Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Realme 12+. I'll aim to break down the tech specs into real-world implications, so you get a clear picture of what each phone offers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table that breaks down the specs and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Xiaomi is a hair thicker but similar in hand. Realme is slightly lighter. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Realme 12+ will feel marginally lighter in the hand, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Both offer large, immersive screens; differences are negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi's screen is noticeably sharper, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi’s screen will look more detailed, especially with high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and social feeds. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is significantly better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 601,000 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers much faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi’s GPU is considerably more capable for graphics-intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/2" sensor) | Xiaomi has a physically larger sensor, often leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") | 16MP | Xiaomi’s front camera captures more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi captures much higher resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Depth/Portrait | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76") | None | Xiaomi takes better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Xiaomi supports higher-resolution and more versatile video capture. |
| DxoMark Score | 129 overall, 136 photo, 125 video | Not tested | Xiaomi's camera is tested and delivers a high quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme offers a slightly larger battery. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 67W wired | Xiaomi charges much faster, but Realme still provides quick charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Surge P1 chip, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Non-removable | Xiaomi has faster charging options and additional charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme has a newer OS version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi; Xiaomi has additional MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.2 (EDR, HID) | Xiaomi supports higher-quality wireless audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band, NavIC, etc. | Standard GPS | Xiaomi offers more precise GPS for location-based apps and navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme offers 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, noise cancellation mic | Realme 12+ has noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Similar biometric technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi screen has superior protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, RGB, Ultrasonic | Proximity | Xiaomi has additional sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse in terms of performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It excels in gaming and multitasking. The display is sharper, and the main camera has a larger sensor which typically results in better low-light photos, with a very versatile video capture at up to 8K resolution. The 120W charging is exceptionally fast. It is also the only phone tested by DxoMark, which gives it a big plus.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier performance, superior screen sharpness, professional-grade camera system, and faster charging capabilities. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse charging is a big bonus for many people.
- Trade-offs: Older Android version out of the box, lower brightness outdoors, and slightly smaller battery capacity, although still more than enough for a full day of use.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: The standout feature here is its exceptional outdoor brightness. It also has a larger battery, which could give slightly better battery life.
- Competitive Advantages: It has the advantage of having a more modern operating system and greater storage capacity options.
- Trade-offs: Lower overall performance, a less sharp display, and significantly less powerful cameras. It lacks the faster charging speeds of the Xiaomi and the additional charging features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users, content creators, and those who want the best possible performance and camera capabilities. It's perfect for users who enjoy high-resolution video and demand fast charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, 4K video editing, professional photography, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a bright screen for outdoor visibility, good battery life, and want a modern operating system, plus more storage options.
- Use Cases: Daily use, outdoor navigation, social media, and casual photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
Performance Needs: How important are raw speed and gaming capabilities to you? If high performance is critical, the Xiaomi is the clear winner. For general daily tasks, the Realme 12+ will be more than adequate.
Camera Preference: Do you need professional-grade camera features like 8K video, great low-light photos, and high-resolution wide-angle shots? If so, the Xiaomi has significantly more to offer. If it's basic photos, then the Realme would be fine.
Display Environment: Where will you primarily use your phone? If you are often in bright outdoor settings, the Realme is the stronger choice because of its brighter screen.
Which Would I Choose?
If it were my money, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who often pushes my phone to its limits with demanding apps and games, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a huge draw.
- Camera Versatility: I value the higher-resolution video, better low-light performance, and the higher quality photos from the versatile triple camera setup.
- Fast Charging: The 120W charging is incredibly convenient and a time saver. The wireless charging capabilities is also a big plus for me.
- Display Sharpness: I personally find the higher resolution display to be a significant advantage, especially for text-heavy tasks.
While the Realme 12+ certainly offers some advantages like its brighter screen and modern OS out of the box, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's combination of power, camera prowess, and fast charging is more aligned with my needs. If you want pure processing power, a high quality camera setup, and a sharper screen, the Xiaomi is the better choice.
