Xiaomi 12S vs Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
The Xiaomi 12S (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. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads — 92/100 vs 63/100 (a 29-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 1,381,634); the Xiaomi 12S is noticeably lighter (179g vs 235g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Xiaomi 12S
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
What makes Xiaomi 12S better?
- Lighter: 179g vs 235g
- Better portability (69/100 vs 33/100)
What makes Xiaomi 18 Pro Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 5001234 vs 1381634
- Better Geekbench Single: 4327 vs 1761
- Better Geekbench Multi: 12873 vs 4688
- Bigger battery: 8500 vs 4500 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 67W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (100/100 vs 71/100)
- Better camera (100/100 vs 44/100)
- Longer battery life (92/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Xiaomi 12S vs the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max scores 29 points higher (92/100 vs 63/100). In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (100/100 vs 71/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (100/100 vs 44/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads (92/100 vs 57/100). In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Xiaomi 12S (100/100 vs 71/100). 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 12S (100/100 vs 44/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12S (92/100 vs 57/100). In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 12S significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max (69/100 vs 33/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Xiaomi 12S | Xiaomi 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 | |
| AnTuTu | 1381634 | 5001234 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1761 | 4327 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4688 | 12873 | |
| Display | 6.3" AMOLED | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1208x2624 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 8500 mAh | |
| Charging | 67W | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | 50W | 50W | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 5 MP | 200 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | 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 | 179 g | 235 g | |
| Launch price | — | $986 |
Camera comparison
Xiaomi 12S
- Main: 50MP f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Telephoto: 5MP
- Front: 32MP
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 200MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Xiaomi 12S
- 6.3" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 1208x2624
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Xiaomi 12S
- 4500 mAh
- Wired: 67W
- Wireless: 50W
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max
- 8500 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless: 50W
Overall performance score
We compared Xiaomi 12S and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads Xiaomi 12S by 72.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Xiaomi 12S
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Xiaomi 12S (100/100 vs 71/100).
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 12S (100/100 vs 44/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12S (92/100 vs 57/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 12S significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max (69/100 vs 33/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Xiaomi 12S or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 12S by 29 points (92/100 vs 63/100).
What is the rating of the Xiaomi 12S and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 12S has a MobileRank rating of 63/100, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max — 92/100.
Which has the better camera: the Xiaomi 12S or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads on camera score (100/100 vs 44/100).
Which is more powerful: the Xiaomi 12S or the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leads on performance (100/100 vs 71/100).
Should you choose the Xiaomi 12S over the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 12S 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.