Xiaomi has only recently launched the global version of its MIUI 11 shell. It is now available on all devices running Android 10. In India, Xiaomi has only revealed the list of devices that should receive the MIUI 11 update, as well as the software release dates. Only a couple of days have passed since the release of the updated shell, but the company's outspoken new executive director Xu Jieyun announced that MIUI 12 is already in development. Apparently the next version will receive significant updates, as always happens when a company starts a long software development process.
MIUI 12 development
Currently, nothing unique is known about MIUI 12. This is understandable, since the first days of development are underway. Xu Jieyong also did not provide any specifics about the changes in the upcoming version. But this indicates that, despite the fairly large functionality of MIUI 11, the company sees opportunities to improve its shell. Over time, leaks will begin to appear on the network, and they will make it possible to understand Xiaomi’s vision for the next major update. For now, we will have to be content with only the published logo of the project.
At the moment, one of the creators of MIUI has confirmed that in the new shell much attention will be paid to the dark mode. Night mode should become global, that is, after activating the function, the color scheme will be changed not only in the system, but also in almost all third-party applications. The main color of the shell is black or dark gray, and the text will remain white. This solution will reduce eye strain and reduce battery drain.
The only thing that can be assumed with a greater degree of probability is that MIUI 12 will be developed for the Android 11 operating system.
Innovations
In 2022, the MIUI shell celebrates its anniversary. Xiaomi branded firmware turns 10 years old. This means that Mi fans should expect global changes in the upcoming update.
The presentation of MIUI 12, which Xiaomi held at the end of April 2022, was built on 3 pillars:
- confidentiality;
- functionality;
- animations.
Let's start with the last point. The animation in the new MIUI should become smoother and more realistic. This change is worth nothing compared to the fact that icons in firmware 12 will have rounded edges.
The update will allow owners of low-resolution smartphones to avoid the “ladder” on the main screen.
Another important feature is animations when controlling gestures. In MIUI 12, it will react differently depending on the user's actions. For example, on how quickly a person swipes. Also, the animation in the updated MIUI corresponds to the direction of the gesture. In short, the transitions look much more attractive.
The changes were made possible thanks to the new animation engine. It is responsible for light and shadow effects, as well as realistic color mixing. As a result, for the first time the animation effects of Android have become comparable to iOS, which until recently was unrivaled in this area.
List of new features in the field of animation:
- When removed, application icons seem to explode;
- new charging mode graphics;
- when hiding the program, the user will see a new animation;
- added dynamic shape technology to rotate the screen;
- updated gestures and application icons;
- dynamic wallpaper with planets.
Now about privacy. Xiaomi decided to update the Security app. The company has received several certificates that allow the built-in antivirus to analyze the behavior of applications in order to notify the owner of suspicious activities.
Visual changes affected the notification center. Chinese characters are not able to fully convey the beauty of the new menu, but even now you can see how well the icons are drawn.
For a long time, the Always On Display function in Xiaomi phones was nominal. Unlike Samsung devices, the user had a choice from a limited number of templates. Now there are significantly more of them, so the Xiaomi screen in off mode will look unique.
A simplified dialing feature using AI is designed especially for people with poor hearing. When the Russian language is turned on, the feature does not work yet. At first, it will be optimized for Chinese users, but in the next versions of MIUI, Xiaomi owners in Russia will be able to fully appreciate its capabilities.
A change that will matter to everyone. Chinese developers have redesigned the standard camera application. Users will have access to the function of changing menu items with shooting modes. Thus, the owner of a smartphone will be able to bring to the fore the portrait mode, and not the “Live Photos” installed by default.
Which phones will receive the update to MIUI 12
It is quite obvious that all Xiaomi smartphones released in 2019 will receive updates. The company promises to support devices for at least two years and will not change its principles. Below is a detailed list of devices that can update to MIUI 12.
