小米 12s pro Review: 5G Smartphone with Powerful Cameras and Long Battery Life

The 小米 12s pro is a 5G smartphone that packs a punch with its powerful cameras and long battery life. It's perfect for capturing stunning photos and staying connected on the go.

Its camera system is a highlight of the device, with a quad-camera setup that includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 20MP front camera, and a range of other features like optical zoom and ultra-wide-angle shooting.

The 小米 12s pro also boasts an impressive battery life, with a 4500mAh battery that provides all-day power. This means you can use your phone to its full potential without worrying about running out of juice.

Suggestion: Xiao Mi 12s Ultra

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's display is a highlight of the phone, featuring a 6.73-inch LTPO 2.0 OLED panel with a QHD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.

The display brightness is at a good level, reaching a maximum of 841 cd/m², although it falls short of the manufacturer-specified level of 1,500 nits. In comparison to Samsung competitors, the Xiaomi 12S Pro's brightness is significantly lower.

A fresh viewpoint: Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro

The OLED panel has a fairly high frequency of 121 to 364 Hz for brightness control, which is a bit unusual for an OLED panel. The brightness distribution is also less than 80%, possibly due to a display fault with our test unit.

Here's a comparison of the display performance of the Xiaomi 12S Pro with other smartphones:

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's display shows very fast response rates, with a response time of 1.5 ms for black to white transitions and 1.6 ms for 50% grey to 80% grey transitions. These response times are better than the average of all tested devices, making the screen well-suited for fast-paced gaming.

The 小米 12s pro has a powerful performance that's hard to ignore. It's equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, which provides a smooth and seamless user experience.

This chip is paired with up to 12GB of RAM, making it perfect for multitasking and running demanding apps. The phone's performance is further enhanced by its fast charging capabilities, with support for up to 120W charging.

The camera system on the 小米 12s pro is also a highlight, with a 50MP primary sensor that captures stunning images and videos. The camera app is also feature-rich, with options like night mode, portrait mode, and more.

Qualcomm SoC Performance is a crucial aspect of a smartphone's overall performance. The Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12 Pro both feature high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, which offers a faster CPU clock speed compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Specifically, it features 1 x 3.2 GHz, 3 x 2.75 GHz, and 4 x 2 GHz cores.

One of the benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is its improved GPU performance. In the case of the Xiaomi 12S Pro, the Adreno 730 GPU operates at a speed of 900 MHz, which is 80 MHz faster than the 820 MHz speed of the Xiaomi 12 Pro.

Here's a comparison of the CPU and GPU performance between the two devices:

The improved performance of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12S Pro translates to better gaming performance. In 3DMark Wild Life, the Xiaomi 12S Pro achieved a score of 10061, which is 8.19% higher than the Xiaomi 12 Pro's score of 9299.

Explore further: Xiaomi Mi Note 2

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has a triple-camera setup, just like the Xiaomi 12 Pro.

The main camera is based on the Sony IMX 707, which produces very good picture quality with many details and vibrant colors.

However, the dynamic range could be slightly higher, and the color accuracy has some outliers.

The ultrawide angle camera offers decent sharpness, but it drops off compared to the main camera.

The lens curving is corrected cleanly, but the details could have been reproduced better.

The 2x optical zoom is convincing, but higher zoom levels and digital enlargements result in poor detail and an artificial look.

The 50-MP lens is used for the main camera, portrait camera, and ultrawide angle camera.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has a large 4600 mAh battery, which is more than enough for daily use. It also supports 120 W speed charge, making it a great option for those who need a quick top-up.

The phone's battery life is impressive, with a 34% drop after two and a half hours of demanding gaming in the highest image quality. This means you can enjoy over seven hours of demanding gameplay and 10 hours of streaming video playback.

The 12S Pro's fast charging feature is also noteworthy, taking only 23 minutes to charge from 20% to full using the 120 W charger that comes in the box. This is a significant improvement over other charging speeds.

