortable, gentle chassis
• Pretty color schemes
• No IP water-proof score

Usually, the Lite suffix on a smartphone denotes a downgraded spec sheet, however with the Xiaomi 12 Lite this turns out extra correctly implemented to the chassis. Weighing in at a very relaxed 173g, it’s a great software to carry for prolonged sessions, plus the 159 x 74 x 7.3mm sits smartly within the hand, making a great trade from the cumbersome, 200g frames that appear to have turn out to be the norm within the remaining 12 months or so.

The color scheme may be recent, with a selection of Pink, Black or the Green on my evaluation type. The plastic again panel is graduated, in order you tilt it within the gentle it adjustments color in a very fulfilling approach. In the highest left nook of the panel there’s additionally a raised oblong space that homes the triple digital camera array. The plastic is apparent, with a lite blue/inexperienced hue that once more appears good.

As with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G that I reviewed not too long ago (Redmi is a Xiaomi sub-brand), the perimeters are squared off quite than the curved kind which featured at the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G from remaining 12 months. This provides to the grip and offers the 12 Lite a fashionable aesthetic.

The entrance panel is made up nearly totally of the 6.55in AMOLED reveal, with handiest a central punch-hole aperture for the digital camera interrupting the graphics. This is partially enabled by way of an under-display fingerprint sensor which saves area, plus it additionally implies that the facility button at the proper flank is small because it doesn’t want to area a sensor both.

Add to this the quantity controls, Dual-SIM slot and dual audio system, and the result’s a gorgeous software that’s surely great to make use of.

The reveal is safe by way of Corning Gorilla Glass 5, so it will have to face up to a good bit of wear and tear and tear, however there’s no indexed IP score at the 12 Lite (as there wasn’t with its predecessor the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G). Keep it clear of water even though and it will have to be high quality, particularly when you use the integrated silicone case that Xiaomi places within the field.

Alongside this, you’ll additionally to find a 67W speedy charger and cable to refill the 4,300mAh battery by means of the phone’s USB-C port.

Screen & Speakers

• 6.55in AMOLED Full HD+
• 120Hz refresh fee
• HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
• Stereo audio system

The 6.55in AMOLED Full HD+ panel at the 12 Lite is easily balanced and gives a lot of color and definition. You can choose from both 60- or 120Hz refresh charges, with the previous saving on battery existence and the latter providing clean scrolling. Not that the 60Hz choice isn’t excellent, however whenever you’ve grew to become at the 120Hz surroundings you’ll almost certainly wish to depart it there because it feels nice.

All of that is enhanced by way of the reveal’s strengthen for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, in addition to one thing Xiaomi calls TrueColor, which bolsters the palette of the panel.

The Xiaomi 12 Lite doesn’t have the brightest display screen in the marketplace, with my measurements appearing round 450nits most, however that proved sufficient to maintain vivid daylight for probably the most phase when grew to become as much as complete. Indoors or on extra overcast days you received’t have any drawback seeing what’s at the reveal.

Using the under-display fingerprint sensor was once pleasingly simple, albeit with the preliminary setup taking a little longer than with a bodily sensor in a button, because it was once tougher to grasp which a part of my finger the sensor had tracked. This handiest added about 30 seconds to the method even though, and after that I discovered that I may liberate the phone with a very top good fortune fee of first-time makes an attempt.

Pro tip: When saving your fingerprint, save two separate variations for each and every of the primary palms/thumbs you essentially use to liberate the software. This will increase the risk of the sensor detecting you straight away.

Those short of to sport at the Xiaomi 12 Lite may even recognize the 240Hz contact sampling fee which will have to support the ones fast actions within the warmth of fight. One minor gripe I had with the software alongside those strains was once that the palm cancellation (the place the phone ignores faucets and swipes from different portions of your fingers that by accident contact the display screen) wasn’t as excellent because it may well be.

