The Xiaomi 12 Lite beats the iPhone 13 in one important way
If a smartphone maker is going to take design inspiration from the flat-sided Apple iPhone 13 series, then it at least should make some improvements to it. The look of the Xiaomi 12 Lite has clearly been influenced by the iPhone 13, so has the company done the decent thing?
I’m very pleased to say it has beaten Apple in one crucial aspect: in-hand comfort. Plus, the phone itself is primed and ready to take on several of the most anticipated Android phones of 2022. It’s definitely hot, but is it just a bit too hot?
comfortable than the iPhone 13
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13’s squared-off, flat-sided look is excellent. But if you hold any of the phones without a case, they can quickly become uncomfortable as the sharp edges soon dig into your palm. It’s far from the end of the world, and if you use a case — which most will — you won’t even notice. However, after the extreme comfort of the iPhone 11 series, the redesign for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 was jarring to long-time Apple phone owners.
Step forward Xiaomi and the Xiaomi 12 Lite. The phone has flat sides, but some careful chamfering has rounded the sharper edges that come with this design choice, and it has worked wonders for the in-hand feel. Hold an iPhone together with it and the difference is clear, as the Xiaomi 12 Lite nestles rather than digs into your fingers and palm. It means you can comfortably use it without a case.
Xiaomi 12 Lite VS iPhone 13 Camera Comparison!
The Xiaomi 12 Lite weighs 173 grams and is only 7.2mm thick, which helps with its comfort, and makes it easy to slip into your It’s available in three colors, the beautiful Lite Green in our photos, a Lite Pink, or a simple black version. Despite the Lite name, the phone is made from glass and aluminum, and not plastic as you may expect. The camera module stands proud of the flat rear panel and contains three cameras, while the etched line separating them gives it an unusual look.
The Xiaomi 12 Lite may not have the most original design, but it does fix the one bad thing about flat-sided phones, and that makes the style choice much easier to forgive.
Mixed camera performance
The main camera is the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s headline feature. It’s a 108-megapixel, Samsung-produced HM2 sensor, complete with features like eye tracking to help with pinpoint focusing when taking photos of people. It’s joined by an 8MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP macro camera. On the front is a 32MP selfie camera in a top-center hole-punch cutout.
Based on the short time I’ve used the camera, I’ve come away fairly pleased. Photos have that very distinct Xiaomi look to them, meaning electric blues and greens, and an often detail-obscuring approach to exposure. The wide-angle camera is the worst culprit, and because of the low megapixel count, it doesn’t pull in much detail either. The main camera really does amplify colors, and if that’s not your thing, you probably won’t like the results very much.
At this price, the Xiaomi 12 Lite goes up against the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, and based on the specifications, it’s likely to face competition from the forthcoming Nothing Phone 1 and the Google Pixel 6a. Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G is a great buy, but even in the short time I’ve used the Xiaomi 12 Lite, the performance from the Snapdragon 778G chip is noticeably smoother and faster than the A53’s Exynos chip. However, the fact it gets pretty hot can’t be overlooked, as the A53 runs considerably cooler.
If you’re interested in the Xiaomi 12 Lite, we’d suggest not only considering the Galaxy A53, but also holding out and seeing what Nothing delivers with the Phone 1, and also how good the Pixel 6a’s camera turns out to be.
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Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
The Google Pixel 6a reminds me of the iPhone SE. It’s not just because of the size, but the strategy. It is reminiscent of how Apple positions the iPhone SE for its user base. The Pixel 6a in the Android world runs parallel to the iPhone SE in the Apple world. Both the devices feature downgraded tech alongside a flagship SoC that powers the phone to make the most of the non-flagship cameras, battery and display.
It’s a winning formula, and one I’m happy to see Google replicate so exceptionally. The compact form factor The 2022 iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch display in a 5.45-inch-tall body. By contrast, the Google Pixel 6a sports a 6.1-inch display in a 5.99-inch-tall body. The screen might look bigger than the iPhone SE on paper, but 6.1-inch is the new 5-inch in Android land. It’s one of the smallest displays you can find on any Android smartphone – just like how the iPhone SE features the smallest display out of the current iPhone lineup in 2022.
It’s not that much of a stretch to see the Nothing Phone 1 would like to be the iPhone of the Android world, with its flat-sided design, clean software, a growing ecosystem of similar products, and the dual-camera layout on the back. But can it win over potential iPhone buyers, or steal them away from a reasonably priced iPhone? To find out, we put the Nothing Phone 1 against the most affordable competing iPhone Apple still sells, the iPhone 11. The phones and cameras Before we get into the photos, let’s talk about the choice of iPhone. The Nothing Phone 1 starts at 400 British pounds, or about 480. For this, it has a midrange processor, a large 6.55-inch screen, and a dual camera on the back. While the iPhone SE (2022) comes in around the same price, it’s not exactly comparable in specification, and the latest iPhone 13 costs 800 or 780 pounds. While it’s closer in spec, it’s considerably more money to buy.
