Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2). Both are compelling devices, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown that aims to cut through the jargon and get to the heart of what matters for real-world users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Xiaomi is taller but narrower, Nothing is wider and thicker. Nothing might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 204g | 201.2g | Negligible difference. Both feel substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.7" | Effectively the same size; immersive experience on both. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | Xiaomi boasts sharper visuals with higher pixel density; the difference is noticeable for very crisp text and images. |
| PPI | 521 | 394 | Xiaomi offers a noticeably sharper and more detailed screen due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. AMOLED is a marketing name of OLED, so performance is very similar |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing has a slight edge for better visibility in bright sunlight; both are plenty bright for most situations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Nothing has a slightly newer and more efficient chipset, likely offering slightly better performance and battery life under heavy loads. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,135,786 | Both devices provide comparable flagship-level performance; the difference is negligible in daily tasks and most games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Same GPU, implying similar graphics handling for gaming, although optimization might vary. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Xiaomi's larger sensor should capture more light and details in challenging conditions, despite slightly smaller aperture, while Nothing has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" | Nothing has the larger sensor meaning it would capture slightly more light, despite smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | No | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for greater flexibility in shooting scenarios. |
| Depth Lens | 50MP, f/1.9 | No | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth lens, enhancing the portrait photography experience. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing has a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens which could be valuable for some use cases. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Xiaomi can shoot in higher resolution, with all cameras using stabilization, offering more flexibility for creators. Nothing has a limited 4k 60 fps. |
| DXOMark | 129 | Not Rated | Xiaomi's camera has undergone more rigorous testing, with scores indicating overall good performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4700mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; both should comfortably last a full day for most users, though mileage varies depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless | Xiaomi's wired charging is significantly faster, allowing for much quicker top-ups; wireless charging is much slower than wired for both devices. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and PPI give it a distinct edge in sharpness and detail. If you prioritize visual clarity, this is a major win.
- Versatile Camera System: With dedicated wide-angle and portrait lenses, it provides more flexibility and creative options for photography.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W wired charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing downtime.
- 8K Video: If you are into video content creation, the 8K capabilities are important.
Nothing Phone (2) Strengths:
- Newer, More Efficient Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a performance boost and could lead to better battery efficiency.
- Brighter Display: The slight edge in brightness makes it more usable outdoors under direct sunlight.
- Unique Design: The glyph interface and transparent design make it visually distinctive and fun to use.
- Software Updates: The Nothing Phone (2) has a clear upgrade path for software, which is a very important factor.
- Newer Bluetooth: Newer bluetooth version gives an edge with newer technologies.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lacks a unique visual identity compared to Nothing Phone (2); its camera, while great, doesn't have as good of a front facing camera
- Nothing Phone (2): Lacks the pixel density and resolution of the Xiaomi 12 Pro, lacks portrait mode, telephoto lens, and ultra-fast charging. 4K video max.
- Both devices do not have expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Best for users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and extremely fast charging. Ideal for content creators, media consumers, and anyone who appreciates a crisp, visually stunning display.
- Nothing Phone (2): Ideal for users who value innovative design, software updates, overall flagship performance, and a fun and different user experience. It is great for tech enthusiasts, designers, and those who like to be different.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
How important is display sharpness to you? If you need the highest quality screen resolution possible, then Xiaomi is the way to go. If you are okay with slightly lower PPI, then the Nothing is also okay.
Do you need the most versatile camera setup, or do you want a fun experience with a slightly different approach? If you need the best camera, the Xiaomi is better as it includes telephoto and portrait capabilities. If you don't need these features, the Nothing Phone(2) can be for you.
How much do you value fast charging speed vs a very unique software and design? If the faster wired charging is a must, Xiaomi is the winner. If not, then the Nothing Phone (2)'s software is much newer, and has a greater upgrade path.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between the two, I would go with the Nothing Phone (2). While the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a better display and a more versatile camera system, the Nothing Phone (2)'s combination of a newer chipset, updated software, and its unique design is simply too compelling for me. As a tech journalist, the uniqueness of the device makes it fun to use and analyze. While the camera on the Xiaomi is certainly better, the Nothing Phone (2)'s camera is still great and more than enough for everyday use. Additionally, the software updates and longer software support are important.