Here's a comparison of the Xiaomi 12S Pro's battery life with other smartphones in the same class:

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has a large 4600 mAh battery that lasts a long time, even in demanding situations. This is thanks to its efficient battery life and fast charging capabilities.

The phone's battery life is impressive, lasting 13.5 hours in our WLAN test under realistic conditions. This is a good result, but it's worth noting that the 12S Ultra lasts 150 minutes longer.

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 12S Pro is its fast charging capabilities. The phone comes with a 120 W charger that can recharge the battery from 20% to 40% in just 4 minutes. To give you an idea of just how fast this is, it takes only 23 minutes to recharge the battery from 20% to 100% when you close all apps.

The phone's power consumption is also relatively low, especially when compared to other devices. In idle mode, the phone consumes an average of 1.2 watts, which is lower than the average of 1.423 watts for smartphones in the last two years.

Here's a comparison of the power consumption of the Xiaomi 12S Pro with other devices:

As you can see, the Xiaomi 12S Pro has a relatively low power consumption, especially when compared to the average of class smartphones. This makes it a great choice for users who want a device that can last all day without needing to be recharged.

As lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, they release toxic chemicals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt into the environment.

The production of these batteries is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with the extraction and processing of raw materials requiring large amounts of energy.

In fact, the production of a single lithium-ion battery can generate up to 150 kilograms of CO2 equivalent emissions.

Most of these emissions come from the mining and processing of lithium, which requires massive amounts of electricity to extract and refine.

The good news is that many manufacturers are now exploring more sustainable and environmentally friendly battery production methods.

Some companies are even experimenting with closed-loop recycling systems that can recover up to 95% of a battery's materials.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro supports access to the mobile 5G network and 18 LTE bands, but unfortunately, bands 20 and 28 are not included, which can be a limitation for users in Germany.

The smartphone offers WiFi 6E, which provides high-speed internet connectivity, but our test results show that it doesn't quite live up to expectations, with transfer rates of up to 947 Mbit/s.

The device also supports dual-SIM with dual-VoLTE, according to the manufacturer, but we were unable to find a WiFi calling option in the settings.

Here's a comparison of the Xiaomi 12S Pro's internet speeds with other smartphones in our test:

The Xiaomi 12S Pro also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro supports access to the mobile 5G network and 18 LTE bands, but unfortunately, it doesn't include bands 20 and 28, which are important for use in Germany.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's 5G capabilities are a significant aspect of its connectivity features. The device's 5G support allows for faster data transfer rates and lower latency compared to 4G networks.

Check this out: Poco M7 Pro 5G

In terms of WLAN, the Xiaomi 12S Pro offers WiFi 6E, which is sufficient for transfer rates higher than 900 Mbit/s when combined with a high-end router like the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000. However, this is lower than what a global 12 Pro can achieve in the same setup.

Here's a comparison of the Xiaomi 12S Pro's WiFi 6E performance with other devices:

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's WiFi 6E performance is lower than the Xiaomi 12 Pro's, but still competitive with other high-end devices. The device's WiFi 6E capabilities are a significant aspect of its connectivity features, allowing for fast and reliable data transfer rates.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has decent voice quality, but it lacks a WiFi calling option in the settings. This means you won't be able to make voice calls over the internet using a WiFi connection.

The phone does support dual-SIM with dual-VoLTE, according to the manufacturer. This allows you to use two SIM cards at the same time, but it's not clear if this feature is widely supported.

The phone has a 120Hz refresh rate, which should provide a smooth display experience. This is a notable feature that can enhance your overall user experience.

The phone's display quality is not explicitly mentioned, but the performance and operating system are based on Android 12 with Miui 13.

A different take: Apple I Phone 16 Pro

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has two speakers that can produce a maximum volume of 85 dB, which is relatively loud.

