Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A35. These two phones occupy different spaces in the market, and while they both offer a smartphone experience, the way they achieve this is very different. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A35, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi is taller and narrower; Samsung is shorter and wider. Both are the same thickness, which impacts hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 204g | 209g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.6" | Xiaomi's slightly larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 | Xiaomi has a significantly sharper display; better for detailed content like photos, videos, and fine text. |
| PPI | 521 | 390 | Xiaomi has a much higher pixel density, which means sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi screen is far more readable outdoors in bright conditions. Samsung's 0 nits is an error in the data and would need to be confirmed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Xiaomi offers higher performance, better for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 578,500 | Xiaomi's higher score means much smoother, faster performance; a difference that is highly perceptible. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Xiaomi’s GPU is significantly more powerful, beneficial for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Samsung has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer use between charges. |
| Charging | 120W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Xiaomi charges incredibly faster; very convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | None | Xiaomi offers versatile charging options; Samsung is more basic. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28”) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.96") | Xiaomi’s larger sensor captures more light and detail, especially in low light. Samsung has wider aperture but a smaller sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") | 13MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi’s higher resolution might result in clearer, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi’s wide-angle lens is much higher resolution, resulting in more detailed, better quality wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76") | N/A | Xiaomi has a dedicated portrait mode camera, while the A35 lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, whereas Xiaomi lacks this. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi can capture much higher resolution footage. Both have EIS for stabilization. |
| DXOMark | 129 (Overall) | 104 (Overall) | Xiaomi has significantly better photo and video performance according to DXOMark, indicating much higher camera quality. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, etc. | Pro Video, 4k, Triple Camera, etc. | Xiaomi has advanced camera features including 8K video recording, optical zoom, and more manual focus options. Samsung offers a "Pro" video mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Samsung offers a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi standards on both devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Xiaomi has more comprehensive GPS support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM support on both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both provide a range of storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Xiaomi has higher RAM, which is better for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio quality with similar features; Xiaomi edges out slightly with 2 microphones, better for audio capturing. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security using a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer excellent screen protection using Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Motion | Xiaomi features additional sensors for environmental and precise orientation features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, and far higher brightness, make the viewing experience much better, especially in bright sunlight.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides much higher performance and benchmarks, which is noticeable during day-to-day usage.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-resolution main, wide-angle and selfie cameras, plus dedicated portrait lens, results in higher quality photos and videos, with more versatile features (like 8k and optical zoom).
- Fast Charging: 120W wired charging is exceptionally quick, and the inclusion of wireless charging is another big benefit.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Added sensor suite for various functions.
- Better Audio: Additional microphones are a boon for voice capture, and better overall audio quality.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, a notable benefit for software features and security.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Marginally larger battery may result in longer battery life, but is offset by the difference in chipset efficiency.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens is useful for extreme close-up photography, something the Xiaomi lacks.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers some connectivity enhancements.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Older software, no expandable storage, and a higher initial price are possible drawbacks. The lack of a macro lens is a weakness compared to the A35.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: Significantly lower performance and camera capabilities compared to the Xiaomi; much slower charging speeds; much lower screen brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Ideal for power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who values high performance, superior display quality, and fast charging. It's perfect for those who want the best possible image and video quality, and high performance in all aspects of their device.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: Best suited for general users who prioritize a recent version of Android, and decent performance and camera capabilities for everyday use. It’s a solid all-rounder for budget-conscious buyers who need reliable day-to-day performance and long battery life and a macro lens.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you are someone who regularly plays games, multitask, or run resource-intensive apps, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is going to be a much better fit. If you mostly browse, use social media, and stream videos, the Samsung A35 will suffice.
- How crucial is camera quality? If you value high quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner with better resolution on almost all lenses, and many additional features. If you want a competent camera that is 'good enough', the A35 may be sufficient.
- Do you need the absolute best display? If you value the best possible visuals including high brightness and super clear resolution, Xiaomi has the better display. If you aren't very particular, the A35 is a decent performer.
My Choice:
If I were to choose, I’d go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The significant improvements in display quality, overall performance, and camera capabilities make it a clear winner for me, offsetting the advantage of the A35 having newer software. The much faster charging is also a killer feature that I can't overlook as a daily driver. The older software is not a huge issue, and the performance gap is just too big to ignore. The lack of a macro lens on the Xiaomi is a shame, but the improved quality of all the other lenses and camera modes more than make up for it. If you asked me to choose between a great display and overall camera and high performance versus a macro lens and a larger battery, I'd go for the former every time.
