Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Asus Zenfone 10. I'll break down the tech specs, offer practical insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Xiaomi 12 is taller and wider, while the Zenfone 10 is thicker, but a bit more compact and easier to handle one handed. |
| Weight | 179g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is slightly lighter; more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 5.92" | Xiaomi 12 offers a larger screen for media consumption; Zenfone 10 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed displays at the same resolution. |
| PPI | 419 | 445 | Zenfone 10 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant and contrasty AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both offer excellent peak brightness for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Zenfone 10 has a newer, more powerful and more efficient chip, offering superior speed and responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 provides significantly faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 provides better gaming performance due to a more powerful GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", IMX766 | Both use the same high-quality sensor but Xiaomi 12 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly larger sensor for better low light performance on the front. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 (Combined with macro) | Xiaomi 12 offers a dedicated wide angle; Asus combines macro with a wide lens |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 (Combined with wide) | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens; Asus has a combined lens for wide/macro. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Both are capable for professional-grade video content creation. |
| DXOMark | 113 (Main), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 has benchmarked camera results; Zenfone 10 has no available benchmark |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Night Mode | Dual camera, Gimbal, PDAF Omnidericional | Xiaomi offers a more versatile camera setup with triple lenses; Zenfone has a dual-camera system with gimbal stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Xiaomi 12 offers a slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage time. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | Xiaomi 12 charges significantly faster; Zenfone offers a more conservative approach to charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 offers a more modern Android version with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Zenfone 10 supports the newest WiFi standard for future-proofing and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 supports a newer version of Bluetooth with additional features. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1+L5 | Zenfone 10 has better satellite support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Zenfone 10 provides more storage capacity options, up to 512GB. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/16 GB | Zenfone 10 provides up to 16GB of RAM for faster multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | Xiaomi 12 features Dolby Atmos for immersive sound; Zenfone has a noise cancelling microphone for clearer audio during calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 offers a more practical and accessible side fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones use the same screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, RGB | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 10 has a richer sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging is a significant advantage for those who need to quickly top up their battery.
- Larger Display: If you prefer a larger screen for media consumption or multi-tasking, the Xiaomi 12's 6.28" display is better.
- Triple Camera System: The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens adds versatility for various photography scenarios.
- Better Selfies in Low Light: The front camera sensor is marginally better and should provide better low light performance.
Asus Zenfone 10 Strengths:
- More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a substantial performance boost, making the phone faster and more efficient for demanding tasks.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers smoother experience compared to the 120Hz on Xiaomi.
- More RAM and Storage: The option for up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage makes it a top choice for power users.
- Longer Software Support: Comes with Android 13 and will be updated up to Android 15.
- Newer Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Has more future proof connectivity.
- Better Ergonomics - The device is more compact and easily usable with one hand.
- More comprehensive sensor suite - Provides a wider range of functionality.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Capacity: The Zenfone 10 has a slightly smaller battery, which is a trade-off for the compact design.
- Slower Charging: While offering wireless charging, the 30W wired and 15W wireless charging is slower than the Xiaomi 12.
- Less Versatile Camera System: The Zenfone 10 has a less versatile camera system (dual cameras) with a combined wide-angle and macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and playing casual games on a larger screen.
- Users needing Fast Charging: Those who prioritize quick charging and wireless charging options.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who would appreciate a versatile triple camera with macro capabilities.
Asus Zenfone 10 is best for:
- Performance Users: Gamers and power users who prioritize raw performance and responsiveness from the chipset and the RAM.
- Compact Phone Enthusiasts: People who prefer smaller, more manageable phones.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Efficiency: Users looking for maximum battery life and the most up-to-date operating system.
- Modern Connectivity Users: Those seeking the latest standards for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between these two phones, here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is fast charging to me? If you're constantly on the go and need to quickly top up your battery, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice.
- Do I prefer a larger display or a more compact device? If media consumption is a priority, the Xiaomi 12 is ideal; if you value portability and single-hand usage, the Zenfone 10 is the better choice.
- How important is raw performance and software updates? If having the latest OS and top-tier performance is a must, the Zenfone 10 is the superior pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User - If you frequently use demanding apps, play graphic intensive games, and want future-proofed software updates and performance, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: The Multimedia Enthusiast - If you prioritize a larger screen and faster charging capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 will suit you well.
- Scenario 3: The Practical User - If you want a reliable daily driver with good performance, a smaller form factor and a solid camera system, the Asus Zenfone 10 is a great choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd personally go with the Asus Zenfone 10. While the Xiaomi 12 offers faster charging and a larger display, the Zenfone 10's superior performance, more up-to-date software with extended support, compact design, and better connectivity, all make it the more appealing option. As a tech journalist and someone who values cutting-edge technology, the Zenfone 10 offers a more compelling experience. While the camera system isn't as versatile, the other benefits offset this. The newer chipset also means better efficiency and overall longer battery life for daily use. For me, the trade-offs are worth it to have a phone that is both powerful and convenient.
