Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is taller and thicker, but narrower. iPhone 12 Pro is easier to hold in one hand due to its shorter height, but the Xiaomi 12 is more pocketable due to its narrower width. |
| Weight | 189g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks from drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.28" | Xiaomi 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 419 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. Differences are minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is slightly easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both are high-performance chipsets. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is newer, offering improved efficiency and performance in some tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher benchmark score, suggesting slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Both are powerful GPUs capable of handling demanding games and applications. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and running memory-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.88 | iPhone 12 Pro allows more light, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.56" | Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor, which typically results in better light gathering and image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (12MP) | No | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Ultra-Wide Lens | 12MP | 13MP | Minor difference. Both offer wide-angle shots for landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (5MP) | Xiaomi 12 can take close-up photos of small objects with greater detail. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi 12 can record video at a higher resolution, offering more flexibility for professional use. |
| Camera DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 | 113 | iPhone 12 Pro is rated better for mobile photography, which is in contrary to the physical specs |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi 12 is likely to have significantly longer battery life, especially with moderate to heavy usage. |
| Charging Speed | 20W | 67W | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 50W | Xiaomi 12 offers faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | 10W | Xiaomi 12 can wirelessly charge other devices, such as earbuds or smartwatches. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable) | Android 12 | iOS offers a streamlined and consistent user experience, while Android provides more customization options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly better power efficiency and range. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 Pro allows for an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM, providing more flexibility. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 is geared towards higher audio quality. |
| Security | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi 12 offers the convenience of a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera (Overall): Although physical specs may show otherwise, iPhone 12 Pro is rated as having a better camera by DXOMark.
- Higher Display Resolution: Sharper display for crisper visuals.
- MagSafe Ecosystem: Seamless integration with MagSafe accessories.
- Premium Build Quality: Known for its durability and premium materials.
- Software Ecosystem: Apple's iOS offers a consistent and streamlined experience with timely updates.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging speeds are much faster.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations (120Hz vs 60Hz).
- More RAM: Better multitasking performance (8GB/12GB vs 6GB).
- Macro Lens: Added versatility for close-up photography.
- Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient biometric authentication.
- Newer Bluetooth: Better power efficiency and range
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Smaller battery, slower charging, lower refresh rate.
- Xiaomi 12: No telephoto lens, lower DXOMark rating.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, those prioritizing camera quality and the telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, value a smooth, intuitive software experience, and prefer the premium design and build quality of iPhones.
- Use Cases: Professional photographers, videographers, and users who heavily rely on Apple services and apps.
- Price-to-Value: Still a competitive option but may not be as attractive if budget is a major concern.
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal User: Tech-savvy individuals who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a high refresh rate display, enjoy customization options offered by Android, and value a more affordable flagship experience.
- Use Cases: Gamers, media consumers, and users who need a phone that can last all day with heavy use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is your primary use case? (Photography, gaming, general productivity)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you?
- Are you deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem or prefer Android's customization?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality is paramount and you need optical zoom, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better option, despite the lower resolution on the main camera.
- Power User: If you need a phone that can last all day and charge quickly, choose the Xiaomi 12.
- Budget Conscious: If you want flagship performance at a more affordable price, the Xiaomi 12 provides excellent value.
- Apple Ecosystem: If you already have Apple devices and enjoy the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro is the more seamless choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12. My priorities are battery life, fast charging, and a smooth display experience. The Xiaomi 12's larger battery and 120Hz refresh rate would significantly improve my daily usage, especially for media consumption and general multitasking. While the iPhone 12 Pro may have a better-rated camera, I think that the overall package of the Xiaomi 12 better suits my needs, especially considering its price-to-value ratio. The fact that the Xiaomi 12 is also running on a newer and faster processor also makes it better for performance.
