Xiaomi 12T Vs Xiaomi 13T Pro

Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T
Starting at

Refurbished price:138.00

Versus €649.00 new

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Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:241.00

Versus €900.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Xiaomi 12T, released in October 2022, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro, launched in September 2023, are smartphones from Xiaomi's T-series, designed to offer advanced features. While both devices share a commitment to fast charging and high-resolution displays, the 13T Pro introduces notable enhancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and overall durability, reflecting its newer generation status.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These factors determine how long a device remains secure and compatible with new applications.

  • Release Timeline: The Xiaomi 12T was released in October 2022, while the Xiaomi 13T Pro followed in September 2023. This nearly one-year difference gives the 13T Pro an inherent advantage in terms of future software support and overall longevity.
  • Software Longevity: The Xiaomi 12T is expected to receive three major Android OS updates, bringing it up to Android 15, and four years of security updates, extending until late 2026. In contrast, the Xiaomi 13T Pro benefits from a more extended policy, promising four major Android OS updates (up to Android 17) and five years of security patches, reaching until late 2028.
  • Durability Features: The Xiaomi 12T features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and has an IP53 rating, indicating protection against dust and light splashes. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its display but offers a more robust IP68 rating, signifying greater resistance to dust and water immersion.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices are equipped to handle daily tasks efficiently, but their internal components lead to differences in how they manage demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Xiaomi 12T is powered by a processor that capably handles everyday applications and provides a smooth user experience for most tasks. The Xiaomi 13T Pro, featuring a newer generation processor, offers enhanced performance, resulting in quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more fluid experience with graphically intensive games and applications.
  • Storage and RAM: The Xiaomi 12T typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers more generous configurations, starting with 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology. This larger RAM and faster storage contribute to improved system responsiveness and efficiency, particularly for users who frequently switch between many applications or store large files.
  • Battery Behavior: Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery and support 120W fast charging, allowing for rapid recharges. Users of the Xiaomi 12T generally report good battery life, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also offers good battery endurance, with some users noting that while the battery life is above average, the extremely fast charging significantly compensates for any heavy usage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with some distinctions in their specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Xiaomi 12T and 13T Pro feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, providing sharp and detailed visuals. AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Xiaomi 12T offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. It achieves a typical brightness of 500 nits, with a peak brightness of 900 nits, making it suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The Xiaomi 13T Pro elevates this with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering even smoother motion. Its display is also significantly brighter, reaching 1200 nits typical brightness and an impressive 2600 nits peak brightness, which greatly improves visibility in bright sunlight.
  • Color and HDR Support: Both displays support HDR10+, with the 13T Pro additionally featuring Dolby Vision, which can provide a more dynamic and color-accurate viewing experience for compatible content.

Resolution

1220 x 2712

1220 x 2712

Screen type

AMOLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices are designed to capture a range of moments, with the newer model introducing enhancements and specialized optics.

  • Main Camera System: The Xiaomi 12T features a 108 MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens. Users generally find the main camera capable of good photos in adequate lighting. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a 50 MP main camera with OIS, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, benefiting from Leica co-engineered optics. This setup provides more versatility, particularly with the dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: While the Xiaomi 12T's main camera performs well in good light, its low-light performance and the quality of its ultrawide and macro lenses are considered average by some users. It supports 4K video recording at 30fps. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers improved low-light photography and enhanced video recording capabilities, including 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, providing more options for content creators.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices include a 20 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. They also feature stereo speakers, delivering a good audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

20 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Xiaomi 12T includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The Xiaomi 13T Pro upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Both models feature an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Xiaomi 12T has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), a plastic frame, and a glass back. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and offers options for a glass or silicone polymer back, with a plastic frame. The dimensions and weight are similar, with the 12T measuring 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm and weighing 202g, and the 13T Pro at 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (glass) / 8.6 mm (silicone polymer) and weighing 200g (glass) / 206g (silicone polymer).

Weight

220 g

200 g

Screen size (in)

6.67

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Xiaomi 12T often highlights its strong battery life, exceptionally fast charging, and a smooth display as key advantages. Some users appreciate its performance for everyday tasks and even light gaming, noting its ability to handle demanding applications without significant overheating. Criticisms sometimes point to the ultrawide and macro cameras being less impressive than the main sensor, and some users have reported occasional software quirks or aggressive background app management.

For the Xiaomi 13T Pro, common praise includes its powerful performance, the significantly brighter and smoother display, and the improved camera system, particularly with the inclusion of a telephoto lens and Leica tuning. The IP68 water and dust resistance is also a frequently cited benefit. However, some users have noted that while the hardware is strong, the camera software might not always deliver flagship-level consistency, and some have experienced Bluetooth connectivity issues or aggressive battery optimizations.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software support window, enhanced durability against water and dust, and a more versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens will find the Xiaomi 13T Pro well-suited to their needs. Its higher peak brightness also benefits those who frequently use their phone outdoors. Conversely, users seeking a reliable smartphone with excellent battery life, very fast charging, and strong performance for general use, without needing the absolute latest in camera technology or the highest level of water resistance, may find the Xiaomi 12T to be a capable option. Both devices offer a compelling experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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