Xiaomi has been known to shake up the smartphone market every now and again. Just recently, they announced the Xiaomi 12S Ultra which brings a large 1-inch sensor and Leica imaging technology to their flagships. Now, the company is supercharging their Lite series with features that make other mid-range smartphones cry.
The freshly announced Xiaomi 12 Lite completes the current Xiaomi 12 lineup. It brings a more restrained combination of specifications while keeping it more affordable but feature-packed. The 12 Lite is one of the lightest smartphones coming in at only 173g (6.1oz). It’s also one of the sleekest available right now with a 7.29mm thickness. It’s a rather industrial device with an angular body and rounded corners. Of course, like all modern smartphones, the 12 Lite comes with a multicamera setup.
Impressive Camera Performance with a 108-megapixel Sensor and Xiaomi’s Own AI
The Mi 12 Lite comes with a triple camera setup which is accented on the back by metal rings. The main sensor is a 108-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor. Yep – the same one we’ve seen on flagships like the S21 and Xiaomi 11. Complementing this is an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Of course, the sensor is not thing doing the work when it comes to the camera. Xiaomi has imbued its MIUI camera with AI and features that up the ante in the midrange. Specifically, the Xiaomi 12 Lite will be shipping with AI-powered eye tracking and even motion capture.
On the front, the smartphone is coming with a 32-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL GD2 sensor with autofocus. That’s right, the front camera of the Xiaomi 12 Lite comes with autofocus – something that is nearly unheard of at its price point and even in its device class. This is supported by Xiaomi’s own algorithm that optimises things like depth estimation and HDR colouration to give vibrant pictures and milky smooth bokeh. Xiaomi has also equipped the 12 Lite with a new Selfie Glow System which helps illuminate subjects in front of the sensor. The system consists of 2 strips of LED lights that are able to flood the subject with light. It also can act as a highlighting light under the right conditions.
Uncompromising Power with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
The Xiaomi 12 Lite comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G. The octa-core processor packs performance and power savings with its 6nm fabrication. This is complemented with up to 8GB and 256GB of internal storage.
In addition to the power-packed internals, the 12 Lite comes with a 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a 20:9 aspect ratio and an FHD+ resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. The display is a TrueColor display which can provide a more true-to-life-reproduction of colours. The phone also comes with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision certifications in addition to its stereo speakers.
All of this runs on a 4,700mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. Xiaomi is touting that fast charging will allow you to go from 0-50% in 30 minutes. Smart charging provides some protection for overnight charging by charging from 0-80% rapidly and slowly to 100% by the time you unplug in the morning.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi 12 Lite will be available in three colours: Lite Pink, Lite Green and Black. In Malaysia, it will be available with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal memory and 8GB RAM and 256GB internal memory versions. The former will be priced at MYR1,699 while the latter will be priced at MYR1,899.
The 12 Lite will be available for pre-order starting on the 19th of August until the 26th of August 2022. Pre-orders will be entitled to an MYR100 discount. Those done via Xiaomi Stores will get an additional MYR299 of freebies including a Xiaomi Shoulder Bag, Xiaomi Sports Bottle and a Mi Body Composition scale. While those done on Xiaomi’s online stores on Shopee and LAZADA will be entitled to a free Redmi Buds 3 Lite worth MYR99.
