Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
The Xiaomi 12 (2022) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6; launch prices were $750 and $986. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads — 92/100 vs 64/100 (a 28-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (8500 mAh vs 4500); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is faster in AnTuTu (5,001,234 vs 1,322,176); the Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter (180g vs 235g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Xiaomi 12
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
What makes Xiaomi 12 better?
- Lighter: 180g vs 235g
- Cheaper at launch: $750 vs $986
- Better portability (69/100 vs 33/100)
What makes Xiaomi 18 Pro Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 5001234 vs 1322176
- Better Geekbench Single: 4327 vs 1662
- Better Geekbench Multi: 12873 vs 4188
- Bigger battery: 8500 vs 4500 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 67W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (100/100 vs 68/100)
- Better camera (100/100 vs 52/100)
- Longer battery life (92/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Xiaomi 12 vs the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max scores 28 points higher (92/100 vs 64/100). In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (100/100 vs 68/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (100/100 vs 52/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (92/100 vs 57/100). Value score: Xiaomi 12 — 42/100, Xiaomi 18 Pro Max — 96/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (100/100 vs 68/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100. In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (100/100 vs 52/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (92/100 vs 57/100). In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 12 significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max (69/100 vs 33/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 | |
| AnTuTu | 1322176 | 5001234 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1662 | 4327 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4188 | 12873 | |
| Display | 6.3" AMOLED | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 1208x2624 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 8500 mAh | |
| Charging | 67W | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | 50W | 50W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 113 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 200 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 17 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1100 nits | 4000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68/IP69 | |
| Dimensions | 152.7×69.9×8.2 mm | 163.4×77.6×8.4 mm | |
| Weight | 180 g | 235 g | |
| Launch price | $750 | $986 |
Camera comparison
Xiaomi 12
- Main: 50MP f/1.88
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 32MP
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 200MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Xiaomi 12
- 6.3" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 1208x2624
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Xiaomi 12
- 4500 mAh
- Wired: 67W
- Wireless: 50W
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- 8500 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless: 50W
Overall performance score
We compared Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads Xiaomi 12 by 73.6% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $236. Xiaomi 12 was $236 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (100/100 vs 68/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (100/100 vs 52/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 (92/100 vs 57/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 12 significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max (69/100 vs 33/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Xiaomi 12 or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12 by 28 points (92/100 vs 64/100).
What is the rating of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 12 has a MobileRank rating of 64/100, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max — 92/100.
Which has the better camera: the Xiaomi 12 or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads on camera score (100/100 vs 52/100).
Which is more powerful: the Xiaomi 12 or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads on performance (100/100 vs 68/100).
Should you choose the Xiaomi 12 over the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 12 is a better fit for active users. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.