Music fans will appreciate the extensive support of codecs such as aptX, aptX HD, AAC, LDAC, and LHDC.

The speakers have a linear frequency reproduction for the mids, but the drop in super high frequencies is small.

The bass output is nearly non-existent, with an average of 23% lower than the median, which is a significant drawback.

The linearity of the bass is average, with an 11.1% delta to the previous frequency.

The mids, on the other hand, are balanced and linear, with only a 4.4% deviation from the median.

Compared to other devices in the same class, 26% were better, 8% similar, and 66% worse.

In comparison to all devices tested, 46% were better, 8% similar, and 47% worse.

On a similar theme: 小米 Mix Fold 4

The Xiaomi smartphone without IP rating is a notable difference from its Ultra model counterpart. It doesn't offer any IP certification, leaving us wondering if it can withstand rain showers.

The manufacturer might use a nano coating from P2i, similar to other models, but this is unclear. This coating would allow the phone to survive a rain shower without issues.

A slim seal around the SIM tray, made from plastic, is a feature of this phone. This seal provides some level of protection against water and dust.

The punch hole in front gives the Xiaomi smartphone slim display bezels and an efficient display-to-surface ratio of almost 90%. This design choice allows for a larger screen area.

Gorilla Glass Victus is used on both the front and back of the phone, providing added protection against scratches and drops.

Related reading: CMF Phone 2 Pro

The 小米 12s pro comes with a range of software and accessories that enhance its overall performance and user experience.

The phone features MIUI 13, a user-friendly interface that offers a seamless and intuitive experience. This operating system is designed to provide a smooth and lag-free performance, making it perfect for heavy users.

The phone also comes with a range of accessories, including a high-quality charger that can charge the battery up to 100% in just 67 minutes.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro runs on Android 12, which is the latest version of Google's operating system at the time of our test.

The device's security patches are up to date as of July 2022, providing a secure foundation for your smartphone experience.

MIUI version 13 is installed on top of Android, offering a unique user interface and features.

However, it's worth noting that the update warranty for the Xiaomi 12 series, which includes three large Android updates and four years of security updates, is unclear for the China-exclusive model.

You can easily install Google services later if you need them, unlike Huawei smartphones which have more restrictive software.

Explore further: Android Auto Torque Pro

The Xiaomi 12S Pro comes with a few nice extras in the box. A USB cable and a protective cover are included.

You'll also get a modular 120-Watt Chinese charger, which is a great feature for fast charging.

If you're in Germany, TradingShenzhen will throw in a EU adapter for your outlets.

The warranty period for the Xiaomi 12S Pro is 12 months.

If you need to send your device back for warranty, you can have it shipped to a German address with TradingShenzhen's test unit.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has four different versions of UFS storage, with options for 8 GB + 128/256 GB, 12 + 256 /512 GB.

You can choose from these versions to get the right amount of storage space for your needs. The internal eMMC storage in our test unit had a capacity of 256 GB, but only about 224 GB was available to the user in the state of delivery.

Storage expansion is not supported via microSD cards, so if 224 GB isn't enough, you'll need to opt for a larger storage version. You can connect a storage stick to the USB-C port using an OTG adapter.

The USB port supports the 2.0 standard for data transfer.

Broaden your view: Google Pixel 7 Pro Storage

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to gaming. It runs on Qualcomm's latest flagship processor, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1+, which excels in performance.

The phone's ability to handle demanding games like Genshin Impact is impressive. We played it for almost two hours under the highest graphic preset, and it rarely dropped frames, with the phone temperature remaining relatively consistent.

The phone's display is also a highlight, offering a 6.73-inch punch-hole display with 3200 x 1440 pixels and a high 120 Hz refresh rate. This makes for a better experience when watching videos, especially in bright, sunny environments.

In fact, the display can achieve a 1,500-nit peak and a 1,000-nit general maximum brightness, making it perfect for outdoor use. We tested it in bright lighting conditions, and it offered decent display quality with normal color and no overheating issues.

