Xiaomi 12X Review: A Compact Powerhouse with Trade-Offs

Xiaomi 12X Review: A Compact Powerhouse with Trade-Offs

The Xiaomi 12X stands out with its sleek, ergonomic design and strong performance, making it one of the more enjoyable compact phones to hold. However, for a device priced near premium tiers, it omits key features like an IP rating for dust and water resistance, an LTPO panel for adaptive refresh rates, and the latest Android 12 OS. Additionally, Xiaomi does not guarantee future software updates, which could affect its longevity.

Design and Build

Measuring 69.9 x 152.7 x 8.16mm and weighing 176 grams, the Xiaomi 12X feels perfectly balanced in hand, with a glass back and aluminum frame that exude premium quality. The camera module adds visual appeal, but the absence of an IP certification is a notable drawback, especially during Nepal's monsoon season, where extra protection would be beneficial.

Display

The 6.28-inch AMOLED DotDisplay offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a 120Hz refresh rate and 480Hz touch sampling rate. While it supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision with 12-bit color depth, real-world testing revealed inconsistent HDR performance across platforms like YouTube and Netflix. The display lacks an LTPO panel, limiting its refresh rate switching to only 60Hz and 120Hz, and auto-brightness adjustments can be sluggish.

Audio and Haptics

Equipped with dual stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, the Xiaomi 12X delivers rich, loud audio with good stereo separation. Call quality is solid, supporting carrier aggregation. However, the virtual proximity sensor and weaker-than-expected haptic feedback from the X-axis linear motor detract from the overall premium feel.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, the Xiaomi 12X handles everyday tasks and multitasking efficiently. Gaming performance is stable at 60fps for popular titles like PUBG and Call of Duty, though high-frame-rate games such as Critical Ops are throttled to 60fps to prevent overheating. Temperatures can rise quickly during intensive gaming, peaking at around 49°C after 10 minutes of Genshin Impact gameplay.

Software and Updates

Running Android 11 with Xiaomi's MIUI 13, the phone feels outdated compared to competitors offering newer OS versions. Xiaomi does not commit to long-term updates, meaning the 12X may only receive one major OS upgrade to Android 13. The interface also includes unavoidable bloatware mini-games, unlike the cleaner software on higher-end Xiaomi models.

Camera Capabilities

The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 5MP telemacro camera. While the primary camera produces warm, saturated images with good detail, the ultrawide often delivers hazy photos with poor dynamic range. Portrait and nighttime photography also face challenges, though Night Mode improves low-light results. Video recording reaches up to 8K at 24fps, with generally stable footage, but 4K selfie recording remains unsupported.

Battery Life

A 4500mAh battery powers the device, but real-world use often results in only 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time, requiring frequent charging. Overnight drain can reach up to 8%. The included 67W fast charger refuels the phone in under 45 minutes, but the absence of wireless charging is a notable omission.

Verdict

Despite its attractive compact form factor and strong performance, the Xiaomi 12X struggles to justify its price due to missing features and software limitations. For users prioritizing a small, capable Android phone, it remains a decent option, especially given its Qualcomm platform, which may support custom ROMs. However, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A73 or even last year's A52s offer better value, software support, and additional features for a comparable cost.