Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. I'll structure this analysis to be both technically deep and relatable for everyday users, focusing on practical implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table breaking down the key specs and their real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE slightly wider, making it feel bulkier. 12 Pro is a tad taller, but the difference is minor. Same thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 213g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, which will feel better during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution (82.3% more pixels) results in sharper text, images and videos. |
| PPI | 521 | 385 | Significantly sharper display on the Xiaomi 12 Pro; text and fine details will be much clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use excellent AMOLED technology for vibrant colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE will be much more legible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | Different processors; S24 FE's newer Exynos chip has significantly better performance, at least on paper. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,600,000 | The S24 FE should feel snappier and be better for gaming and multitasking, based on a 36% higher score. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Xclipse 940 | Different GPUs, S24 FE's should provide better graphics performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4700mAh | Similar battery capacity means similar endurance throughout the day. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, significant convenience. |
| Features | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging | Xiaomi offers faster wired and wireless charging. Samsung has bypass for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN3 | Xiaomi has a larger sensor (better low light), while Samsung has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" Samsung S5K3J1 | Xiaomi offers much higher resolution, but Samsung has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10 | Only S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6 | Xiaomi has higher resolution and larger sensor on ultrawide. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | None | Only Xiaomi offers a dedicated portrait mode camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer great video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 129 | Mobile: 133 | S24 FE edges out the 12 Pro overall in camera performance, according to DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Many, including Ultra Stable Video | Many, including Night Mode 2.0 | Similar features, but the Xiaomi has ultra-stable video and the Samsung has Night Mode 2.0. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 FE ships with the latest Android version, offering new features, better performance, and enhanced security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 FE offers a faster, more stable WiFi connection with the 6E standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version, with better efficiency and connection reliability. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Standard Set of Satellites | Both have excellent GPS connectivity for location services, but the Xiaomi supports additional ones. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Samsung has eSIM for digital switching, both allow two SIMs for dual numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Samsung S24 FE offers up to 512GB, giving you more storage for apps, photos, videos, etc. |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro can be configured with 12GB of RAM, allowing for more efficient multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support memory cards, so chose storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 Mics | Noise Cancelling Mic | Xiaomi offers better audio quality and recording, while Samsung focuses on clearer calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have the same basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both have very good screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi has a Biometric sensor, Samsung has more advanced sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Sharper Display: Its higher resolution and PPI makes everything look incredibly crisp.
- Faster Charging: 120W wired charging is a game-changer for quickly topping up.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support make the audio a notable highlight.
- More RAM Available: Offers a 12GB option for multitasking power.
- Larger sensors: Larger sensors on the main and wide angle camera mean better low light performance.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness.
- Better Performance: The Exynos chip offers better performance overall in benchmarks.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features and updates.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated zoom lens adds versatility to photography.
- Better WiFi: WiFi 6E provides faster and more stable connections.
- More Storage: up to 512 GB storage option.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Older OS out of the box, no telephoto lens, not as bright screen, slower wireless charging.
- Samsung S24 FE: Slower charging, no portrait camera, and smaller sensors in some camera.
- Both devices have no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize an incredibly sharp display, super-fast charging, and excellent audio capabilities.
- Use Cases: Great for media consumption, gaming, and anyone who needs to quickly charge their phone on the go.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Ideal For: Users who want the latest software, better performance, brighter screen, and a versatile camera system including a dedicated telephoto lens, and bigger internal storage options.
- Use Cases: Great for outdoor usage, photography, and users who want the latest features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you value screen quality? If you need a super-sharp, detailed display, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is for you. If you prioritize screen visibility under bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the better option.
- Do you need top performance or quick charging? If performance is crucial, the S24 FE is a better bet. If charging speed is paramount, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a no-brainer.
- What camera features do you value more? If you need a telephoto camera the S24 FE is for you. If you want larger sensors on some cameras, better sound recording and a portrait camera the Xiaomi 12 Pro is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Media Buff": Prioritizes display quality and audio.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro for sharper screen and superior audio quality.
- The "Outdoor Photographer": Needs excellent screen visibility, a versatile camera, and the newest features.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for its brighter screen and dedicated telephoto lens and newer software.
- The "Power User": Demands fast performance and needs quick charging.
- Recommendation: Samsung S24 FE for its better overall performance with more memory.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While I appreciate the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s incredible charging speeds and sharper display, the S24 FE's brighter screen and faster chip, combined with its telephoto lens and newer software, would serve me better in the long run. As a tech journalist always on the move, the S24 FE’s superior outdoor visibility and more stable WiFi, along with the better performance and more storage, make it a more practical choice for my needs. The telephoto lens also adds a level of photography versatility I would really make use of.
Ultimately, the best phone depends on individual priorities. Both the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE have strengths and weaknesses, but I hope this detailed analysis helps you decide which one aligns better with your requirements.
