Okay, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 and Nokia G60, breaking down their specs to understand how they perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on key technical specs and their practical implications for users:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Nokia G60 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 179g | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm, 190g | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle with one hand; Nokia G60 is bulkier, which might feel less comfortable in daily carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.58" | Nokia G60's larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience, while Xiaomi 12’s smaller display can be easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both phones provide sharp visuals, differences are negligible |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 401 PPI | Both devices have similar pixel density, and display quality will appear very similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12’s AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. Nokia G60 has more uniform backlight, but lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is significantly brighter, ensuring good visibility in bright sunlight. Nokia G60 will be less visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 offers much higher performance, handling demanding apps, games, and multitasking with ease. Nokia G60 is suitable for general use but will struggle with intensive tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 410,072 | Xiaomi 12's benchmark scores translate to a significantly faster user experience, especially in graphics-intensive applications. Nokia G60's score suggests it will perform everyday tasks just fine but fall short with heavy apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi 12's superior GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. Nokia G60 GPU is more suitable for daily tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm, IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm | Xiaomi 12’s larger sensor and pixel size should capture more light and detail, resulting in better photos in low-light conditions. Nokia G60 has a larger aperture and therefore slightly better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm, Samsung JD1 | 8MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm | Xiaomi 12’s selfie camera captures more detail, resulting in much better selfie photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, capturing finer details in wide shots. Nokia G60 has slightly better low light performance. |
| Additional Cameras | Macro Lens (5MP), | Portrait (2MP) | Xiaomi 12 features a dedicated macro camera, while Nokia G60 has a depth sensor for portrait mode which is generally not as useful as a macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K/24fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p/30fps | Xiaomi 12 excels in video recording quality, capable of producing professional videos. Nokia G60 will capture standard videos, not suitable for professional production. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 has a well-rated camera system. Nokia G60 is untested by DxOMark. |
| Features | OIS, Ultra stable, RAW | CDAF | Xiaomi 12's feature list enables high quality results in a wide range of conditions. Nokia G60 has fewer features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both offer similar battery life with average use. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 20W wired | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. It can also charge wirelessly. Nokia G60 is slower to charge, and has no wireless charging. |
| Other Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging | None | Xiaomi 12 has extra features that are generally useful and allow the phone to be used as a powerbank. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run the same version of Android, although the experience will vary. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi, Xiaomi 12 has slightly more robust Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Xiaomi 12's newer version might offer slightly better connectivity and power efficiency. EDR in Nokia G60 is an older version of Bluetooth used to increase the speed of connection. |
| GPS | Multi-system, dual band | Multi-system | Xiaomi 12 offers more satellite systems for greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | Nokia G60 adds the flexibility of an eSIM to enable digital carrier switching, Xiaomi 12 is limited to two nano sims. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | Xiaomi 12 offers double the storage on the highest end option for users who need to store large amounts of files. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB | Xiaomi 12 offers much more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance with heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Basic | Xiaomi 12 has much better audio for music, movies, and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G60 has an easier to use side mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12 uses superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity sensor | Xiaomi 12 has a more complete sensor suite for enhanced features and applications. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly faster processing, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: It has better camera sensors and more advanced software features, resulting in higher quality photos and videos.
- Fast Charging: The 67W wired and 50W wireless charging means less waiting for the phone to be ready.
- Premium Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers elevate the audio experience, making it ideal for media consumption.
- Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- Nokia G60 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.58-inch screen offers a more immersive viewing experience, suitable for media consumption and web browsing.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with dual-SIM use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More ergonomic and reliable.
- Decent Camera: The camera is sufficient for everyday photography.
- Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery offers all day usage for most people.
- Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12: The lack of expandable storage may be a concern for some users, also, battery life might not be as good as the Nokia due to the powerful hardware.
- Nokia G60: Slower performance and a lower quality display will be a concern for demanding users. It has slower charging and lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos and who want the most powerful phone camera possible.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy immersive audio and vibrant visuals for media consumption.
- Nokia G60 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks at a lower price point.
- Users Seeking a Larger Display: Those who prefer a larger screen for media consumption and easier readability.
- Users who prefer dual SIM/eSIM capability: Those who require two numbers with the flexibility of eSIM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these phones:
- Performance vs. Budget: Do you prioritize high-end performance and advanced features, or are you more budget-conscious and looking for a reliable everyday phone?
- Display Quality vs. Size: Do you prefer a vibrant display with superior outdoor visibility or a larger screen size for immersive media consumption?
- Camera Capabilities: Do you need advanced camera features and quality or will a capable everyday camera be enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer or Power User: Choose the Xiaomi 12. Its powerful chipset, advanced GPU, and high refresh rate display offer a superior gaming and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Nokia G60. It provides reliable performance for everyday tasks, a larger screen, and eSIM functionality at a lower cost.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer: Choose the Xiaomi 12. The combination of its advanced camera system and superior video capabilities means it will deliver the best mobile photos and videos.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi 12.
While both phones are competent in their own right, the Xiaomi 12 offers a far superior overall experience for me. The massive performance gap, the higher quality AMOLED display, and the advanced camera system justify the higher price tag, for my use case. I value performance and high quality results from my device and the Xiaomi 12 does that extremely well.
