Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. These are two powerful contenders in the smartphone arena, each with its own unique approach to performance and user experience. I'm going to break down their specs, analyze their real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 IV, along with what these numbers mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2022-06-11 | Sony is newer, implying potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi is wider, Sony is taller; both have a similar thickness. Sony might feel slightly more compact in the hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 185g | Sony is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.5" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen, offering more visual real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 643 | Sony's display will appear noticeably clearer and crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar high-quality display tech; expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's much brighter display will be far more readable in direct sunlight. (Note: the 0 nits for Sony seems like an error.) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Both have the same high-end processor, offering similar raw performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 1,076,100 | Xiaomi shows a slightly better benchmark score, potentially faster in demanding tasks, though the real-world difference would be minimal. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical graphics processing on both devices. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Sony has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges significantly faster; a huge advantage for those always on the go. |
| Charging Features | Reverse, Wireless | Bypass Charging | Xiaomi has wireless and reverse charging, allowing charging other devices; Sony can charge without degrading the battery while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.9 | 12MP f/1.7 | Xiaomi's sensor has more megapixels, which may provide more detail in optimal conditions. Sony has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 12MP | Xiaomi has a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP | Sony offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature missing from the Xiaomi. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Xiaomi offers higher resolution for wide angle photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Sony has a depth sensor, which can improve portrait photography, and other applications that require depth data. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth camera. |
| Video | 8K@24fps | 4K@120fps | Xiaomi can record at higher resolutions, while Sony can shoot at 120fps for smoother slow-motion videos in 4K. |
| DXOMark Score | 129 (Mobile) | 105 (Mobile) | Xiaomi shows superior camera performance according to DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12/13 | Sony has a newer Android version upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi has enhanced Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have similar audio tech with Sony having additional connectivity features such as AVRCP and HFP, useful for using various audio peripherals. |
| GPS | More Satellite Sys | Fewer Sat Sys | Xiaomi offers more comprehensive GPS coverage, potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano + eSIM | Sony offers eSIM support for better flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Sony offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | Sony has more RAM which will help with multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dual Mic | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi has dual mic for potentially better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Sony's side-mounted fingerprint is slightly more convenient to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices have good screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More Advanced | Basic | Xiaomi has a comprehensive set of sensors, potentially enabling more features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Blazing Fast Charging: The 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing you to quickly top up your battery.
- Brighter Display: Its 1500 nits brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor use.
- Strong Camera Performance: The higher megapixel count and DXOMark scores indicate a superior camera system, particularly in photo and video.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Xiaomi's inclusion of features like an ultrasonic proximity sensor opens up more options.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution display results in a noticeably clearer picture.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers a slight advantage in terms of battery life.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offering true optical zoom.
- Expandable Storage: Option for 512GB of internal storage, double of what the Xiaomi has on it's higher end model.
- Software Updates: A newer operating system and version update to Android 13 is offered in the Sony phone.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: Sacrifices the telephoto lens, and is heavier. The lower RAM on the base model could limit heavy multitasking.
- Sony: Significantly slower charging, higher cost and lower camera performance according to DXOMark benchmarks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users who need fast charging and a great camera system. Great for content creators, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who values a bright, vibrant display.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Heavy phone usage, where battery life is a concern.
- Multi-tasking and running demanding applications.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal For: Multimedia enthusiasts who appreciate a top-tier display, need a telephoto lens, and like to edit/watch photos and videos. Best for people who need to prioritize better battery life over very fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos.
- Professional photography and videography, needing access to telephoto lens and depth sensor.
- Heavy multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How much do you value fast charging?
- If fast charging is essential, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Is camera quality or image sharpness more important?
- For raw camera quality, especially photos and videos, the Xiaomi is better. For video and image sharpness, the Sony is better with a telephoto lens included.
- What is more important, battery life or charging speeds?
- The Sony gives you better battery life, but the Xiaomi will recharge significantly faster.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: If you're a photography enthusiast who wants the best raw image quality, and can make do without the telephoto, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better bet. If you value the telephoto lens, and are looking to do professional work, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the winner.
- The Content Creator: The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s higher video resolution makes it the ideal choice for the content creator, although the Sony's optical zoom and depth sensor could be useful.
- The Media Consumer: If you primarily use your phone for watching movies, reading, and browsing, the Sony Xperia 1 IV's sharper screen is more appealing.
- The On-the-Go User: For those constantly on the move, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's rapid charging and better outdoor visibility make it the better choice.
- The Gamer: Both are good, but the higher RAM of the Sony Xperia 1 IV, and it's bypass charging, is better for extended gaming sessions.
My Choice and Why:
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. My reasoning is simple: the 120W fast charging and brighter display are features that would enhance my daily user experience. I appreciate the convenience of a phone that can charge up in minutes, especially when I'm constantly on the move. Additionally, the better camera performance, according to DXOMark, is a big plus for me as someone who enjoys capturing high quality photos and videos. I would not be doing any professional photography or video with it anyway. I can easily forgo the dedicated zoom telephoto camera for my main phone. The significantly better charging and brighter screen makes the Xiaomi the better all around phone for me.
Of course, this is just my personal preference. Both of these phones are fantastic in their own right, and the best choice for you will depend on your priorities and usage patterns.
