Should You Upgrade from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 13?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 13, 2 years apart.
Probably not — keep your Xiaomi 12
The Xiaomi 13 is 2 years newer than the Xiaomi 12, and the BeastScore drops from 85.2 to 83.1. The biggest improvements: 0.1" larger screen, 800 nits brighter peak display, longer optical zoom (+1x). Trade-offs to know: performance rated 10 points lower, 4 gb less ram.
What you gain with the Xiaomi 13
- +0.1" larger screen
- +800 nits brighter peak display
- +Longer optical zoom (+1x)
What you give up
- −Performance rated 10 points lower
- −4 GB less RAM
- −6 g heavier
- −Launched $150 more expensive
| Spec | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 13 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 85.2 | 83.1 | −2.1 |
| Performance score | 90 | 80 | −10 (11%) |
| Camera score | 91 | 91 | No real change |
| Battery score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Display score | 86 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 4,500 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 67W | 67W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 50W | 50W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.4" | +0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,100 nits | 1,900 nits | +800 nits (73%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| Optical zoom | 2x | 3x | +1x (50%) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | −4 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 179 g | 185 g | +6 g (3%) |
| Launch price | $749 | $899 | +$150 (20%) |
Upgrade if…
- You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 13: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 13?
Probably not — keep your Xiaomi 12. The Xiaomi 13 is 2 years newer than the Xiaomi 12, and the BeastScore drops from 85.2 to 83.1. The biggest improvements: 0.1" larger screen, 800 nits brighter peak display, longer optical zoom (+1x). Trade-offs to know: performance rated 10 points lower, 4 gb less ram.
What is the biggest difference between the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 13?
0.1" larger screen: 6.3" on the Xiaomi 12 vs 6.4" on the Xiaomi 13.
Does the Xiaomi 13 have a bigger battery than the Xiaomi 12?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (4,500 mAh vs 4,500 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Xiaomi 13?
Upgrade if: You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.