To get the equivalent modern iPhone that’s sold brand-new, we need to go back in time a little. Apple still sells the iPhone 12 new for 599 or 679 pounds, which is still a little too expensive, but at 499 or 489 pounds, the iPhone 11 is just about right. After all, the top Nothing Phone 1 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage space costs 499 pounds, or about 590. If you’ve got 500 maximum to spend on a big-screen smartphone, the iPhone 11 is probably going to be on the list alongside the Nothing Phone 1.
Xiaomi 12 Lite is a small upgrade over 11 Lite NE 5G, but a sensible one
After getting leaked a bunch of times and getting teased by the company, Xiaomi 12 Lite is now officially available globally and it has been launched at a starting price of €400 which roughly translates to Rs. 32,200.
This launch comes after the much-hyped launch of the Xiaomi 12S series last week in China. And this one comes as a part of the Xiaomi 12 series, the predecessor of the 12S series. And the phone gets design inspiration from its elder brothers, with a rectangular camera array. Although the side panels of the phone get an iPhone-like design.
Xiaomi 12 Lite. Pricing and availability
Xiaomi 12 Lite is launched in three different variants as given below. Pricing is also given alongside.
| EUR 400 / Rs.32,300 approx. |
| EUR 450 / Rs 36,300 approx. |
| EUR 500 / Rs.40,300 approx. |
The phone has been launched in Europe only, for now, the company didn’t reveal any info about the Indian launch of the phone. As Xiaomi 12 Pro has already been launched in India, we can expect this phone to be launched pretty soon here. It is also to be noted that Xiaomi had two different phones in the previous iteration of its Lite series, Mi 11 Lite and Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G. It is just a matter of time before the phone arrives on Indian shores.
Xiaomi 12 Lite. Specifications and key features
Talking about the specifications of the phone, Xiaomi didn’t change the SoC of the phone. It keeps the same Snapdragon 778G chipset that was used in Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G last year. We can’t blame Xiaomi for not updating the chipset on the phone. As the Snapdragon 778G is proving to be quite a popular choice among brands in this segment, even the Nothing Phone (1) is coming with the Snapdragon 778, which is a tweaked version of 778G.
What’s updated is the display of the phone. It comes with a 12-bit 6.55-inch FHD AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, updated from the 90Hz OLED display of 11 Lite NE 5G. It comes with a touch sampling rate of 240Hz. It also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Coming to the camera, the 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor makes the primary camera. We can see the same camera in a variety of Xiaomi phones such as Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G, Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, and many more. We can say it has been the bread and butter of Xiaomi and Redmi phones for the past two years. They have been milking the 108MP hype train for a long time now, and it is still yet to move on to sensors like Sony IMX766 in the segment like Realme or OnePlus. But give due credit to the company, HM2 has been pretty good for the budget, and we can expect pretty good camera performance from the phone.
Talking about the secondary cameras, the phone comes with the usual setup of 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras. There is a 32MP selfie camera in the centre of the display. What comes in as a surprise is the addition of autofocus to the selfie camera, which is quite a rare sight, even on flagships. It is the same selfie camera from Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.
One more thing that Xiaomi upgraded is the charging. Which now get upgraded from 33W to 67W like the recent Xiaomi, Redmi Poco phones in the segment. The battery is also updated from 4250mAh to 4300mAh.
No big upgrades, just meaningful ones.
Xiaomi didn’t update the chipset on the phone. I know it’s a turn-off for many of you reading this. But take a moment to look at what changes they made when compared with the older phone.
This comes with a segment-first 12-bit display. The camera has been updated, especially the selfie camera. It is the same unit as its elder brothers, it would be a treat for selfie lovers out there. And the 67W charging is a much-needed upgrade to the Lite series, as most of the competitors are now offering similar charging speeds in the budget.
The changes they brought are many, but sensible ones. The only thing they didn’t change was the chipset. Which they don’t need to, as the only other chipsets they could upgrade to in this segment is the Snapdragon 778 and the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. Which Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 would at least be a meaningful upgrade, but that chipset is yet to be seen in many phones. So we can give it a pass, the Snapdragon 778G is still one of the most powerful chipsets in this segment.
