Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Nokia G42. We'll go beyond the spec sheet to understand what these differences mean for you in day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, comparing these two devices:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2023-06-28 | Nokia G42 is newer, potentially with more up-to-date software and features, although this depends on the manufacturer's update policies. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | Nokia G42 is slightly larger in all dimensions; more noticeable in hand, especially during extended use, or when holding in tight spaces. |
| Weight | 204g | 193.8g | Nokia G42 is noticeably lighter; might be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.56" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption, gaming, and split-screen multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a dramatically sharper display, with crisper text, finer details in images and videos and smoother curves. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 269 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro will have a significantly clearer and more detailed screen, especially noticeable in text and fine graphical elements. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours, with better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro screen is visibly smoother, especially when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is drastically brighter, making it far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster processing, better app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 380,000 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly more powerful, making it more future-proof and better suited to demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides more advanced graphics processing; the difference will be most visible in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nokia G42 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. Xiaomi 12 Pro uses a superior sensor (Sony IMX707), likely yielding better overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 8MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly higher resolution selfies, resulting in clearer, more detailed shots. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers greater versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers dramatically higher-resolution portrait shots. Better background blur and subject separation. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G42 offers dedicated macro shots for close-up details of objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers professional-grade video capabilities with significantly higher resolution, smoother slow motion and HDR. |
| DXoMark Score | 129 | Not Tested | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior image and video quality, well suited for professional and enthusiast content creation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia G42 may offer slightly longer battery life due to a bigger battery, but it will depend on the power efficiency of its components. |
| Charging | 120W | 20W | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges dramatically faster, allowing for a quick power-up, while the Nokia G42 takes significantly longer to charge. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless | No charger in box | Xiaomi 12 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly, and benefits from extremely fast wired charging with the custom Surge P1 chip. No charger included in the box for Nokia. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Nokia G42 offers a newer Android version with potentially longer software update support, but the upgrade policy of Xiaomi is also great. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly newer version, offering more advanced audio codecs for better quality. |
| GPS | Advanced Support | Standard Support | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more precise positioning in a variety of environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Xiaomi 12 Pro can simultaneously use two SIM cards, while Nokia G42 only uses one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much more RAM, meaning it can handle more multitasking and resource intensive applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for more immersive sound. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Nokia G42 has a better position of the fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 Pro features significantly stronger and more scratch resistant screen protection, which may be more durable. |
| Sensors | Advanced | Standard | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, potentially enabling more advanced features and better accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: A powerhouse in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds. It has a flagship-level experience that emphasizes premium features.
- Competitive Advantage: Significantly better processing power, a superior display, a more versatile and powerful camera system, and blazing-fast charging.
- Trade-offs: Older launch date (though the core technology is high-end), heavier, and may have slightly shorter battery life.
Nokia G42:
- Strengths: Newer software, lighter, more affordable, and with a slightly larger battery.
- Competitive Advantage: Newer operating system, potentially with more years of software update support, longer battery duration (though will depend on power efficiency).
- Trade-offs: Significantly lower performance, a lower-resolution and less vibrant display, a less versatile camera system, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who values a premium experience with top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording and editing, multi-tasking with demanding applications, and those who prefer a vibrant display with a great refresh rate.
- Nokia G42:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious buyers, those who prefer a lighter and basic smartphone, and users who prioritize battery life and software support.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, light mobile gaming, and users who need a reliable phone that can last all day without needing a fast charge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
What do you prioritize: raw power or budget? If you need the best performance and display quality, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice. If you're on a budget, the Nokia G42 will be the more affordable choice.
How important is camera versatility and video recording? The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a vastly superior camera system for both photos and videos. If you do a lot of photography or video, the 12 Pro will be a much better experience.
Do you need the latest software and battery? The Nokia G42 offers a newer OS, and a longer battery life, but this comes at a trade-off with processing power and other features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Tech Enthusiast: If you're a tech enthusiast looking for the best performance and features, go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Scenario 2: The Budget Shopper: If you're on a budget and don't need high-end specs, the Nokia G42 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User: If you need a phone with a basic function, the Nokia G42 will offer a smooth day-to-day experience.
- Scenario 4: The Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner with a much more versatile and powerful camera system.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Yes, it's the older device, but its core tech is far superior. As someone who values performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a clear winner.
The Nokia G42 does have its merits, especially with its newer software and potentially longer battery life, however, these cannot outweigh the compromises it makes in power, display, and camera quality. The Xiaomi 12 Pro remains a flagship-level device, while the Nokia G42 is a good budget option.
For me, the smoother experience, the more vibrant display, the more versatile camera, and the drastically faster charging are worth it. I'm willing to trade a slightly shorter battery life and the older software for that boost in performance and overall quality. Plus, as someone who takes lots of photos and videos, and also games often, I need something powerful enough for the task.
