Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Huawei P60 Pro. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, categorized for clarity and with a "Real-World Implications" column to explain what each spec means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller; both have similar width and thickness. Differences won't be noticeable in daily handling. |
| Weight | 204g | 200g | Virtually identical weight; both feel substantial but not overly heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in the viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2700 | Xiaomi's higher resolution means sharper text and images. Noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 444 | Xiaomi has significantly sharper display; images and text are noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; practically, the difference is marginal for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; fluid user experience is identical. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi has significantly brighter screen, dramatically better visibility in bright daylight and outdoors. Huawei display information may be incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Huawei's chipset has an upgraded version with 4G; Both offer top performance with minor differences. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,228,811 | Both offer excellent performance, differences are minimal in most daily tasks; Huawei P60 Pro has a slight edge on paper. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical GPUs mean similar gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4815mAh | Huawei has slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 88W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges significantly faster; very quick top-ups. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W reverse, wired with Surge P1 | 50W Wireless, 7.5W reverse | Both feature wireless charging; Xiaomi offers faster wired charging and a slightly faster wireless charging, also slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28") | 48MP (f/1.4, 1/1.4") | Xiaomi captures high-res images with larger sensor; Huawei has wider aperture for better low light and shallower depth. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP (1/3.14") | 31MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi has a bit higher resolution for more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP (f/2.1) | Huawei has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming, Xiaomi doesn't. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 13MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi captures more detailed wide-angle shots; Huawei does have a wide-angle lens but much lower resolution. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76") | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated lens for depth mapping in portraits, Huawei doesn't. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Xiaomi supports 8k video, which could be a pro for professional content creators, but both offer excellent video quality. |
| DxOMark Score | 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | 156 (Photo: 159, Video: 147) | Huawei excels in all camera areas, consistently outperforming Xiaomi. |
| Features | 8K Video, OIS, EIS, etc. | OIS, EIS, Time-lapse, Noise reduction | Huawei offers noise reduction and time-lapse, and Xiaomi offers 8K Video recording, otherwise the list is identical between both |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Xiaomi provides Android 12 while Huawei P60 Pro has missing OS info | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards; similar speeds and range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, APT-x | 5.2 | Xiaomi offers more Bluetooth codecs for better audio quality. |
| GPS | More Systems | Similar Systems | Xiaomi has better GPS support for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Huawei offers more storage capacity; good for extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both provide ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, important to choose appropriate storage capacity when purchasing; important to choose storage variant wisely. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, stereo | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi provides enhanced spatial and higher quality audio. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both use fingerprint sensors; standard biometrics. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has superior screen protection; Huawei screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | More | More | Xiaomi has an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor; Huawei has Gravity and Hall sensors in addition. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and PPI deliver a crisper, more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: The 1500 nits of brightness makes the display much more usable in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is significantly faster, ensuring less time plugged in.
- 8K Video: 8K Video Recording, providing professional-grade video content creation
- Better Audio: With Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and two microphones, Xiaomi offers superior audio experience.
Huawei P60 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera: Consistently higher DxOMark scores and a dedicated telephoto lens demonstrate better imaging capabilities.
- Larger Storage: The higher max storage option, means no need to worry about space, particularly for videographers or professional photographers.
- Slightly Larger Battery: The larger battery capacity could lead to marginally longer battery life.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: Improved low-light performance and natural depth of field, ideal for photographers.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, and camera is not as high-performing as the P60 Pro.
- Huawei P60 Pro: Lacks 8K video recording, and the screen brightness is not specified, which could be an issue in very bright daylight.
- Both: No expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who value a crisp display, fast charging, and great audio quality.
- Use Cases: Gamers who need smooth graphics and fast response times, multimedia consumption in bright areas, users who need a fast charge during short breaks, everyday usage.
- Price to Value: More competitive if you value a bright and sharp display, super fast charging over camera quality.
Huawei P60 Pro:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts looking for a top-tier mobile camera.
- Use Cases: Travel and landscape photography, low-light photography, and anyone who wants the best camera experience.
- Price to Value: A premium choice for those who prioritize camera quality and battery life, but are willing to sacrifice some charging speed and display sharpness.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is camera performance to you? If photography is your priority, the Huawei P60 Pro's superior scores and telephoto lens make it the better choice. If you're a casual user or prioritize other features, the Xiaomi 12 Pro can easily satisfy your photographic needs.
- Do you need extremely fast charging and a very bright display? The Xiaomi 12 Pro's 120W charging is considerably faster and is much better for outdoor visibility. If you need to charge your phone quickly on the go and like a very bright screen, go with Xiaomi.
- How much internal storage do you need? If you need more storage, Huawei with 512 GB may be a better choice as Xiaomi has a smaller capacity at 256GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Avid Photographer: If you live and breathe photography, go with the Huawei P60 Pro. The dedicated telephoto lens and higher DxOMark scores mean better shots.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, consume a lot of media and like to game, the Xiaomi 12 Pro will provide a better experience due to its higher resolution and brighter display, enhanced audio, and significantly faster charging.
- The On-the-Go User: If you value fast charging and are frequently in bright environments, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the more practical option due to its 120W fast charging and significantly brighter display.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Huawei P60 Pro's camera prowess is undeniably impressive, I prioritize the practical benefits of Xiaomi's faster charging, brighter and sharper display, and superior audio for my daily use. As a tech journalist, I'm always on the go, and having a phone that can quickly top up the battery and provide excellent screen visibility in different environments makes a real difference. Additionally, while the P60 Pro has the better camera on paper, the Xiaomi's camera is still excellent and is likely sufficient for most use-cases for the average user.
I hope this breakdown helps you choose the right phone for you. Let me know if you have any other questions!
