Alright, let's dive into the Motorola Edge 20 Pro versus the Xiaomi 12. I'm going to break down the specs, tell you what they really mean, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you. I will be acting as Alex Griffin.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs, and what they mean in the real world:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Xiaomi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | The Edge 20 Pro is noticeably larger; the Xiaomi 12 is more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 190g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is slightly lighter, which makes a difference during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.28" | Larger screen on the Edge 20 Pro is great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have a crisp, clear display. |
| PPI | 385 | 419 | Xiaomi 12 has a sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro's 144Hz gives slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Huge difference. Xiaomi 12 is much brighter and more visible outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly faster and more modern processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 will load apps faster, multitask smoother, and handle demanding games better. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 offers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Edge 20 Pro boasts a higher megapixel count. Xiaomi 12 features a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (16MP) | Yes (13MP) | Both offer Wide angle capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (5MP) | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both support high-resolution video recording. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS + OIS | Xiaomi 12's OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) will result in smoother videos and sharper low-light photos. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 113 | Xiaomi 12 has a tested and rated camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes (50W) | Xiaomi 12 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | Yes (10W) | Both support Reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256GB (No Expandable) | 128/256GB (No Expandable) | Both have fixed storage; choose wisely. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer enough RAM for smooth performance. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Xiaomi 12 has significantly better audio quality. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has tougher screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Wins on Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the Xiaomi 12 is a clear step up from the Snapdragon 870 in the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. This translates to snappier performance across the board, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Display Advantage for Xiaomi 12 (Brightness): While the Edge 20 Pro has a larger display and a slightly higher refresh rate, the massive difference in brightness (0 nits vs 1100 nits) gives the Xiaomi 12 a huge advantage in outdoor visibility.
Camera Versatility on Xiaomi 12: Although the Edge 20 Pro boasts a 108MP main sensor and telephoto lens, the Xiaomi 12 provides a more well-rounded camera system with its wide angle and macro lenses, plus OIS for sharper photos and smoother video. The availability of DxOMark scores also provides a degree of verification.
Charging Speed and Wireless Charging for Xiaomi 12: The 67W fast charging on the Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster than the 30W charging on the Edge 20 Pro. Plus, the Xiaomi 12 offers wireless charging, a feature the Edge 20 Pro lacks.
Size and Ergonomics: The Xiaomi 12 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry around.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Best for users who prioritize a larger screen and telephoto lens, and don't mind a larger phone and less impressive outdoor visibility.
Xiaomi 12: Ideal for users who want a powerful, compact phone with a great camera system, excellent display brightness, and fast charging. It's a better all-around performer for most users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility to you? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or zoom capabilities? If you want a telephoto lens and digital zoom, the Edge 20 Pro is a better fit. For more versatility, go with the Xiaomi 12.
- How much do you care about charging speed and wireless charging? If you want the fastest charging and wireless capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: Xiaomi 12. The brighter screen makes all the difference.
- The Mobile Gamer: Xiaomi 12. The superior performance and graphics capabilities will provide a better gaming experience.
- The Casual User: Xiaomi 12. It's the better all-around phone with a more balanced set of features.
My Choice
If I were personally choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12. While I appreciate the larger screen on the Motorola Edge 20 Pro, the brighter display, faster processor, better camera versatility, and significantly faster charging on the Xiaomi 12 make it a more compelling package overall. The more compact size is also a plus for everyday carry. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a generation newer, and I prefer having access to the latest improvements, especially in terms of power efficiency and thermal management.