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Xiaomi 12 Lite Review Philippines: Top Mid-Range Shooter
Review verdict: Despite being more of an incremental upgrade to last year’s 11 Lite 5G NE, Xiaomi did a great job in optimizing the software and choosing the best possible components for the 12 Lite to make it a competitive mid-range offering in the Philippines.
Pros
- Excellent camera performance
- Well-optimized software
- One of the best displays in the mid-range segment
Cons
- A processor upgrade could be nice
- Only LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage
- expensive than its predecessor
Xiaomi 12 Lite Review Philippines Specs
- Snapdragon 778G processor
- 6GB/8GB LPDDR4x RAM
- 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 storage
- 6.55-inch Full HD AMOLED display, 120hz refresh rate, 10-bit color
- 108-megapixel f/1.79 ISOCELL HM2 main camera with PDAF, 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera, 2-megapixel macro camera
- 32-megapixel f/2.5 ISOCELL GD2 selfie camera with AF
- 4G, 5G
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, in-display fingerprint scanner
- 4300mAh battery
- 67w fast charging
- Android 12, MIUI 13
Xiaomi finally completes its 12 lineup with the unveiling of the 12 Lite in the Philippines. As a successor to the 11 Lite 5G NE, the 12 Lite introduces a few upgrades that FOCUS mostly on the cameras and the display–while sticking to the same set of internals found on its predecessor. On top of being more expensive, should you consider the Xiaomi 12 Lite?
Design
While it is a few grams heavier than its predecessor, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is still slim for a 5G phone, with a thickness of just 6.8mm. You get a frosted finish on its glass back panel, and it does a great job in repelling fingerprints compared to the glossy finish used on its predecessor. You can also get the 12 Lite in black, lite green, and lite pink, and we love the gradient-like finish on the latter two colorways.
The button and port layout are pretty much the same as its predecessor, though the 12 Lite gets a stereo speaker setup with an additional speaker on top, along with the power button not doubling as a fingerprint scanner. This is because the 12 Lite is like its more expensive siblings in utilizing an in-display fingerprint scanner–and we like how Xiaomi is making this available to more of its phones.
Display
Despite having a similar size as its predecessor, the 12 Lite’s AMOLED panel is significantly better. Aside from having a 120hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint scanner, we noticed that the colors appear to be more vibrant on the 12 Lite compared to both 4G and 5G versions of the 11 Lite.
The panel also feels brighter as well, and we do think that it is a higher-quality panel compared to the great 6.7-inch AMOLED panels used on other Xiaomi phones like the 11T series. Aside from still being a 10-bit panel, the Xiaomi 12 Lite can also view content with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making you enjoy high-quality content on the go.
While it has a slightly better panel than the 11T series, the same can’t be said with the stereo speakers. They do generally sound good even at higher volume levels, but overall audio fidelity is not as detailed as the stereo speakers used on its more expensive siblings and the 11T Pro (which has Harman-Kardon-tuned speakers).
Cameras
While Xiaomi did downgrade the 12 Lite’s camera to a stat-stuffing 2-megapixel macro camera, it makes up for it significantly with the 108-megapixel ISOCELL HM2 main camera. We’ve seen Xiaomi use this on various phones like the 11T series and the Redmi Note 11 Pro/Note 11S phones, and we can attest to the sensor being a great choice for any mid-range phone.
The Mi 11 Lite was one of the few phones from 2021 that was able to properly maximize the modest 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera to match the colors of the main camera, and the Xiaomi 12 Lite continues that trend.
While you’d most likely use the 108-megapixel main camera for most scenarios (its 2x digital zoom is very decent), the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera is usable even in low light scenarios–a strong proof that great and well-optimized camera software can go a long way.
You don’t get OIS on the Xiaomi 12 Lite, but we’re impressed at how its EIS feature does a great job in keeping footage stable even while shooting handheld. We would shoot 4K30 videos often with the Xiaomi 12 Lite as our daily driver, and we love the output the Xiaomi 12 Lite produces regardless of lighting conditions.
Aside from the rear cameras, the ISOCELL GD2 sensor used for the selfie shooter is a big upgrade, as its inclusion of eye-tracking autofocus makes the 12 Lite one of the best Xiaomi phones officially offered in the Philippines for taking selfies.
It appears that Xiaomi properly optimized the camera software of the 12 Lite, as overall performance–especially for video–is better than the rest of its mid-range offering, even rivaling the performance of the 11T Pro in some scenarios. With our overall experience with its cameras, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is a great phone for those who are into content creation.