- Redmi K30 5G;
- Redmi K20 Pro;
- Mi 9T Pro;
- Redmi K20;
- Mi 9T;
- Redmi Note 8 Pro;
- Redmi Note 8;
- Redmi Note 7 Pro;
- Redmi Note 7;
- Redmi Note 7S;
- Poco F1;
- Pocophone F1;
- Redmi 7A;
- Redmi 8;
- Redmi 8A;
- Redmi Y1;
- Redmi Note 5A;
- Redmi Note 5A Prime;
- Redmi Y1;
- Redmi Y2;
- Redmi S2;
- Redmi Y3;
- Mi Mix 2;
- Mi Mix 3;
- Mi Mix 3s;
- Mi Max 2;
- Redmi 6;
- Redmi 6 Pro;
- Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite;
- Redmi Note 5;
- Redmi Note 5 Pro;
- Redmi Note 4;
- Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro;
- Xiaomi Mi CC9;
- Xiaomi Mi CC9e;
- Xiaomi MI A3;
- Xiaomi Mi A1;
- Mi 5X;
- Mi Note 10;
- Mi CC9 Pro;
- Redmi Note 8T;
- Mi 9 SE;
- Mi 8;
- Mi 8 Pro;
- Mi 8 Lite;
- Redmi 5;
- Redmi 5 Plus;
- Redmi 5A;
- Mi Play;
- Mi 9 SE;
- Redmi 4X;
- Redmi Note 4X.
Bottom line
Users still have a long time to wait for the release of MIUI, but we can already say that the 12th version of the Xiaomi shell turned out to be very interesting. Based on the information currently available, the advantages and disadvantages of the update are highlighted.
Pros:
- cool interface;
- many animation effects;
- standard applications have been redrawn;
- AI-powered features;
- you can download a bunch of themes;
- The amount of text has been reduced in favor of graphics.
Minuses:
- built-in advertising;
- Most of the features are intended for Chinese users.
In addition, not a word was said at the presentation about eliminating problems with third-party software. This is a long-standing problem with MIUI and, most likely, there is no escape from it in version 12. It will be possible to refute this information only at the moment when the update is released.
Frame
The frame around the screen is made of high-strength and lightweight aluminum, which increases the structural strength of the smartphone. The back panel is made of polycarbonate. For safety reasons, it is better to immediately purchase a case, otherwise a slippery phone can easily jump out of your hands, since the back panel is covered with a special splash-resistant coating.
On the back wall of the smartphone there is a rear camera unit and the manufacturer’s logo. The fingerprint scanner is optical and is located in the display. Almost the entire front part of the smartphone (89%) is occupied by a large and bright screen. The front camera is hidden in a small hole on the left side. A little higher than the display there is a speaker.
The table below shows the dimensions, weight, water protection and colors of the smartphone case.
| Height | 163.6 mm |
| Width | 74.6 mm |
| Thickness | 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 205 grams |
| Moisture protection | IP53 |
| Material | Frame - metal, back panel - polycarbonate |
| Case colors | Black Black Blue Blue Green Green Violet Violet |
Cameras
There is only one common camera for all smartphones - the front one. It takes pictures with a resolution of up to 32 megapixels. The size of each pixel is 0.7 µm. The camera received a lens with an equivalent focal length of 26 mm.
And then everything is different.
The main camera of all smartphones is 50 megapixels. Only Xiaomi 12 and 12X have Sony IMX766, and 12 Pro have Sony IMX707. The difference is in size: for the IMX766 it is 1/1.56 Vidicon inches, and for the IMX707 it is 1/1.28. The second matrix is larger, resulting in a larger pixel (1.22 µm vs 1.0 µm).
In general, the cameras are:
| Xiaomi 12 and 12X | Xiaomi 12 Pro | |
| Wide angle | Sony IMX766 size 1/1.56 Vidicon inches with a resolution of 50 megapixels. Pixel size 1.0 µm. Lens with 26mm equivalent focal length and f/1.88 aperture | Sony IMX707 size 1/1.28 Vidicon inches with a resolution of 50 megapixels. Pixel size 1.22 µm. Lens with 24mm equivalent focal length and f/1.9 aperture |
| Ultra wide angle | An unnamed 1/3.06-inch sensor with a resolution of 13 megapixels and a pixel size of 1.12 µm. Lens with 12mm equivalent focal length, f/2.4 aperture and 123° angle of view | JN1 sensor with a resolution of 50 megapixels. f/2.2 aperture with 115° viewing angle |
| Third chamber | Macro camera with an equivalent focal length of 50 mm. Resolution 50 mm | Optical zoom: JN1 sensor with a resolution of 50 MP. Lens with 48mm equivalent focal length (2x optical zoom) and f/1.9 aperture |
More graphics and less text
Optimization of the new miui 12 global was aimed at minimizing the text component. Preference was given to improved graphics, an abundance of animation and other elements. Now users can find out information about the battery status, as well as other data, using colorful icons and a minimal amount of text. More details about miui 12 what's new can be found below:
- Changed orientation - In previous versions, screen orientation received frequent complaints as it was often glitchy. New developments in the global version of miui 12 allow you to immediately open the application in landscape mode.