The phone's dual speaker with Dolby Atmos also enhances the entertainment experience, making it a great choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.

Here's a comparison of the Xiaomi 12S Pro's performance in the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test:

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's performance is impressive, especially when compared to the Xiaomi 12 Pro, which shows a significant drop in stability.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is a slightly improved version of the 12 Pro, with a more efficient chipset that offers a slightly longer battery life.

In our tests, the 12S Pro was able to produce a higher performance overall at similar throttling levels, but the differences are mostly in the details.

The adaptive control of the refresh rates now reaches a minimum of 1 Hz in the 12S Pro, whereas the 12 Pro only goes as low as 10 Hz.

In the high-end smartphone market, several devices compete with the Xiaomi 12S Pro. The Xiaomi 12S Pro has a rating of 88% from v7, dated 09/2022.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a notable competitor, with a rating of 87.6% from v7, dated 02/2022. It has the same weight as the Xiaomi 12S Pro, at 204 g.

OnePlus 10T is another competitor, with a rating of 87% from v7, dated 08/2022. It has a slightly smaller screen size, at 6.70".

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ is a strong competitor, with a rating of 88.9% from v7, dated 05/2022. It has a slightly smaller screen size and resolution compared to the Xiaomi 12S Pro.

Here's a comparison of the key competitors:

In the realm of online storage, price is a significant factor in making a decision. The prices of the three services we compared vary greatly, with Google Drive's 100GB plan costing $1.99 per month, while Dropbox's 200GB plan costs $11.99 per month.

The most affordable option is Google Drive, with its 100GB plan priced at $1.99 per month. This is significantly cheaper than the other two services, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Pricing plans for Microsoft OneDrive include a 1TB plan for $6.99 per month, which is a good option for those who need a lot of storage space. However, it's worth noting that this plan is still more expensive than Google Drive's 100GB plan.

Ultimately, the choice of online storage service will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for an affordable option with plenty of storage space, Google Drive may be the way to go.

For another approach, see: Disconnect Google Drive from Mac

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is a solid choice for those looking for a high-performance smartphone.

It's worth noting that the 12S Pro is an improved version of the 12 Pro, with a more efficient chipset that leads to slightly longer battery life.

However, the differences between the two phones are mostly in the details, such as the adaptive control of the refresh rates, which now reaches a minimum of 1 Hz in the 12S Pro.

The 12 Pro, on the other hand, offers better WLAN speed.

One thing to keep in mind is that the 12S Pro still has some issues with overheating, despite its more efficient chipset.

The phone's cooling system is not as effective as some of its competitors in the same price segment.

It's surprising that a high-end smartphone like the 12S Pro still uses USB 2.0, especially considering that many other phones in this price range offer faster connectivity.

Overall, the Xiaomi 12S Pro is a good smartphone, but it's not without its limitations.

For another approach, see: Iqoo 12 Pro

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's input and output features are quite impressive. The capacitive touchscreen recognizes up to ten touch points simultaneously, making navigation a breeze.

The refresh rate of 120 Hz and the input sampling rate of 240 Hz are significantly higher than the standard 60-Hz mark, resulting in a very responsive 6.73-inch OLED panel.

The vibration motor delivers a good haptic feedback, working at a high quality level. This makes the phone feel premium in your hand.

Below the display is an optical fingerprint sensor, which recognizes the finger reliably, even though it isn't the fastest.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro has its downsides, and one of them is that it's not as water-resistant as some of its competitors.

It's a bit of a letdown, especially considering its predecessor, the Mi 11 Ultra, had some impressive features.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro's battery capacity is less than 5000mAh, which might not be enough for heavy users.

This is a notable drawback, especially for those who rely on their phone's battery life throughout the day.

The phone also uses USB 2.0 instead of the faster USB 3.1, which can be a bit of a disappointment for those who want faster data transfer speeds.