News
Xiaomi 12 series unveiled in China
These are the world’s first Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones
Right before 2022 even started, Xiaomi unveiled its latest flagship-grade smartphones in China. Lo and behold, the Xiaomi 12 series — successor to the Mi 11 series that was announced earlier this year as well.
Similar stellar performance
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 official announcement last November, expect the latest chipset running the new smartphones. Not only does it promise better performance when it comes to multitasking and gaming, but it also supports a lot of improvements in hardware.
The smartphone’s cooled by Xiaomi’s large VC (vapor cooling) chamber of 2600mm² paired with a graphene film, to protect from overheating.
You can choose between 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage for both devices as well.
Same same, but different
While both are equipped with 120Hz AMOLED displays, the Xiaomi 12 has a 6.28-inch screen with a Full HD+ resolution while the 12 Pro features a bigger 6.76-inches with 2K/QHD+. This means future Xiaomi users who want to switch or upgrade have two options between a smaller and a bigger display.
The other difference is that the bigger one has an LTPO display that switches between 1 to 120Hz depending on usage. This helps reduce battery consumption. In contrast, both have under-display fingerprint scanners and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Another headlining feature is the 120W fast wired charging while the base variant has 67W. Albeit, both support 50W fast wireless charging and 10W reverse charging. Aside from the fast charging capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly bigger 4,600mAh compared to Xiaomi 12’s 4,500mAh battery capacity.
To alleviate overcharging and power management issues, Xiaomi has its in-house Surge P1 chip inside the phone. This is pretty much like comparing the Xiaomi 11T Pro versus the 11T all over again — but with a stark difference in screen sizes.
Different 50MP cameras, different setups
The Xiaomi 12 Pro has three 50-megapixel cameras. Meanwhile, the smaller sibling is equipped with one 50MP main (wide) camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP tele-macro lens. Both phones feature a 32MP front camera for selfies. Unlike previous Xiaomi phones, the punch-hole cutout moves from left to the center of the camera just like the 11T series.
While both possess a 50-megapixel main camera, there’s a massive difference between the two smartphones. The Xiaomi 12 is equipped with Sony IMX766 which is a 1/1.58″ sensor. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has a Sony IMX707 sensor with a bigger sensor sizing to 1/1.28″.
There’s also a new camera trick by Xiaomi called ‘CyberFocus’ that aims to challenge the iPhone 13 series’ Cinematic mode feature. This feature originally came from Xiaomi’s CyberDog AI robot. It has the ability to identify various subjects and control the camera’s focus.
Another improved camera capability is the new night mode algorithm that can still light up dim subjects while reducing the amount of noise.
But wait, there’s more!
There’s also a trimmed-down version of the Xiaomi 12 dubbed as the ‘Xiaomi 12X’. It mostly has the bells and whistles of its pricier sibling minus the wireless charging. Also, it doesn’t have the latest computational photography features of the new Xiaomi 12 series such as CyberFocus.
The performance is reduced too. From Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 down to Snapdragon 870 5G chipset. RAM and storage options are still the same.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro are available in four different colors. There are black, blue, and pink options in the lineup. Moreover, there’s the green one featuring a special vegan leather back.
Here are the pricing details in China along with their specific set of configurations:
Xiaomi 12 Pro
- 8GB/128GB – CNY 4699 (US$ 738)
- 8GB/256GB – CNY 4999 (US$ 785)
- 12GB/256GB – CNY 5399 (US$ 848)
Xiaomi 12
- 8GB/128GB – CNY 3699 (US$ 580)
- 8GB/256GB – CNY 3999 (US$ 628)
- 12GB/256GB – CNY 4399 (US$ 690)
Xiaomi 12X
- 8GB/128GB – CNY 3199 (US$ 502)
- 8GB/256GB – CNY 3499 (US$ 550)
- 12GB/256GB – CNY 3799 (US$ 597)
Global availability has yet to be announced.
Gaming
The Nintendo Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever
Meanwhile, the Switch 2 just crossed 17 million units sold.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s success was bound to happen. After enormous success with the original Switch, Nintendo is practically destined to also put up impressive numbers for the console’s recently released sequel. Today, the company has whipped out some proof. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially sold 17.37 million units, as of December last year.
Nintendo shared the console’s numbers through an investor’s report. Despite coming out only eight months ago, the Switch 2 is already putting up impressive numbers. With those numbers, the console is already Nintendo’s fastest selling platform to date.
For comparison, the original Switch sold less than half of what Switch 2 has sold in the former’s first eight months. Though the second console is still miles away from its predecessor’s total numbers, it’s already well on its way. In fact, Nintendo already expects the Switch 2 to break 19 million units by the end of the quarter.
The second Switch isn’t the only console reaping the rewards of its hard work. The original Switch has also crossed a major milestone. As of last year, the console has sold 155.37 million units, making it Nintendo’s bestselling console ever. It just overtook the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units.
With that, the Switch 2 has a mountain to climb, just to reach the same heights that its predecessor already attained. For sure, the console’s ongoing success is buoyed by the goodwill established by the original. Now, the question is whether the Switch 2 can sustain its growth on its own.
To help, the console is expecting significant first-party titles including Pokémon Pokopia and Meetup in Bellabel Park, a Super Mario Bros. Wonder DLC.
SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is nearing the end of its lifecycle
Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.
Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.
While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.
With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.
Price and availability
Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.
Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.
- 🛒 Shop Exclusive Deals: @enjoyglobe on TikTok
- Globe AT HOME Website: https://shop.globe.com.ph/gah5gwifi/
Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.
Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.
Gaming
New Civilization VII update will address everyone’s biggest issue
Soon, everyone can play as a single Civ.
Despite being enjoyable in its current state, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is a work in progress. Firaxis Games is still working on improvements, especially as suggested by the franchise’s fans. Now, approaching the new game’s first anniversary, Civilization VII is getting a massive patch, called the Test of Time update, later this spring.
Playing as a single Civ
Test of Time will address the biggest problem that players had with the base game: the inability to play as a single Civ. Currently, players are forced to evolve into Age-appropriate Civs at the end of the previous Age. The system leads to odd histories, such as Maurya somehow evolving into modern-day America.
Starting with the update, players can now take a single Civ across the test of time. And it’s not a shoehorned feature, too. Civs will now have an Apex Age, meaning the Age they were historically associated with. Playing Civs outside of their Apex Age will introduce a new kit that corresponds to the other Ages.
Plus, this also introduces a new system called Syncretism. Playing a Civ outside of their Age allows players to choose a unique military unit or infrastructure from other Civs to help bolster their strategy.
The new system works in reverse too. Players can start a game in the Modern Age using an Antiquity Age Civ. Finally, if players decide to use this system, the AI will follow suit, ensuring an equal playing field.
Reworked victory conditions
Besides the playability of Civs, Civilization VII will rework Victories. Instead of a clear path to victory via Legacy Paths (which players have complained as being too rigid), the new Triumph system will introduce new optional objectives to prod players further down the line of victory.
Plus, getting extraordinary progress in one victory condition can help players earn victory even before the Modern Age. Victory can be earned as early as the Exploration Age, but Firaxis has not explained how this can happen.
Firaxis says that the new system should help the game feel more dynamic and exciting after the Antiquity Age.
Now, to celebrate the actual anniversary, players will get access to a new leader, Gilgamesh, a fan favorite from the previous game. He will be free for all players with update 1.3.2.
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