On a few events I all at once discovered the display screen switching to the All Opened Apps web page as a result of I’d rubbed in opposition to the good button with out realising. This will also be fastened in tool even though, so optimistically an improve will additional beef up this space one day.

On the audio aspect of items, you’ll to find audio system at both finish of the software, which produce a respectable quantity of sound. Sure, it received’t win over the hearts of any audiophiles available in the market, however for podcasts, audiobooks, staring at movies or some gentle track use, the audio system can do a respectable activity.

There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so that you received’t be hooking this up immediately to a speaker, however the Bluetooth 5.2 functions imply that wi-fi headphones and audio system can straight away beef up the audio output of the Xiaomi 12 Lite.

Specs & Performance

• Snapdragon 778G SoC
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB Storage
• Dual SIM

Perhaps strangely, Xiaomi has fitted the 12 Lite with the similar Snapdragon 778G processor that seemed within the earlier technology 11 Lite 5G. Whether that is all the way down to the world-wide scarcity of processors that has been happening for the remaining 12 months or so is unknown, however to be honest the efficiency of the 12 Lite for many issues other people will normally do with their smartphones is at the cash.

Opening apps and transferring via more than a few displays and menus are all swift and responsive. There’s no noticeable lag when the use of the software in any respect, or even within the cameras you get a fast release with the cameras able to move: very important if that ‘decisive second’ seems sooner than your eyes.

The Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro each have the flagship Qualcomm 8 Gen 1 processor so that is a key distinction.

No doubt the 8GB of RAM that comes on this variant is helping with the efficiency, even though you’ll order a 6GB model if you wish to avoid wasting cash (I wouldn’t advise this). Xiaomi additionally gives a digital reminiscence extension characteristic that may supposedly deputise as much as 3GB of onboard garage as RAM.

The phone’s larger brothers include as much as 12GB of RAM so naked that during thoughts when you assume you’ll want extra energy.

Storage itself is a same old 128GB of UFS 2.2, however once more you’ll go for 256GB when you assume this might be too small. In a transfer that may disillusioned some customers, Xiaomi has determined in opposition to supporting microSD playing cards within the 12 Lite, with the twin card slot handiest able to protecting SIM playing cards.

This manner you’ll want to make a choice the configuration that fits your wishes from the get-go, as you received’t have the ability to trade it later. That’s disappointing, particularly because the 11 Lite 5G presented a hybrid slot which might host both twin SIMs or a unmarried SIM and microSD card.

In some ways, the Xiaomi 12 Lite stocks nearly all of its specifications with the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G. There’s the similar processor I discussed above, garage and reminiscence configurations, and the record continues relating to Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 to not point out the reveal could be very identical, even though the 12 Lite is going as much as 120Hz refresh fee the place the 11 Lite tops out at 90Hz.

A couple of spaces the place they range is relating to measurement, the 11 Lite is if truth be told slimmer and lighter, battery charging speeds are quicker at the 12 Lite, plus the cameras were given an improve at the new type. We have been inspired with the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G, and it’s been diminished in value on the time of writing, so if you wish to have maximum of what the 12 Lite gives however at a less expensive value, it’s value taking into consideration.

That being mentioned, the 12 Lite is a really nice to make use of and usually inspired by way of simply getting on with the whole thing and no longer making a fuss. Exactly what you wish to have from a phone.

To see the way it compares to others in its elegance. Here’s the usual benchmark checking out that every one evaluation telephones undergo (because of technical difficulties with the web page on the time of checking out, the GFX Bench rankings aren’t registered):

Cameras

• 108Mp f/1.88 Main digital camera with Samsung HM2 sensor
• 8Mp Ultrawide and 2Mp Macro
• Night Mode
• 32Mp Selfie digital camera

Mid-range units regularly reside or die by way of their cameras. In that case, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is in a very wholesome state and will have to almost certainly make it very easily to outdated age. The triple digital camera aggregate of 108Mp f/1.88 major, 8Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide and 2Mp f/2.4 macro flip in some in reality spectacular effects.

