We subjected the Xiaomi 12 to our rigorous SBMARK Display test suite to measure its performance based on 6 criteria: readability, color, video, motion, touch and artifacts. In the results of this test, we will analyze how it fared in a variety of tests and several common use cases.
Overview
Main display specifications:
- 6.28 inches, OLED
- Dimensions: 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.16 mm
- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, (~ 419 ppi density)
- Aspect Ratio: 20: 9
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
Pros
- Fluid tactile interactions
- Smooth light transitions
- Performance properly maintained in the corner
Cons
- Low level of brightness when viewing HDR10 videos
- Lack of brightness in most conditions tested, especially in sunlight
- Difficulty dealing with dropped frames when watching videos
The Xiaomi 12’s 120 Hz screen refresh rate offers a smooth experience and its color rendering is well handled in indoor light conditions.
The device adjusts its brightness levels smoothly to changing lighting conditions. However, the brightness may be slightly higher when viewing photos indoors; and when outdoors, the screen is too dark to see the content properly. In sunlight, the display activates an image adaptation function, but which tends to reduce the color cast.
Brightness is also an issue when using the Xiaomi 12 to watch movies. In low light conditions, the screen brightness is too low to allow for a comfortable viewing experience, particularly when watching HDR10 content. Frequent dropped frames also minimize the movie viewing experience. This is the main drawback of the device.
Test summary
Learn about SBMARK visualization tests: For scoring and analysis in our smartphone and other display reviews, SBMARK engineers perform a series of objective and perceptual tests in controlled laboratory and under real-life conditions. Please note that we evaluate display attributes using only the device’s built-in display hardware and related still image (gallery) and video apps with default settings. (For in-depth information on how we rate smartphones and other displays, see our articles, “How SBMARK Tests Display Quality” and “A Closer Look at SBMARK Display Tests”.
The following section collects the key elements of our exhaustive tests and analyzes performed in SBMARK laboratories. Detailed performance evaluations in the form of reports are available upon request. Do not hesitate to contact us.
How the screen readability score is composed
Readability evaluates the ease and comfort with which users can read the display in different real-life conditions on static content (photos and web). SBMARK uses its Display Bench to recreate ambient light conditions ranging from total darkness to bright sunlight. In addition to laboratory tests, perceptual analysis is also carried out in real-life environments.
Outdoors in the shade, from left: Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 11 Ultra, the Apple iPhone 13 and the Asus Zenfone 8
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Outdoors in sunlight, from left: Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 11 Ultra, Apple iPhone 13 and Asus Zenfone 8
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
False color luminance uniformity for 20% gray
This graph shows the uniformity of the display with a 20% gray model.
More visibleand the the green color is, the more aImodule is the display.
How the Display Color score is composed
The color attribute evaluates the device’s ability to accurately reproduce colors. The measurements made are for fidelity, white point color and gamma coverage. We perform color assessments for different lighting conditions to see how well the device can handle color in its surroundings. Colors are measured using a spectrophotometer in a controlled lighting environment. The perceptual analysis of the color rendering is compared to the reference model displayed on a calibrated professional monitor.
White point color temperature in indoor lighting conditions (1000 lux)
Xiaomi 12, color fidelity at 1000 lux in the sRGB color space
Xiaomi 12, color fidelity at 1000 lux in the DCI-P3 color space
Each arrow represents the color difference between a target color model (arrow base) and its actual measurement (arrowhead). The longer the arrow, the greater the visible color difference. If the arrow stays inside the circle, the color difference will only be visible to trained eyes.
White dot on the corner, Xiaomi 12
This graph shows the shift of color when the screen is tilted. Each point represents a measurement with a particular angle. The points inside the inner circle show no color change in the corner; those between the inner and outer circle have shifts that only trained experts will see; but those who fall outside the outer circle are noted.
Color rendering outdoors, clockwise from top left: Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 11 Ultra, the Apple iPhone 13 and the Asus Zenfone 8.
The Xiaomi 12 shows a slight blue to green cast.
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
How the Display Video score is composed
Our video attribute evaluates the Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR10) video handling of each device indoors and in low light conditions. We measure the tone mapping, color gamut, brightness and contrast of the display. We perform perceptual analysis Cons our professional reference monitor (Sony BVM-HX310) to ensure that the rendering respects the artistic intent.
The brightness of the device is low for HDR10 content.
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Primary colors are measured in both HDR10 and SDR. The extracted color gamut shows the extent of the color area that the device can render. To respect the artistic intent, the measured gamut should match the mastering color space of each video
How the score of Display Motion is composed
The motion attribute evaluates the handling of dynamic content. Frame drops, motion blur, and playback artifacts are investigated using games and videos.
The long exposure photos below show the number of frame irregularities in a 30-second video. A good performance shows a regular pattern (a flat gray image or a drop-down pattern).
Xiaomi 12, frame drops to 30 fps
Xiaomi 12, frame drops to 60 fps
How the Display Touch score is composed
To evaluate touch, SBMARK uses a touch robot and a high-speed camera to reproduce and record a series of scenarios for the evaluation of fluidity, accuracy and response time.
This response time test accurately evaluates the time elapsed between the robot touching the screen and the displayed action. This test is applied to activities that require high responsiveness, such as play.
How the Display Artifacts score is composed
Evaluating artifacts means checking performance, image rendering, and motion defects that can affect the end-user experience. SBMARK accurately measures device reflectance and the presence of flickering, as well as evaluating residual aliasing when playing video games, among others.
The measurements above show the reflection of the device within the visible spectrum range (400nm to 700nm). It includes both diffuse and specular reflection.
This graph represents the variation frequencies of the illumination; the highest peak gives the main flicker frequency.
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