Internals and Battery Life
Xiaomi saw that the Snapdragon 778G powering the 11 Lite 5G NE was very good even in 2022, so it was wise of them to use the same processor on the 12 Lite, along with the same RAM and storage variants (up to 8GB RAM, and up to 256GB internal storage). Our only gripe, however, is how they still stuck with using UFS 2.2 storage and LPDDR4X RAM–it could have been better if the 12 Lite came with UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM especially since the Snapdragon 778G supports it.
That aside, the Snapdragon 778G is a solid choice for the under Php 30k range–especially with the competition using processors like the Dimensity 900 or the higher-clocked Dimensity 920. The Snapdragon 778G is one of our favorite mid-range processors, as this 6nm chip has some of the key features of the Snapdragon 888. In fact, our previous tests of the Snapdragon 778G reveal that it can match the gaming performance of the more expensive Snapdragon 888 with some titles.
Speaking of gaming, we’ve used the Xiaomi 12 Lite extensively for Asphalt 9 and Genshin Impact at the highest possible settings, and the phone handles both titles nicely. We even pushed its internals to the limit with hit MMORPG Tower of Fantasy, where we had to dial down the graphics settings to Fine, HD resolution, and 60FPS (there’s a 90FPS option, but you’ll most likely not hit those numbers) to keep temps stable and to reduce in-game lag.
On the software side, the Xiaomi 12 Lite uses Android 12-based MIUI 13, and we noticed that bloatware has been put to a minimum–letting you enjoy a close-to-stock experience and make the most out of its internal storage.
The Xiaomi 12 Lite gets a slightly bigger 4300mAh battery but now supports a significantly faster 67w wired charging solution that can top it up from flat to 100% in around 40 minutes. Despite having a relatively small battery, the Xiaomi 12 Lite was able to last over 10 hours in PCMark’s battery benchmark test with the screen refresh rate set to 120hz. That translates to roughly a day’s worth of use and is a testament to the Snapdragon 778G being both powerful and efficient.
Wrap-up and Conclusions
Despite being more expensive than its predecessor, our review of the Xiaomi 12 Lite shows that key upgrades with the cameras, display, and charging speeds make it a compelling mid-range offering in the Philippines. Pair that with great software optimization, the Xiaomi 12 Lite proves that Xiaomi’s numbered series offers the best overall user experience from the brand.
Xiaomi 12 Lite Review Philippines Price
The Xiaomi 12 Lite is priced at Php 20,990 for the 6GB/128GB model and Php 21,990 for the 8GB/128GB model. The pre-order period is from August 19 to 26, where pre-orders get a Xiaomi Tyvek bag, a Xiaomi Vacuum Cup, a Xiaomi Gray Umbrella, and a Xiaomi notebook with their purchase. Regular sales will be on August 27.
Xiaomi 12 Lite review: Too ‘lite’ or just right?
Xiaomi’s gunning for the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with its 12 Lite. This slim phone successfully marries classical styling with fun colour options, a cracking screen and some fancy features like an under-display fingerprint scanner. While its battery life is only ever fine, and the phone’s camera mix struggles when the lights drop, it’s nevertheless a better package than most of its competition.
- Good-looking design
- Fast-charging battery
- Respectable performance
- Great screen for movies
- Excellent daytime camera
- – No wireless charging
- – Camera lacks OIS or telephoto lens
- – Poor macro camera
- – Battery life could be better
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We’re facing a four-star smartphone epidemic at the moment, and after a cursory glance at its specs, this Xiaomi 12 Lite review looks like it could be another. From the OnePlus Nord CE 2 and Oppo Find X5 Lite to the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and so many more good-but-not-great Android phones out right now, when everything’s good enough, nothing really stands out.
So what does Xiaomi do to help its 12 Lite edge ahead? For starters, it covers the basics: slinky design available in fancy colours; smooth AMOLED screen tech; very fast-charging and an in-display fingerprint scanner. It’s got them all, but so do a lot of the other best phones on the market.
interesting is the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s front camera. Not only is there a selfie light for flattery-to-the-max, but there’s also autofocus for selfies with more natural-looking depth, and Xiaomi has loaded-up eye-tracking and Smart selfie-boosting software too.
XIAOMI 12 LITE VS 13 LITE. СТОИТ ЛИ ПЕРЕПЛАЧИВАТЬ? ПОЛНОЕ СРАВНЕНИЕ!
However, with one of the smallest batteries we’ve seen on a 2022 smartphone, not to mention Xiaomi’s historically bloated UI, can the 12 Lite best the rest?
Xiaomi 12 Lite review: Price and availability
Right now, the Xiaomi 12 Lite has been announced for global release, but no specific regions have been confirmed. One thing we do know, however, is that the phone comes in three colours, and with three memory capacities.
