The Xiaomi T series is, without a doubt, one of the most relevant in the brand’s catalogue. And this new generation is no exception. Both the Xiaomi 12T Pro and the standard model reach the western market to cover that market niche between 500-800 dollars to which many buyers go who are looking for a superior experience than usual –considering that the bulk of mobile phones that are sold are below that barrier– but do not want or need to pay close to or above one thousand dollars.
The price of this product line also tends to fall after several months on sale, leaving an even juicier window for the potential buyer. We do not know if the same thing will happen this year – the global economic situation is adverse – but, if it happens, it will undoubtedly benefit the Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro.
For the time being, as a launch promotion, the brand has announced an aggressive bundle composed by:
- A Redmi Pad (valued at $348) as a gift for all those who buy a Xiaomi 12T Pro – which starts at $749 – until October 12.
- Some Redmi Buds 4 Pro (valued at $99) as a gift for all those who buy a Xiaomi 12T – which starts at $599 – until October 12.
Some bundles that make up a clear price increase compared to the previous generation. The Xiaomi 11T Pro, let’s remember, went on sale for $699, while the standard 11T went for $499. That is: $100 more in the case of the standard model, $50 more in the case of the Pro model.
The explanation behind this rise? Difficult to determine a single factor. The economic context probably has a lot to say on this. If we look at the exchange rate between the yen and the euro, a clear negative trend for European citizens is identified. But it is not the only factor: widespread inflation, which is closely related, may also have played a role.
A 200 megapixel camera as a hook
To appeal to potential buyers, Xiaomi has gone for the old megapixel trick. Specifically, this mobile has 200 megapixels in its main sensor. But as many know, more megapixels doesn’t necessarily equate to a superior camera. And this is a perfect case to prove it. In the brief tests that we have been able to do, the results have been good, but they are not the best in the sector, as more than one might think when reading that it has 200 megapixels.
By default, in fact, the phone does pixel-binning, so the resulting image is not 200 megapixels as more than one might think. To shoot at that resolution, like on other phones, you need to activate a specific mode. However, except in exceptional cases, it is most likely not a good idea.
Images take up more space and, in complex situations, opting for the pixel-binning It probably helps to improve behavior in other areas that are more decisive than the resolution itself.
Alongside this main camera, we have an 8-megapixel wide-angle as well as a 2-megapixel macro camera. In this last, the brand has taken a step back from the 11T Pro, which had a 5-megapixel macro camera.
On the other hand, Xiaomi offers a zoom 2x digital lens that takes advantage of the high resolution of the main sensor to perform this magnification without noticeable loss of quality.
Hardware that lives up to expectations
The screen, on the other hand, is AMOLED, reaches 120 Hz and supports standards such as Dolby Vision. It is a panel, in general, according to its range. Of course: the maximum brightness is less than that of the Xiaomi 11T Pro: we went from a peak from 1000 nits to one of 900.
Under said screen is a fingerprint reader, which is a clear step forward compared to the 11T’s side sensor. This makes it more accessible by any finger as well as more comfortable for left-handed people.
The screen, by the way, is completely flat. The frames that surround it, in addition, have practically the same thickness, which is appreciated. No pronounced barbels that break the visual symmetry of the product.
As far as performance is concerned, Xiaomi has implemented in this Xiaomi 12T Pro the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Qualcomm’s latest SoC for mobile phones. This is one of the benchmark chips in the world of Android phones.
And, in addition, the Plus version brings clear improvements in terms of efficiency – it consumes less and heats up less – for which it is appreciated that Xiaomi has implemented it instead of the original variant.
Under this chip is located a 5,000mAh battery accompanied by a charging system of up to 120 watts of power. A savagery that allows you to fully recharge your phone in less than half an hour. The brand also includes the necessary adapter in the product box, which is a plus.
Is the Xiaomi 12T Pro worth it?
The Xiaomi 12T Pro is, for yet another year, one of the main options to consider in its price range. It has a great processor, a simple but well resolved design, a good quality screen, a solvent main camera, a first-rate fast charging system, etc.
That yes: he is not alone. And the price advantage that it had on other occasions is not there this year. Phones like the Realme GT2 Pro or the future Pixel 7 – which would be positioned in the same price window, according to some leaks – are two alternatives to consider.
Also the iPhone 13 or the S22. Choosing between one or the other is, in the end, a personal matter.
What I do recommend is, in case you lean towards this product, take advantage of the introductory offer. Whether you are interested in the Redmi Pad or not. You can keep it or, on the contrary, sell it to cushion the cost of the phone. But if you can take it as a gift, take advantage of it.