Focussing is speedy and normally tracks the supposed subject material (no longer at all times true with telephones I’ve examined). In excellent gentle I were given some very good photographs, whether or not it was once close-ups of plants, catching my canine in a heroic pose (looking ahead to a deal with), panorama photographs or normal on a regular basis photos.

More impressively, the night-time pictures I controlled to seize actually did make me wonder whether the phone was once dearer than I’d first idea. There is a Night Mode and it does a excellent activity of selecting out such things as a darkish blue boat in a harbour at evening and making it visual. But, after I grew to become off the Night Mode and let the traditional digital camera do its factor, I controlled to get some atmospheric photographs that I used to be pleased with.

The metering turns out smartly balanced, and as long as you will have a wall or in my case the aspect of a bridge to leisure the phone on when taking the picture, then photographs stay smartly uncovered and sharply focussed.

There is a few noise within the photographs, which the tool does its easiest to clean out, which means that any photos you are taking might be completely high quality for sharing on social media, however if you wish to crop in and most likely print them off then it’s possible you’ll see much less spectacular ultimate photographs.

Here’s a variety on photographs I took with the Xiaomi 12 Lite:

Xiaomi comprises more than a few pictures modes, together with Macro, Portrait, Pro, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time Lapse and others, however bear in mind that a number of of those want to obtain sooner than you’ll use them. So, it’s possible you’ll wish to mess around with them at house sooner than heading out and the use of up any of your knowledge plan.

Video tops out at 4K/30fps, with the default being 1080p/30fps. You can seize some excellent photos with the digital camera, even though the sound felt a bit skinny. Moving from vivid to darkish spaces didn’t appear to segment the sensor an excessive amount of, even though on very vivid days there was once a tendency to overexpose the perimeters of the photos.

But once more, completely excellent for social media and the inclusion of OIS (optical symbol stabilisation) at the major sensor is helping stay issues clean.

A 32Mp selfie digital camera is located at the entrance, and once more it’s succesful of a few respectable photographs. You’ll to find extra modes and filters integrated that may clean out your pores and skin or different such trickery, however the usual digital camera does a excellent activity of shooting element temporarily and correctly.

While it’s no longer the most efficient digital camera phone for individuals who need professional stage photographs, as an on a regular basis shooter to your pocket that allows you to get the ones necessary photographs and percentage them on Instagram or Facebook, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is a nice choice.

Battery Life & Charging

• 4300mAh battery
• 67W Fast Charging (with charger integrated)
• Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge

Battery existence at the Xiaomi 12 Lite could be very respectable. Using the phone closely throughout a day – staring at some YouTube movies, plenty of internet surfing, emailing, social media apps or even the occasional phone name – left me with round 30% within the tank at bedtime (which is regularly previous nighttime).

Easing off at the screentime supposed that I may simply get via two days on a unmarried rate. Not that obtaining the software again to 100% is far of an inconvenience.

Using the integrated 67W charger, the 12 Lite went from empty to complete rate in 41 mins, which is superb. So, despite the fact that you make a decision to spend hours every day staring on the display screen, you’ll have the ability to refill all of the battery in much less time that it takes to have your lunch.

There’s no wi-fi charging strengthen for this type, so that you’ll want to plug it in when you wish to have to energy it again up, however as I discussed above you a minimum of get the charger integrated within the field.

For benchmark fanatics, placing the Xiaomi 12 Lite throughout the PCMark Battery Test returned the results of 11 hours and three minutes. Which is moderately first rate if no longer exceptional.

Software & Apps

• MIUI 13
• Android 12
• Security updates till July 2026

If there’s one susceptible spot at the 12 Lite, then it’s almost certainly the tool. Don’t get me mistaken, MIUI 13 is a completely serviceable gadget that gives a lot of options, nevertheless it does take a little being used to. And I’m no longer the primary individual at Tech Advisor towers to search out this to be the case.