Starting at 399 (roughly £330) for the 6GB RAM, 128GB storage version, this spec should offer good enough performance for most casual smartphone users. There’s also a 449 (roughly £375) version with some extra RAM – 8GB, as well as 128GB storage for serious multi-taskers. Finally, the priciest Xiaomi 12 Lite costs 499 (roughly £415), and has 8GB RAM, matched with 256GB storage – perfect for app and file-hoarders.
In the past, Xiaomi’s initial pricing has been very optimistic. The Xiaomi 12 Pro launched at 999, but when it arrived in the UK, it cost locals significantly more – at £1,049.
So while we’re reviewing the 12 Lite based on the information we have at this stage, and this should be the online price for import stores like Ali Express, if the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s starting price is much higher than 399 where you are, be prudent when scoping out the competition.
Xiaomi 12 Lite review: Design
Safe but stylish design, the Xiaomi 12 Lite looks like a slender slice with its curvy corners and flat sides, front and back. Lots of phones share similar styling – the iPhone 13, Honor X8 and Oppo Reno 4 Z 5G, but the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s frosted finish adds richness to the touch.
With plastic sides, a Gorilla Glass screen, and a glass back, the Xiaomi 12 Lite doesn’t feel like a top-end phone, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. The flat sides are easy to grip, the frosty back feels luscious to the touch (albeit slippery), and the phone is lightweight and thin at just 173g and 7.3mm respectively – that’s just 1g lighter and 1mm thinner than an iPhone 13. Coincidence? Hmm.
The front of the 12 Lite is all screen, with satisfyingly even bezels framing it and a punch-hole selfie camera centred at the top. There’s a USB-C port at the base, alongside a speaker and SIM slot, and all the buttons are on the right-hand side (screen facing).
In true Xiaomi fashion, the 12 Lite packs an IR blaster at the top, so you can fire up the Mi Remote app and control your TV or compatible IR device. Finally, around the back, there’s a stepped camera surround with three raised lenses.
If you like the look of the Xiaomi 12 Lite pictured in this review, it’s the Lite Green colour option. It’s also available in Black and Lite Pink. All three sport the same diffuse matte back, which glistens with a pearlesque richness when it catches the light just right.
Ultimately, we’re very satisfied with the 12 Lite’s fit and finish. From the colour-matched back and frame to its relatively fingerprint-repellent finish, down to its slim size and weight, and that comfortable in-hand feel.
Xiaomi 12 Lite review: Display
Xiaomi’s great at shipping rich, smooth, punchy displays on its affordable phones, and the Xiaomi 12 Lite continues the trend with gusto. Its screen is big enough for comfortable swiping and watching, but not too much of a stretch at 6.55 inches.
With AMOLED screen technology matched with credentials that we wouldn’t always expect at the price – HDR10 and Dolby Vision – the phone shows off content with pizazz.
Its tall 20:9 aspect ratio means the Xiaomi 12 Lite is great for watching wide-screen content on. We fired up Ms Marvel on Disney Plus, and it filled up the screen beautifully. That said, 16:9 shows sport a fair bit more letterboxing, so aren’t quite as immersive, and if you’re a retro-gaming fan who plays 4:3 reboots like Final Fantasy IX, pictured above, expect hefty black bars either side of your content.
Thanks to a smooth 120Hz refresh rate which you can dial up or down manually, everything looks fluid when gliding through the software, Instagram or T3.com. The touch sampling rate of 240Hz means the 12 Lite is responsive too – it’s great for gaming.
Xiaomi crams in a lot of screen modes into the 12 Lite, from a Sunlight mode that fires up the phone’s peak 950-nit brightness outdoors, through to reading mode, and the ability to tune the screen’s colour balance to match your tastes. We had no issues making out what was on-screen on a sunny day, and if you find you do struggle, switch on Auto-Brightness and Sunlight mode to give your screen a boost.
Just like the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, the Xiaomi 12 Lite fits a pair of stereo speakers on either side of the screen, which matched with Dolby Atmos spatial audio technology, gave us high hopes for the phone’s sound. In reality, while fine for the price, the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s speakers grate at higher volumes, so you’ll definitely need a pair of wireless headphones to get the best experience.
Xiaomi 12 Lite review: Cameras
Just like the Vivo V21 5G, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is going after selfie-lovers, with its high-spec front camera. Sporting a 32-megapixel resolution and f/2.45 lens, the camera’s secret selfie weapons are autofocus – missing from most front cameras – and two LED lights subtly tucked away in the screen’s bezel.
The Xiaomi 12 Lite’s main triple camera setup consists of a 108MP main camera with an f/1.9 lens, an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 lens and 120º field of view, and a 2MP macro camera.
