Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G in 2025: A 3-Year Ownership Review and Honest Used-Buying Guide
I still remember unboxing the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G in May 2022. The phone felt unusually heavy, not bulky, but dense in a way that signaled premium hardware. The Olive Mauve finish caught the light differently than Samsung or OnePlus phones I had used before. Even the 120W charger looked oversized, like Xiaomi was trying to prove a point.
At the time, I had just switched from a Galaxy S10. The jump felt dramatic. Faster charging, a brighter screen, louder speakers, and a camera system that looked serious on paper. Xiaomi was clearly aiming higher than its “value flagship” image.
Three years later, that same phone now lives in my drawer. I still power it on regularly. I use it for beta builds, camera comparisons, and as a backup device when reviewing newer phones. It still works. It still feels fast. But it also tells a more complicated story.
- So in 2025, what is the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G really?
- A smart used-market deal
- A reminder of Xiaomi’s short-lived flagship ambition?
- Or a warning about how hardware ages faster than promises?
This review answers that question from long-term, real-worlduse.
## Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G: Then vs Now (Quick Reality Check)
| Feature | At Launch (2022) | Real Experience in 2025 |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Still fast, but throttles under sustained load |
| Display | 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz LTPO | Remains excellent, even by 2025 standards |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 50MP + 50MP (Sony IMX707 main) | Strong daylight photos, weaker night performance |
| Front Camera | 32MP | Still reliable for video calls and selfies |
| Battery | 4600mAh | Noticeable degradation after 3 years |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | Still industry-leading at used prices |
| Software | MIUI 13 (Android 12) | MIUI 15 on Android 14 |
| Price | ₹62,999–₹66,999 | ₹18,000–₹22,000 used market |
Long-Term Performance: What Time Exposed
In its first year, the Xiaomi 12 Pro behaved like a true flagship. Daily use was smooth. App launches were instant. Camera shutter lag was minimal. Gaming performance was excellent in short bursts.
Problems started showing up in late 2023.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, built on Samsung’s 4nm process, became the phone’s biggest weakness. During extended gaming sessions or 4K video recording, the device would heat up and throttle. Xiaomi addressed this partially through software updates, but the limitation never fully disappeared.
In everyday use, this is not a deal-breaker. But power users will notice it.
Battery Health After Three Years
Battery degradation is unavoidable, but it matters how it shows up.
When new, my unit delivered over 6 hours of screen-on time. In 2025, that number is closer to 4.5 hours on mixed use. This includes social media, browsing, camera use, and occasional video playback.
The saving grace is charging.
The 120W HyperCharge remains impressive even today. From around 5 percent to full charge takes under 20 minutes using Boost mode. This single feature makes living with a degraded battery much easier.
Used-phone warning: battery health varies widely. Always check battery condition before buying.
Software Support: The Slow Fade
Xiaomi promised:* 3 years of Android updates
* 4 years of security patches
As of July 2025, most Xiaomi 12 Pro units are running Android 14 with MIUI 15. Android 15 is uncertain and likely unofficial.
Security updates now arrive quarterly instead of monthly.
For casual users, this is acceptable. For users who care deeply about updates, privacy patches, and long-term app support, this is a limitation you must accept upfront
Camera Performance in 2025
The triple 50MP camera setup was impressive in 2022, especially the Sony IMX707 main sensor.
In 2025:
* Daylight photos remain sharp and natural
* Colors are realistic without heavy processing
* Dynamic range is still competitive
Low-light performance is where age shows. Noise is more visible, and the telephoto lens feels outdated compared to modern periscope systems. Night mode helps, but it no longer leads the segment.
For social media, video calls, and casual photography, the camera is still good. For serious photography enthusiasts, newer phones do better.
Display and Multimedia: Still a Strengt
The 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display remains one of the phone’s strongest assets.
With:
* HDR10+
* Dolby Vision
* High peak brightness
* Adaptive 120Hz refresh
It still outclasses many new phones under ₹30,000. Watching movies, gaming, and reading long articles remains a pleasure.
Stereo speakers are loud and clear, though bass is average by today’s standards.
The Used Market Reality in 2025
You will not find the Xiaomi 12 Pro on Xiaomi’s official store anymore. It is commonly available on:
* Cashify
* OLX
* Amazon Renewed
Prices typically range from ₹18,000 to ₹22,000 depending on condition and storage.
