Welcome to the very first edition of Fun with Function! Today, we’re diving into the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G – the phone that’s as flashy as it is frustrating. Let’s break it down!
1) Display
Ah, the display. It’s the phone’s shining star 🌟 (literally, at 1500 nits!). With punchy colors and deep blacks, it’s a visual treat. The 120Hz refresh rate makes things smooth, and the curved design adds that premium ooh-la-la factor. Outdoor visibility? ✅. The in-display fingerprint sensor? Snappy and fast. But, unfortunately, that's where the good news ends!
2) Build & Design
This phone’s got the feels – premium glass back, solid build, and a lightweight feel at just 205g (without the back cover). It’s as if Xiaomi really wanted you to fall in love with the design... so that you don’t notice what comes next. 😏
3) Rear Camera
The rear camera? It’s good – but not groundbreaking. Expect solid photos, but don’t hold your breath for DSLR-level magic. It’ll do the job, but you won’t be writing home about it. 📸
4) Battery
Houston, we have a problem. 🚨 Despite its 4500mAh battery, the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G struggles to keep up. A maximum of 4 hours screen-on-time as a normal user with 5G and Wi-Fi always on? I’m not a gamer, but even I need more juice. This battery drains faster than an open water tap. 💧
5) Connectivity
Thankfully, the connectivity is solid! Whether it’s mobile networks, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth – Xiaomi kept this one together. At least you can stay connected while your phone’s battery gasps for breath. 😅
6) Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip? Well... let’s just say it’s the tech equivalent of biting into a burger and finding out it’s all lettuce. 🥬 It performs fine for basic tasks, but the moment you push it, it gets hot enough to fry an egg. Even watching YouTube or scrolling Instagram can turn this into a mini heater. 🔥
7) Thermal
Speaking of heat, you’d think you’re holding a portable stovetop. The phone hit 48°C, making it the perfect hand warmer during winter, but not so great when you’re trying to watch a video. 🥵
8) Charging
Thankfully, there’s a bright spot here: 120W fast charging. 💨 From 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes! It’s almost as if Xiaomi knew you’d need that fast recharge after battling the battery’s quick drain. At least the charging experience is chef’s kiss. 😌
After two years, this device hasn’t aged well – greenline issues, overheating, battery woes, and a disappointing performance from that 8 Gen 1 chip. This one’s definitely not a keeper. In fact, it’s such a mess that it’s been relegated to my secondary device. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, unless you want a phone that doubles as a personal heater.
Verdict: Xiaomi and Samsung dropped the ball on this one – it’s a no from me. ❌ Save your money for something that won’t fry itself after an Insta scroll!