- Super wallpaper is perhaps the most anticipated feature of the firmware. Users will be able to enjoy an incredibly realistic landscape of cosmic bodies. When dark mode is turned on, night will also fall in outer space.
- Mini-windows - in the new update, system multitasking has taken on a completely different meaning. Users will be able to view information about notifications of any application in a mini format, without interrupting their work. To enlarge a miniature window, just pull it down.
- Notification area and control center - in previous versions of the firmware, these two centers were combined. For the new miui 12, the release date in Russia is in the summer, the developers decided to separate them. You can see new messages by dragging the screen from top to bottom. And the control center will open when swiping from the top right side.
- Dark mode has also received a number of changes. A detailed review of miui 12 made it clear that when you turn on the dark theme, not only all applications are optimized, but also the font. The contrast of the smartphone also changes to increase the comfort of using the gadget at night.
- Application restrictions - The updated firmware has become more secure and increases the level of data privacy. When you turn on any application, the user will be asked for permission to activate geolocation, camera, microphone, etc.
- Artificial intelligence - a smartphone can be used to record physical activity, for example, walking, cycling, etc., as well as monitor a person’s state of sleep.
- A special simplified mode that is designed for older users.
The updated firmware has also undergone a number of other changes, for example, a visual rethink of the calendar, as well as the ability to convert voice messages into text messages. However, the function is currently only available in Chinese. The full list of changes will be available on the day the OS is released. When wondering when miui 12 will be released in the international market, it is important to know that the release date is planned for the summer.
Latest shell version
Just recently, the global version of miui 12 was presented in beta release, equipped with many additional features. The recent release of miui 12 was accompanied by serious excitement among fans of the brand and ordinary users. The whole point was that initially the software was released only in the Chinese version. Users began to wonder: which smartphones will receive miui 12 and when will it happen?
After some time, the new firmware became available for the international market. The developers are positioning their product as a new and rethought take on previously familiar things. If you compare the software with the previous version, then, at first glance, the changes may seem insignificant. The appearance of the menu remains the same, but the transitions and animations have changed. It is known that in miui 12, the release date of which is set for the summer, the main emphasis was placed on the visual component. Not only the smoothness of operation has increased, but also efficiency.
Display
The screen is based on an AMOLED matrix. It features bright rich colors and shows true black color. The brightness level is excessive: the maximum value is 1500 nits. HDR10+ technology is also fully supported. It significantly expands the dynamic range of the picture in terms of color, which improves the final image.
The screen refresh rate is 120Hz, which improves smoothness in dynamic scenes. The screen resolution complies with the WQHD+ standard (1400 by 3200 pixels). The screen matrix is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7 Victus. It is stronger than the glass of the previous generation and can protect it when a smartphone falls from a height of no more than 2 meters.
| Screen resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Diagonal | 6.73″ (17.09 cm) |
| Type | AMOLED |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 521 dots per inch (ppi) |
| Update frequency | 120 Hz |
| Maximum brightness | 1500 Nits |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7 Victus |
| Screen to body ratio | 89,8% |
| Color rendition | 16 million colors |
| Frameless screen | Yes |
| HDR support | Yes, HDR10+ |
New animation engine
This update is considered an anniversary update, since the first version of the shell was released 10 years ago.
And, perhaps, in honor of this or for the sake of this (Xiaomi itself knows better here), they wrote a new animation engine with an advanced architecture. It looks fresh and impressive, the smooth operation is really felt. Nice gestures that borrow the best from stock Android:
Animation of opening and minimizing applications:
Easily handle pop-up notifications and turn them into floating windows:
