3D Scanner Comparison

Trimble X12 vs FARO Focus Premium

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature	Trimble X12	FARO Focus Premium
Range	250m working (365m ambiguity)	200m @ 90% reflectivity
Accuracy	2.2 mm @ 20 m 3D point accuracy	2mm @ 10m / 3.5mm @ 25m
Scan Rate	Up to 2.187M pts/sec	Up to 2M pts/sec
Field of View	360° × 320°	360° × 300°
Camera	~80 MP HDR panorama	13 MPx HDR
GNSS	Integrated	Integrated GPS & GLONASS
Tilt Compensation	Dual-axis, ±0.5° range	-
Weight	6.7 kg (7.7 kg with batteries)	4.4 kg (incl. battery)

Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote

Option A Trimble

Trimble X12

Survey-Grade Accuracy with Integrated GNSS

The Trimble X12 is our primary terrestrial laser scanner, delivering 2.2 mm @ 20 m 3D point accuracy with integrated GNSS for seamless georeferencing. Dynamic dual-axis tilt compensation corrects every point during acquisition.

Pros

Best-in-class accuracy
Integrated GNSS
Dynamic dual-axis tilt compensation
Excellent software ecosystem
Trimble FieldLink integration

Cons

Higher investment
Larger form factor
Learning curve for software

Best For

Survey-grade projectsConstruction verificationBIM documentationLarge facilities

Option B FARO

FARO Focus Premium

Fast Scanning with On-Site Registration

The FARO Focus Premium (2024) offers fast scanning speeds with on-site registration via the FARO Stream app. IP54 rating and excellent HDR photography.

Pros

Grayscale scans in under a minute
High-resolution colour output
Lighter weight
IP54 rating
FARO Sphere integration

Cons

Shorter range than the X12
Accuracy slightly lower in practice
Software licensing costs

Best For

High-volume scanningPhotography-heavy projectsIndoor and temporarily outdoor useMulti-location teams

Our Expert Verdict

Winner: Trimble X12

The Trimble X12 wins for survey-grade accuracy and construction applications where precise georeferencing is critical. The FARO Focus Premium is excellent for high-volume scanning and projects requiring detailed photography.

Choose Trimble X12 if...

Choose Trimble X12 when accuracy and georeferencing are paramount—construction QC, engineering surveys, and BIM documentation.

Choose FARO Focus Premium if...

Choose FARO Focus Premium for high-volume scanning projects with emphasis on photography and when weight/portability matters.

Download the Spec Sheets

Original manufacturer documents, free with no email required — verified against each manufacturer's live copy.

Trimble X12

Datasheet — PN 022516-644A rev 07/22 (PDF) · 0.3 MB

Source: geospatial.trimble.com ↗

FARO Focus Premium

Source: faro.com ↗

Browse the full library: Equipment Spec Sheets & Downloads →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which scanner is more accurate?

Trimble X12 achieves 2.2 mm @ 20 m 3D point accuracy, with dynamic dual-axis tilt compensation and integrated GNSS for better real-world georeferencing. The FARO Focus Premium publishes 2mm @ 10m / 3.5mm @ 25m 3D accuracy.

Which is better for BIM?

Trimble X12 integrates better with construction workflows, but both export to all major BIM platforms.

Which has better software?

Trimble RealWorks offers powerful processing, while FARO Scene is more intuitive. Both are industry-standard.

Equipment Used

Professional Equipment In This Comparison

The professional equipment in this comparison, compared spec by spec. Specifications shown are the manufacturers' published figures. Models THE FUTURE 3D operates are identified on their own pages.