For example, wallpapers and subject matters all come by means of a Theme retailer. There’s a lot of unfastened stuff, and also you get ones bundled in with the phone, nevertheless it’s a moderately other technique to one of the crucial different variations of Android that you will have already used.

Bloatware isn’t too dangerous, with the phone having a few video games and social media apps pre-installed out of the field. Xiaomi additionally comprises its personal bespoke apps for notes, internet surfing and different issues, however that is saved to a minimal and maximum will also be uninstalled.

I did to find that the display screen may well be a little delicate, particularly in the case of long-pressing icons. When transferring apps from one display screen to the opposite, the slightest wobble of my finger would make the phone assume I used to be scrolling between pages, making it a little difficult to pick out up the apps. A gentle hand solved this, however when you’re used to whizzing round it’s possible you’ll to find this fairly tense.

Android 12 is working beneath MIUI 13, and Xiaomi now guarantees 3 primary Android model updates plus 4 years of safety updates around the lifespan of its units. In brief, this implies the software might be usable for 4 years from its unencumber date, however after that the safety updates will forestall and you’ll have to retire the phone. We’re no longer loopy that that is the case, because it manner you’re much less prone to hand on a phone to a relative, thus consigning it to a landfill someplace. Sadly, that is the case around the business, and 4 years is if truth be told moderately excellent. If you wish to have longer, take a look at Samsung or Apple.

Price & Availability

At the time of writing Xiaomi has handiest showed the cost of the 12 Lite in US bucks, despite the fact that it received’t formally pass on sale in America. We’ll replace this with extra pricing when it turns into to be had however right here’s how the fashions damage down:

• 6GB/128GB – $399
• 8GB/128GB – $449
• 8GB/256GB – $499

There’s a excellent probability that those costs could have the similar numbers connected when they’re introduced on 9 July in the United Kingdom, Europe, and larger ones (because of forex conversion charges) in India and different territories. As a reference level, the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G was once priced at £399/€399 for the 8GB/128GB variant, so the pricing at the 12 Lite may well be round the similar.

This brings the software into pageant with the likes of the OnePlus Nord 2T, Realme GT 2 and Xiaomi stablemate the Poco X4 Pro 5G. All of those are nice telephones for lower than £/$/€500 and the Xiaomi 12 Lite indisputably doesn’t embarrass itself on this corporate.

Check out extra choices in our easiest mid-range smartphones chart.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 12 Lite is a very cast mid-range phone. The light-weight building is a relaxed trade from the heavier possible choices discovered at this value level, plus the squre-edged design is each fashionable and makes it more uncomplicated to carry within the hand.

Performance is once more excellent, as are the cameras if you wish to have one thing for social media platforms. The tool will also be a bit clunky from time to time, and the overly delicate reveal takes a little being used to, however those are minor gripes in comparison to the entire different advantages on be offering.

If you’re aspiring to spend this type of cash on a phone in 2022, the Xiaomi 12 Lite must be on the very most sensible of your ‘ones to check out’ record.

Specs

• 6.55-inch AMOLED FHD+ DotDisplay, with 120Hz refresh fee, 240Hz contact sampling, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ strengthen, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Snapdragon 778G
• MIUI 13 with Android 12
• 6/8GB LPDDR4X RAM
• 128/256GB UFS 2.2 Storage
• 108Mp f/1.88 Main digital camera (with Samsung HM2 sensor)
• 8Mp f/2.2 Ultra Wide digital camera
• 2Mp f/2.4 Macro digital camera
• 32Mp f/2.45 Selfie digital camera
• 5G (Dual SIM)
• Wi-Fi 6
• NFC
• Bluetooth 5.2
• 4300mAh battery with 67W stressed out turbo charging
• Dual audio system with strengthen for Dolby Atmos
• USB-C charging port
• 159 x 74 x 7.3mm
• 173g