Should You Upgrade from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 15?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 15, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Xiaomi 15 is a worthwhile upgrade
The Xiaomi 15 is 3 years newer than the Xiaomi 12, and the BeastScore rises from 85.2 to 87.6. The biggest improvements: battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 4 points higher, 740 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 12 g heavier, launched $150 more expensive.
What you gain with the Xiaomi 15
- +Battery rated 8 points higher
- +Display rated 4 points higher
- +740 mAh bigger battery
- +23W faster wired charging
- +0.1" larger screen
- +2,100 nits brighter peak display
- +Longer optical zoom (+1x)
What you give up
- −12 g heavier
- −Launched $150 more expensive
| Spec | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 15 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 85.2 | 87.6 | +2.4 (3%) |
| Performance score | 90 | 90 | No real change |
| Camera score | 91 | 91 | No real change |
| Battery score | 80 | 88 | +8 (10%) |
| Display score | 86 | 90 | +4 (5%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 5,240 mAh | +740 mAh (16%) |
| Wired charging | 67W | 90W | +23W (34%) |
| 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 | 3,200 nits | +2,100 nits (191%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| Optical zoom | 2x | 3x | +1x (50%) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 179 g | 191 g | +12 g (7%) |
| Launch price | $749 | $899 | +$150 (20%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Xiaomi 12 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 15: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Xiaomi 12 to the Xiaomi 15?
Yes — the Xiaomi 15 is a worthwhile upgrade. The Xiaomi 15 is 3 years newer than the Xiaomi 12, and the BeastScore rises from 85.2 to 87.6. The biggest improvements: battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 4 points higher, 740 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 12 g heavier, launched $150 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 15?
Battery rated 8 points higher: 80 on the Xiaomi 12 vs 88 on the Xiaomi 15.
Does the Xiaomi 15 have a bigger battery than the Xiaomi 12?
The Xiaomi 15 has a 5,240 mAh battery versus 4,500 mAh on the Xiaomi 12 (+740 mAh (16%)).
Who should upgrade to the Xiaomi 15?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Xiaomi 12 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.