Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I’m always keen to look beyond the spec sheet and understand what these numbers actually mean for day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro across key areas, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, which impacts one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 204g | 225g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.78" | Similar size displays; negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's sharper display (77.8% more pixels) offers finer details and text. |
| PPI | 521 | 388 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher pixel density results in sharper, clearer images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro's higher refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro's brighter display is significantly better for use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ROG Phone 8 Pro's newer chipset offers significant performance gains for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 Pro scores 72% higher, indicating significantly faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 Pro’s newer GPU will handle graphic-intensive tasks and gaming more effectively. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5500 mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster with its 120W charger. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, Surge P1 chip | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more charging options and advanced tech |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", Sony IMX707 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | Xiaomi 12 Pro’s larger sensor could mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 32MP, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly larger sensor for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | ROG Phone 8 Pro has dedicated telephoto for optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro has dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Portrait mode | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro has dedicated portrait mode (depth) camera lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", Omnivision OV31B | ROG Phone 8 Pro has wide angle with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both phones offer similar high-quality video recording capabilities |
| DxoMark | 129 (Mobile) | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera has been tested with a very solid score. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF etc | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, LAF etc | Both phones have solid camera features, with few distinct differences. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | ROG Phone 8 Pro ships with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 Pro uses newer Bluetooth offering increased efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Both phones share similar navigation capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 512 GB or 1024 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 16 GB or 24 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has substantially more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 Mics | DTS/DTS X, 3 Mics | Both offer enhanced audio experiences; slightly better audio quality on the Xiaomi 12 Pro. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both use robust glass protection; ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly newer version for better impact resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Environmental, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more sensors: Environmental, Ultrasonic Proximity. ROG Phone 8 Pro has Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a noticeably clearer image, making text and detailed images appear much crisper.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging will significantly reduce the time you spend tethered to a wall.
- Solid Camera System: While not the latest, the main sensor, wide angle and portrait mode, along with the excellent video capabilities and DxOMark score make it a very versatile tool.
- Lighter Build: The reduced weight makes it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Strengths:
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and higher RAM offer a substantial leap in performance, perfect for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate results in an exceptionally fluid visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: The significantly brighter display makes the phone much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity provides longer usage between charges.
- Higher Storage: Starting at 512 GB and going up to 1TB will mean you have less to worry about when storing high quality photos and video
- Advanced Telephoto Lens The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for enhanced zooming capabilities, making it a better option for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lacks the gaming-focused features, Telephoto Lens, and raw performance of the ROG Phone 8 Pro. The standard wide-angle camera might also be not as good as a dedicated one.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Bulkier and heavier and it has a lower resolution display compared to the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the charging is fast, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is on another level.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight design, a sharp display for media consumption, and very fast charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a well-rounded camera system for everyday shooting, especially in low light.
- Budget Conscious Buyers: Offers a good balance of features at a potentially lower price point than the ROG Phone 8 Pro.
- Not-Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Suitable for people who play basic/simple mobile games and dont need the highest specs.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: The top-tier chipset, high refresh rate display, and ample RAM ensure peak gaming performance.
- Power Users: Ideal for those who need high performance for multitasking, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The brighter display is perfect for outdoor usage in very sunny environments.
- Content Creators: The 1TB of storage will make it suitable for shooting videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize gaming and raw performance above all else? If yes, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a more compact and lighter phone with sharper text? The Xiaomi 12 Pro fits this profile better.
- Do you need extended battery life for extended use away from a charger? The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro will be better suited.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you need a reliable all-rounder with a very fast charging, a great display and camera, choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- For the Gaming and Performance Enthusiast: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro will be the top choice, with best-in-class performance, longer battery life, and gaming features.
- For the Content Creator: You should go for the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro because of the higher storage and better video recording options.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: Although it was a premium phone when it was released, the price of the Xiaomi 12 Pro might be lower, so it should be your first choice.
My Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While the Xiaomi 12 Pro is an excellent device with a sharper display, I value the performance gains of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the larger battery, and the brighter display for my typical usage patterns, which often involve gaming, on-the-go video editing, and extended periods away from a power outlet. As someone who appreciates pushing devices to their limit, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's raw power and gaming features appeal to my tech enthusiast side. Yes, it’s a bit bulkier, but for the sheer performance improvements and added features, it's a trade-off I'm willing to make. I would choose the ROG Phone 8 Pro due to the better performance, bigger battery, brighter display, and the added telephoto lens. I believe these features are better suited for my use case and can withstand heavy everyday usage.
