Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola ThinkPhone. It’s always interesting to see how different manufacturers approach the same performance tier, and this comparison highlights some of those key differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and easier to handle in one hand, while ThinkPhone is slightly larger but not cumbersome. |
| Weight | 179g | 188.5g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter which could feel better for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have durable glass protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | ThinkPhone's larger screen offers more immersive media consumption; Xiaomi 12 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have a sharp, detailed display; difference in pixel density is minimal in real use. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 399 PPI | Xiaomi 12 offers slightly sharper text and images, but the difference is hardly noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both produce vibrant, saturated colors with excellent contrast; P-OLED is a slightly different implementation of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone provides slightly smoother scrolling and animation. The difference is subtle but might be noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone is a bit better for direct sunlight viewing; both will handle most conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone's newer chip is more efficient and offers a slight performance boost, especially in sustained loads. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has a noticeably higher benchmark, indicating slightly faster everyday performance and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 (Qualcomm Adreno 730) | Both offer nearly identical gaming capabilities, with high framerates and smooth graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50A | ThinkPhone might have a slight edge in low light conditions with a wider aperture; Both produce high-quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both capture detailed selfies; minor differences in sensor could lead to slight variations in image quality. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 provides wide shots useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone provides a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects on portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 allows for close-up photography of detailed subjects; ThinkPhone lacks this dedicated capability |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone combines both functionalities; provides versatile close-up and wide shots |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Both excel at video recording with various resolutions and stabilization; slightly different framerates at 8K. |
| DXOMARK | 113 (Overall) , 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | Not tested | Xiaomi 12 has solid camera benchmark scores, ThinkPhone is untested but it’s worth mentioning that these tests may vary. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone will likely last longer on a single charge due to its bigger battery. |
| Charging | 67W Fast, 50W Wireless | 68W Fast, 15W Wireless | ThinkPhone charges faster wired; Xiaomi 12 offers faster wireless charging with reverse wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has the latest version of Android out-of-the-box with future upgrade possibilities. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band | Both support the latest standard of Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Xiaomi 12 has more high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Less Satellite Systems | Xiaomi 12 offers better accuracy for navigation and location-based services; slight differences in supported systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | ThinkPhone offers a single configuration of 256GB. Both are ample for most uses. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi 12 can handle heavy multitasking better with more RAM; could help with gaming as well. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage; cloud storage would be an alternative. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has higher audio playback quality with Hi-Res and better immersion; Both share good stereo capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have the same biometric option with a basic fingerprint sensor, secure and reliable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | Compass, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi 12 offers a slightly richer sensor suite for more advanced functionality and more enhanced user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact Design: Easier to hold and use with one hand.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers a versatile triple-camera setup, including a wide-angle and macro lens.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res audio and additional Bluetooth codecs for a better listening experience.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 50W wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- More RAM Option: Provides a 12GB RAM option for heavier multitasking and better future proofing.
- Enhanced Sensor Suite: Includes compass, RGB and an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Benchmark Scores: Solid camera performance as reported by DXOMark.
Motorola ThinkPhone Strengths:
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for media and gaming.
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers better sustained performance and efficiency.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh more for better battery life.
- Faster Wired Charging: 68W fast charging.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor provides a better portrait bokeh effect.
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro: Useful close-up and wide shots with a single lens.
Key Trade-Offs:
- Xiaomi 12 gives up some screen size and battery life for a compact design, advanced features and high audio quality.
- Motorola ThinkPhone prioritizes a larger screen and battery life, sacrificing some of the camera's versatility, audio capabilities and wireless charging speeds.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal For: Users who value a compact design, advanced camera features, high-quality audio, fast wireless charging, and enhanced sensor capabilities.
- Use Cases: Great for everyday use, photography enthusiasts, video creators, gamers who use headphones and those that want an all rounded phone.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a large display, long battery life, sustained performance and the newest operating system.
- Use Cases: Perfect for media consumption, multitasking, business-focused users, gamers who value a large display and those who don't use headphones and prefer loud stereo audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Do you prefer a compact or a larger phone?
- If a more pocketable phone is your priority, go for the Xiaomi 12.
- If you prefer a larger, immersive display, the Motorola ThinkPhone is a better choice.
How important is the camera system for you?
- If you need the versatility of a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- If you're content with a solid main camera and depth sensor, the Motorola ThinkPhone will suffice.
What is the most important: battery life or wireless charging speed?
- If you need a long battery, the Motorola ThinkPhone is better suited for you.
- If you need faster wireless charging, the Xiaomi 12 is the way to go.
My Choice
Given these specifications, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. My reasons are as follows:
- Compact Design: As much as I enjoy large screens, I prefer a phone that is easier to use one-handed and more pocketable. The Xiaomi 12’s compact design makes it easy to handle throughout my day-to-day activities.
- Versatile Camera System: I tend to take a lot of photos in various scenarios, and having a wide-angle and macro lens is incredibly useful. I value the versatility and flexibility offered by the triple camera setup.
- Enhanced Audio: Having Hi-Res audio and advanced Bluetooth codecs will give me a superior audio experience when I listen to music through my headphones, and that’s a must.
- Overall Experience: While I appreciate the ThinkPhone’s longer battery life and larger screen, the Xiaomi 12 offers a good balance of performance, portability and a rich set of features that match my daily routines and needs.
The ThinkPhone is a solid device, but the Xiaomi 12 is a better match for my specific preferences. Both are capable and excellent devices though, so there is no way to go wrong with either.
