Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei P60 Pro. I'll break it down with my usual blend of technical detail and practical insight, so you can see which phone comes out on top for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | P60 Pro is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 200g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | P60 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2700 | P60 Pro boasts sharper visuals, enhancing the viewing experience for media and text. |
| PPI | 419 | 444 | Slightly sharper image on the P60 Pro, though likely not a major difference in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast; negligible difference in quality for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, ideal for gaming and general usage. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is far better for outdoor visibility. The Huawei P60 Pro's brightness data is missing here, an unfortunate gap. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | P60 Pro has a newer, slightly more efficient chipset, generally offering a modest performance edge. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro scores higher in benchmarks, indicating a marginally faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical GPUs suggest that both phones should offer similar graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88 | 48MP, f/1.4 | P60 Pro has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which should lead to better low-light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/1.4" | Larger sensor on the P60 Pro captures more light and detail, enhancing image quality. |
| Main Pixel Size | 1.00µm | 1.17µm | Larger pixels on the P60 Pro capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 31MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher resolution, but the P60 Pro has aperture data to confirm light intake. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | P60 Pro offers dedicated telephoto zoom capability for enhanced versatility, Xiaomi has no Telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, which helps with low-light shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 can capture close-up photos, but it is a lower resolution sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Xiaomi 12 has a higher video resolution, suitable for professional or creative use. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 113 | Mobile: 156 | P60 Pro offers superior camera performance, according to DXOMark results. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4815mAh | P60 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Fast Charging | 67W | 88W | P60 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Both support fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W | 7.5W | Xiaomi 12 has more wireless reverse charging power. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 offers stock Android which can be very useful. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | P60 Pro offers more storage; neither phone has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth performance. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has better audio. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: Strengths
- Lighter and More Compact: Its smaller size and weight make it more comfortable for single-handed use and long durations.
- Excellent Display Brightness: The 1100 nits brightness is a major advantage for outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight, unfortunately the P60 Pro has no data for this.
- High-Resolution Video: 8K video recording is a unique feature that caters to content creators seeking high-fidelity footage.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and two microphones offer a better audio experience than the P60 Pro.
- Full Android Experience: Offers stock android experience, which for some users is very important, giving a less clunky experience.
- Wireless Reverse Charging: Higher wattage reverse wireless charging is faster to wirelessly charge smaller devices.
Huawei P60 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Camera Performance: Boasts better low-light capabilities, a dedicated telephoto lens, and a wider aperture on the main camera, resulting in better photo results across the board, especially when it comes to zoom.
- Larger and Sharper Display: The larger and higher-resolution display offers an immersive visual experience.
- Faster Charging: Its 88W fast charging is a significant edge, reducing charging times considerably.
- More Storage: Comes with 256GB or 512GB of storage space to keep all your content at hand.
- Better Benchmark Performance: Better AnTuTu score.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer, Gravity and Hall sensors.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi 12: Lacks a telephoto lens, which limits its zoom versatility, and it has a smaller screen.
- Huawei P60 Pro: Missing Brightness data, which is a major concern for a modern phone in this category. Lacks Google services for users that depend on them.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is Best for:
- Users Seeking Portability: If you prefer a lighter phone for comfortable daily use.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The high brightness display makes it great for outdoor use.
- Content Creators: 8K video recording could be crucial for video professionals.
- Those needing an Android Experience: Stock android allows a lighter, less intrusive experience.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and two microphones offer a better audio experience.
Huawei P60 Pro is Best for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Its superior camera system offers excellent low-light performance and zoom capabilities.
- Media Lovers: The larger, higher-resolution display is ideal for enjoying multimedia content.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery: Faster charging times reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet.
- Those who want high capacity storage: If you have lots of videos and pictures, the 512 GB version is for you.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality to you? If camera performance is a priority, the P60 Pro with its telephoto lens and superior image quality is the winner.
- Do you value a more compact device or a larger screen? If portability is a priority, the Xiaomi 12's smaller size and lower weight will be more suitable. But if a larger screen is desired, then the P60 Pro is better.
- Do you require high screen brightness outdoors? If you require high brightness for outdoor visibility, then the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner, since there is no data for the P60 Pro.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12. Here's why:
While the Huawei P60 Pro boasts a superior camera and a larger display, the practical benefits of the Xiaomi 12 align better with my needs. I prioritize outdoor visibility and the missing data for the P60 Pro's brightness is a dealbreaker. I also value its lighter, more compact design which is better for long term daily use. The 8K video recording, while not a daily requirement, is a nice-to-have feature that I appreciate as an enthusiast. Additionally, the stock android experience is preferred over proprietary software for a lighter experience.
For me, the Xiaomi 12 strikes a better balance between practicality and performance in real-world scenarios, and the camera is still great for everyday photography, making it the more pragmatic choice for my personal use.
