Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Nokia G60. These two phones are positioned quite differently in the market, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will be crucial for making the right choice. I'll structure this analysis to be as clear and practical as possible, just like chatting with a friend who wants the lowdown.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on how they impact your daily experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Nokia G60 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 166 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, feeling more compact. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Nokia G60 is noticeably lighter, which will make it more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.58" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a bit more screen real estate for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is much sharper; videos and images look significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 521 | 401 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are equally smooth in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is easily viewable in direct sunlight; Nokia G60 outdoor brightness is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 695 5G | Xiaomi 12 Pro handles demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 410,072 | Xiaomi 12 Pro performs significantly better and is suited for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi 12 Pro will have smoother graphics and gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery endurance, enough for a full day's usage. |
| Charging | 120W fast, 50W wireless | 20W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges extremely fast, and offers wireless charging. |
| Charging Features | Wireless, Reverse | None | Xiaomi has more charging capabilities |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.8, | Nokia G60 may have slightly better low light photos due to wider aperture, while Xiaomi's sensor is much larger. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers vastly better selfies with greater detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 5MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures much higher quality wide photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 Pro produces detailed portrait shots and depth sensing capabilities. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro shoots professional video with high resolution, frame rates. |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers video with stabilization. |
| DXOMark | 129(M), 136(P), 125(V) | Not tested | Xiaomi 12 Pro has excellent image quality and video performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones have identical OS versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Similar WiFi experience. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Xiaomi 12 Pro has the latest version; Nokia G60 has EDR |
| GPS | Advanced GPS | Basic GPS | Xiaomi 12 Pro is more accurate in location and tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Nokia G60 has more advanced SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro has larger storage options for storing more files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro excels in multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage for either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers enhanced audio with better quality and immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Nokia G60 has a more modern placement of the fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Advanced set | Limited set | Xiaomi 12 Pro features a full sensor suite ideal for more diverse apps. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a powerhouse, excelling in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. It features a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, a vibrant AMOLED display with high resolution and brightness, and a versatile camera system with 8K video recording. Its fast 120W charging is a game-changer.
- Competitive Advantages: Its flagship-level performance and top-tier camera system put it in a league above the Nokia G60. The premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus also adds a touch of durability. The faster wireless charging capabilities is another plus.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It's slightly heavier and bulkier than the Nokia G60, and its battery life, though good, isn’t exceptional. It lacks expandable storage.
Nokia G60:
- Strengths: The Nokia G60 provides a solid mid-range experience, focusing on build quality and reliability. Its lighter weight and side-mounted fingerprint sensor enhance usability. It also offers the flexibility of an eSIM.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantage is its price. It provides good value and long-lasting durability.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The performance is significantly lower than the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It has a basic display, and basic audio features and a simple camera system, and it lacks premium features. The screen is not as bright or color accurate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, power users, gamers, and photography aficionados who demand top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases: Ideal for graphically demanding games, capturing high-resolution photos and videos, enjoying HDR content, and using demanding apps.
- Price-to-Value: The price is higher, but it provides cutting-edge technology that justifies the investment for those seeking premium performance.
Nokia G60:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious consumers, everyday users, and those who prefer a reliable phone with good battery life, who prefer reliability and sustainability.
- Use Cases: Ideal for daily tasks, browsing, communication, and light photography.
- Price-to-Value: It offers a good balance of price and features for budget-conscious users looking for long lasting quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is raw performance? If you are a gamer or power user who needs fast speeds and smooth multitasking, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- How important is having a high quality display and a top-notch camera system? If video and photography are essential, the Xiaomi 12 Pro will deliver the most quality and options.
- What is your budget? If you are price sensitive and looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Nokia G60 will be a good fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Power User: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its superior performance, display, and gaming capabilities.
- The Content Creator: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its high-resolution camera and professional video features.
- The Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Nokia G60 for its good balance between price, reliability, and battery life for daily use.
Final Thoughts
Both the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Nokia G60 cater to different needs and preferences. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a powerhouse, offering exceptional performance and features for those willing to pay a premium. The Nokia G60 is a budget-friendly option, balancing reliability and practicality.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12 Pro, despite the higher price tag. Here's why:
- Cutting-Edge Performance: As someone who values speed, responsiveness, and the ability to handle demanding tasks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro is simply unbeatable. The significantly higher benchmark scores and the Adreno 730 GPU mean smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a superior gaming experience, which are important to me.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED display of the 12 Pro with its 1440p resolution and vibrant colors is a significant draw. I've always loved a great display with its richness and clarity that makes everyday content consumption a pleasure, and the higher pixel density makes a difference.
- Versatile Camera System: The camera is a big deal to me as I enjoy taking photos and experimenting with video. The high quality 8K video recording and the incredible image quality are a big draw for me. The triple 50MP array, coupled with features like optical image stabilization and HDR, gives me a lot of creative potential.
- Fast Charging: The 120W fast charging, along with the wireless charging capabilities, addresses my needs for quick top-ups and convenient charging. I like the speed and the versatility in keeping it topped up without worry.
While the Nokia G60 is a practical, budget-friendly phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has the edge in performance, camera capabilities, display, and overall technology, all of which are essential for my needs. It provides a flagship experience that I would personally invest in.