At this price, it competes with:
* New mid-range phones
* Used Pixel 6
* Used OnePlus 10 Pro
Hardware-wise, Xiaomi often wins. Software freshness and efficiency favor newer devices.
Personal Mistakes and Regrets After Three Years
Looking back, I made two mistakes with the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
First, I underestimated heat management. In 2022, benchmarks and early reviews downplayed sustained performance issues. I assumed software updates would fully fix thermal throttling. They helped, but they never solved it completely. If I had known how the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 behaved long term, I would have avoided using this phone for heavy gaming and long 4K recording sessions.
Second, I trusted battery longevity too much because of fast charging. The 120W charger is amazing, but it also made me careless. Frequent rapid charging likely accelerated battery wear. In hindsight, using slower charging overnight would have helped preserve battery health.
These are not deal-breakers, but they are lessons I would apply differently today.
Who This Phone Disappointed the Most
The Xiaomi 12 Pro disappointed two types of users the most.
Heavy gamers were the first. People who play long sessions of demanding games noticed throttling and heat earlier than casual users. The phone is powerful, but it was never designed for sustained peak performance.
The second group was long-term update-focused users. If you expected Pixel- or Samsung-level software longevity, Xiaomi’s update pace felt slow after the second year. Security patches became less frequent, and major Android upgrades stopped feeling guaranteed.
For these users, the frustration was not hardware failure, but unmet expectations.
Why Your Experience May Differ From Mine
My experience is based on a single unit used consistently for three years.
Battery health varies widely depending on charging habits, climate, and usage intensity. A lightly used unit with careful charging may perform noticeably better than mine even in 2025.
Regional software differences also matter. Update timing and stability can vary by market. Some users report fewer thermal issues after specific updates, while others report more.
Finally, expectations play a big role. If you are coming from a budget phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro will still feel premium. If you are coming from a newer flagship, its weaknesses will stand out more clearly.
Important Used-Buyer Warnings (Read Before You Buy)
Buying a three-year-old flagship can be a smart deal, but only if you check a few things carefully.
Battery Health
Battery condition matters more than specs at this stage.
After three years, many Xiaomi 12 Pro units show noticeable battery wear. Expect shorter screen-on time compared to when the phone was new.
Before buying:
* Ask the seller about daily usage and charging habits
* Check for sudden battery drops during normal use
* Avoid units that heat up quickly or drain fast even on standby
If possible, factor in the cost of a future battery replacement.
No geninue or Unsafe 120W Chargers
Not real 120W chargers are common in the used market.
They may look original but:
* Charge slower than advertised
* Cause overheating
* Damage battery health over time
Always:
* Verify the charger model number
* Check cable thickness and build quality
* Test fast charging on the spot
If the charger feels unusually light or heats up quickly, avoid it.
Physical Condition and Thermal Checks
Do not ignore physical signs.
Before finalizing the purchase:
* Check for frame bends or loose buttons
* Test camera focus and speaker output
* Record a short 4K video to check heating behavior
Excessive heat within a few minutes is a red flag.
Rule of thumb:
A clean, well-maintained unit with slightly weaker battery life is safer than a cosmetically perfect phone hiding internal stress.
Important Used-Buyer Disclaimer
If you are buying used, pay attention to:
* Battery health
* Charger authenticity (fake 120W chargers are common)
* Warranty status
* Physical overheating during testing
Condition matters more than specs at this stage.
Brand Context: What the 12 Pro Represents
The Xiaomi 12 Pro marked a turning point. It showed Xiaomi could build a premium phone, but it also revealed cracks in long-term support and thermal planning.In 2025, Xiaomi has shifted focus back to upper-midrange devices. The full flagship push has slowed, at least in India.
Among long-time users, the 12 Pro is remembered fondly, but also as “peak Xiaomi before premium support weakened.”
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It in 2025?
Yes, if:
* You find a well-maintained unit under ₹20,000
* You value display quality and fast charging
* You are okay with aging software support
No, if:
* You want the latest Android updates
* You game heavily for long sessions
* You expect flagship camera performance in low light
For students, budget-conscious buyers, or as a secondary device, the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G still makes sense. For power users, newer options are safer.
About the Author
Michael B. Norris is a technology journalist with over eight years of experience covering Android smartphones, mobile hardware, and Indian consumer tech trends. His work focuses on long-term usability, real-world performance, and helping readers make informed buying decisions beyond launch-day hype. For more daily updates, visit Trending Alone
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