Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola ThinkPhone. These are both powerful smartphones, but they target slightly different users. Let's break down the specs and see which one comes out on top for different needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is taller, ThinkPhone is slightly thicker. ThinkPhone might feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.6" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger display for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi has much sharper text and images due to its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 521 ppi | 399 ppi | Xiaomi’s display looks considerably crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both provide excellent colors and contrast, though AMOLED is generally considered slightly superior. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi excels in outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone offers a newer and more efficient processor for better performance and potentially better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone scores slightly better in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have the same GPU, though the ThinkPhone's processor gives it an edge |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Xiaomi has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, while ThinkPhone's wider aperture might help with shallow depth-of-field. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both phones offer comparable Selfie cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | None | Xiaomi includes a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP | 2MP | Xiaomi has superior depth-sensing capabilities in portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, more versatile for close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both phones provide high-end video recording options. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Overall: 129, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | Not tested | Xiaomi has a tested strong camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone has a slightly larger battery, which could translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 68W wired, 15W wireless | Xiaomi charges significantly faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Xiaomi Surge P1 chip | 15W wireless charging | Xiaomi offers more advanced charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Both have the latest Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, with aptX | 5.2, | Xiaomi has more audio codec support for higher-quality audio. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Xiaomi supports more navigation systems |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | ThinkPhone comes only in a 256GB version. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi has up to 12 GB of RAM for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has superior audio quality for discerning audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have good scratch protection on their display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has more sensors for additional functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 Pro shines with its incredibly crisp display due to its higher resolution and pixel density. It also has a more versatile camera system thanks to its dedicated wide-angle lens and the enhanced portrait mode capabilities. The fast 120W charging is a major advantage, along with 50W fast wireless charging, making it ideal for people who hate waiting for their phone to charge. Finally, it boasts more audio features (Hi-Res Audio) and a comprehensive set of sensors.
- Competitive Advantages: Best in class display quality, superior charging speed and overall richer feature set, particularly in camera capabilities and audio quality.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The slightly older processor might mean it's not quite as efficient as the ThinkPhone, it’s heavier, and it’s got a smaller battery, which could be a concern for some users.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths: The ThinkPhone boasts a newer and slightly more powerful processor, a larger battery, and a more compact and lighter design. It also ships with a newer version of Android. Its main camera has a wider aperture for better light capture, and it has a combined wide-angle/macro lens that's more versatile for close-ups.
- Competitive Advantages: Its lightweight design, newer processor, slightly better battery capacity, and newer software.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It lags behind the Xiaomi in display sharpness, camera versatility, and audio quality. The charging is slower, and it misses some convenience features like reverse charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best for:
- Media Lovers: Users who prioritize screen quality, excellent audio, and fast charging will love this phone.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who want versatile camera options, great low-light performance, and the ability to shoot high-resolution photos and videos.
- Power Users: Anyone who values a high-end phone with lots of features and cutting-edge tech, and doesn't mind carrying a slightly heavier phone.
Motorola ThinkPhone is best for:
- Professionals on the Go: Users who need a reliable phone with a long-lasting battery, a compact form factor, and the latest software for optimal performance.
- Minimalists: Those who prefer a more straightforward, less feature-heavy experience but still value a premium feel and robust performance.
- Travelers: People who want a lightweight device with the latest software, slightly better battery life, and the convenience of macro photography on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a crisp, detailed display for viewing content, Xiaomi is the better choice. If you’re okay with a good display that's less crisp, the ThinkPhone is great.
- Do you value fast charging and versatile camera options, or longer battery life and newer software? Xiaomi gives you ultra-fast charging and a more feature-rich camera, while ThinkPhone excels in battery life and a more up-to-date OS.
- How important is it to have a lightweight, compact device? If the weight and dimensions are important, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the winner here, as it is considerably lighter.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Content Creator: Go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its versatile camera system, high-quality video, superior display, and incredibly fast charging.
- The Frequent Traveler: The Motorola ThinkPhone is better suited for its combination of a lighter build, longer-lasting battery, and newer software.
- The Mobile Gamer: Both phones are quite capable, but the Xiaomi has a slightly crisper display and can charge a lot faster.
- The Business Professional: The ThinkPhone excels with its balance of battery life, reliability, and a sleek design.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the ThinkPhone's newer processor and lighter build are enticing, the Xiaomi's superior display, faster charging, more versatile camera system, and more comprehensive feature set (including the Hi-Res audio) align better with my preferences. The significantly faster charging alone is a game changer in my daily usage. Yes, it is a little heavier and the battery might not last quite as long, but these are trade-offs I’m willing to make for the overall experience.
