Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Find X3 Neo vs. Xiaomi 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Neo | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 72.5 × 8 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in hand for some users, especially those with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 184g | 204g | Oppo Find X3 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.73" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a marginally larger display, which can be more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 521 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher pixel density makes the display noticeably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro's additional features enhances it even more. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions, especially under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster processing, better multitasking and improved gaming performance with a more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 743,500 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is much faster and more responsive in daily tasks, gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides better graphics processing, leading to smoother gaming and more demanding graphical tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, providing comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 65W | 120W | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Reverse charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers much more versatile and faster charging options, including fast wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor size means better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | Oppo Find X3 Neo has a larger sensor for better low-light selfies, but the overall quality will depend on various factors. |
| Telephoto | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3M5 | None | Oppo Find X3 Neo has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, capturing more detail in wide shots. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dedicated portrait lens for capturing high quality portrait images |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | None | Oppo Find X3 Neo includes a macro camera for close-up shots, which is not available on the Xiaomi 12 Pro. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports higher-resolution video recording (8K), better suited for professional-grade content creation. |
| DxoMark | 106 (main), 104(photo), 106(video) | 129 (main), 136(photo), 125(video) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly better overall camera performance based on DXOMark scores, excelling in both photos and videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro ships with the latest Android OS, while Oppo Find X3 Neo may have slightly older software out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering potentially better connectivity and lower power consumption. |
| GPS | Standard suite | Enhanced suite | Xiaomi 12 Pro has support for additional satellite systems, providing improved GPS accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual nano-SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both offer good RAM options for multitasking, but only the Xiaomi has a lower 8 GB option for a more budget friendly version |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers potentially better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, along with additional microphone for audio capture |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both use a basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro has stronger screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Environmental, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes additional environmental sensors, potentially expanding the capability of specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Neo Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Oppo Find X3 Neo is lighter and more compact, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry in a pocket.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lenses: Offers a versatile camera setup with dedicated telephoto and macro lenses for different shooting scenarios.
- Better Selfie Sensor: Larger sensor on the front-facing camera for improved low-light selfies.
Practical Implications:
- The Oppo Find X3 Neo is better for users who prioritize comfort and prefer a smaller, lighter phone with versatile photography options. The macro lens allows for detailed close up shots and the telephoto lens provides for good optical zoom, which are not offered on the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and general responsiveness.
- Sharper and Brighter Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness provide a more premium viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: 120W wired charging and fast wireless charging significantly reduce charging times.
- Higher Quality Main Camera Sensor: The main camera has a larger sensor, meaning better low-light performance.
- Better Overall Camera Quality: The camera performs better in both photo and video, as evidenced by higher DxOMark scores.
- More Advanced Connectivity: A newer Bluetooth standard and better GPS accuracy.
- Better build quality: With Gorilla Glass Victus for improved screen protection.
Practical Implications:
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro is better for users who prioritize top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and fast charging. Its superior main camera is ideal for those who take photos in diverse environments.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight vs. Performance: The Oppo Find X3 Neo offers a more comfortable in-hand feel but sacrifices significant performance and display quality.
- Camera Versatility vs. Overall Quality: The Oppo Find X3 Neo has dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior overall camera quality and video recording capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Neo Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight phone.
- Users who desire a versatile camera system with telephoto and macro lens capabilities.
- Users who don't need the absolute best performance for gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Users who may prefer a more compact design.
- Users who value more front-facing camera quality
Use Cases:
- Everyday phone for browsing, social media, and basic productivity.
- Casual photography, including macro and zoomed shots.
- Extended use without hand fatigue.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Power users who need the best performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who want a top-tier display with high resolution and brightness.
- Users who prioritize fast charging, both wired and wireless.
- Users who want a high-quality camera with excellent low-light performance and video capabilities.
- Users that might not prioritize a dedicated Telephoto or Macro lens
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, graphic design, or video editing.
- Frequent media consumption in various lighting conditions.
- Professional and everyday photography and videography.
- Users that need the fastest charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone, or top-tier performance and display?
- Is a versatile camera system (telephoto/macro) more important to you than overall image quality?
- How important is fast charging, both wired and wireless, to your daily usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday User, Value Comfort & Casual Photography If you prioritize a comfortable, lighter phone with decent photo capabilities, the Oppo Find X3 Neo is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Power User, Multimedia Enthusiast: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a stunning display, and cutting-edge camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious User: Check the current market prices. If the Oppo is significantly cheaper and your needs are less demanding, it may be a better value option than the Xiaomi, even though it is older.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi 12 Pro. My reasoning is as follows:
Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a significantly better performance that ensures the phone will handle any demanding application or game now and in the coming years. The Oppo's chipset, being a couple of years older, could struggle with more demanding tasks down the line.
Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness of the Xiaomi 12 Pro display make a noticeable difference in overall user experience, making media consumption a much more immersive experience. This is important for my personal usage scenarios of media consumption and general browsing.
Camera Prowess: Despite the Oppo offering dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, the Xiaomi's superior main camera with its larger sensor offers overall better image quality, as proven by its higher DxOMark score. As an avid photographer, I value overall image quality over camera versatility.
Fast Charging: The 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging are incredibly convenient and will save me precious time. I prefer this over the slightly smaller dimensions of the Oppo.
Better overall build and connectivity: The newer Bluetooth version, better GPS, and Gorilla Glass Victus offer a more complete modern experience.
While the Oppo Find X3 Neo has its merits in terms of ergonomics and dedicated macro/telephoto cameras, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's superior display, performance, camera, and charging capabilities, make it a more appealing option for my needs, which lean towards a more powerful and immersive user experience.
