Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the OnePlus Nord 4. As a tech journalist, I always try to look beyond the spec sheet and see how these devices stack up in the real world. So, let's break it down, piece by piece, and see who comes out on top.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones compare, focusing on what these specifications mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed, while OnePlus Nord 4 is taller and wider, offering a larger screen but less portability. |
| Weight | 179g | 199.5g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 offers superior screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 4 provides a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a sharper display with significantly more pixels, leading to clearer and crisper visuals. |
| PPI | 419 | 450 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in finer details and sharper text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios, ensuring excellent visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations, providing a pleasant user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, particularly in bright sunlight, thanks to the much brighter display. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 4's newer chipset provides a better balanced performance with better efficiency, whereas the Xiaomi 12 focuses on raw power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus Nord 4 demonstrates better overall performance in benchmarks, leading to a smoother experience in everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a more capable GPU, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") Sony IMX766 | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2") Sony LYT-600 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly larger sensor, while the OnePlus Nord 4 has a wider aperture, impacting image quality and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") Samsung JD1 | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution, while OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger pixel size which captures more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi 12 captures higher resolution images. OnePlus Nord 4 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; OnePlus Nord 4 doesn't have a dedicated macro sensor. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | Xiaomi 12 is capable of recording at higher resolution, though both offer 4K at 60fps with EIS. Xiaomi 12 also has more slow-motion capabilities |
| DXOMark Score | 113 (overall) | Not Available | Xiaomi 12’s camera performance was rated by DXOMark, showcasing the capabilities of its camera system, while the OnePlus Nord 4 lacks a DXOMark rating. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4 has a substantially larger battery, potentially offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord 4 charges faster with a 100W charger and is much quicker to fully charge. Xiaomi 12 offers 50W wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a more recent OS version, meaning it likely has newer features and better security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones offer modern WiFi standards with similar connectivity features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a more recent bluetooth standard. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | OnePlus Nord 4 has a 512GB option for those who need more storage, while both have a 128 GB and 256 GB option. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB | OnePlus Nord 4 has a 16GB option, which is great for power users who like to do multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, meaning you have to choose the right option when buying. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12
- Strengths:
- More compact design, which makes it easier for one-hand usage.
- Lighter weight for extended comfort.
- Slightly better main camera sensor size.
- Dedicated Macro lens for close-up photography.
- 8K video capabilities and more video slow-motion features.
- Wireless charging capabilities, both fast and reverse.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The compact and lightweight design makes it a practical choice for those who prioritize portability.
- The 8K video is something that is not in the OnePlus Nord 4, making it a much more suitable pick for professional videographers.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- The smaller screen may not be ideal for users who prefer immersive media consumption.
- The older chipset means it is slightly less efficient than the OnePlus Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord 4
- Strengths:
- Larger, brighter, and sharper display for immersive experiences.
- Newer chipset with better overall performance and power efficiency.
- Significantly larger battery, offering improved battery life.
- Faster charging speeds.
- More recent version of Android out of the box.
- Higher maximum RAM option, which would help with heavy multitasking.
- Higher maximum storage option
- Newer Bluetooth version.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The larger, brighter screen makes it a great choice for media enthusiasts.
- The newer chipset means that its performance is more efficient.
- The faster charging and longer battery life mean that it is a more hassle-free experience for extended use.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- The larger size and weight may not be ideal for all users.
- The camera system is not as comprehensive as the Xiaomi 12's.
- No wireless charging capabilities.
- No screen protection is mentioned.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12
- Best Suited For:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Mobile photographers who value flexibility and the inclusion of a dedicated macro lens.
- Video content creators who want 8K recording and advanced slow-motion capabilities.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging and high-quality audio features.
- Those who value the peace of mind given by the screen protection.
- Use Cases:
- On-the-go photography and videography.
- Casual gaming and social media browsing.
- Users who prefer a compact smartphone that fits comfortably in their pocket.
OnePlus Nord 4
- Best Suited For:
- Users who prioritize a large, immersive display for media consumption.
- Gamers who need top performance and long battery life.
- Users who want the most efficient and recent technology with a newer OS.
- Those who value fast charging and great battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
- Users who want a smartphone that will last all day without the need to recharge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these three questions:
- Do you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in your pocket, or do you prioritize a larger screen for immersive viewing?
- Is the camera or performance more important to you?
- Is it important to you that your phone can last all day and charge very quickly?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Lover: If you primarily watch videos and play games, go for the OnePlus Nord 4 due to its larger, brighter display, better performance, and longer battery life.
- The On-the-Go Photographer/Videographer: If you value a versatile camera system and want the best video recording capabilities, choose the Xiaomi 12.
- The Power User: If you need a phone that is the most efficient, with the best performance and best battery life, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a better fit due to its newer chipset and bigger battery.
- The Casual User: If you need a compact phone that can get you through the day, the Xiaomi 12 is a great fit, especially with the screen protection.
My Choice and Why
If I were picking between these two devices, I would personally go for the OnePlus Nord 4. While the Xiaomi 12 offers some appealing features like its compact size, macro lens, and 8K video recording, the OnePlus Nord 4 strikes a better balance for my daily usage.
The larger, brighter display of the OnePlus is a significant advantage for consuming media, and the newer, more efficient chipset along with a much bigger battery means that I would have a much more pleasant experience, without worrying about battery life. The faster charging is also a major convenience for me.
While the camera system is not as comprehensive as the Xiaomi 12, the larger pixel size on the selfie camera and a wider aperture on the main sensor are important for taking quality photos.
For me, the balance of performance, display quality, battery life, and efficiency makes the OnePlus Nord 4 the better choice. It is more tailored towards heavy users, and that is something that I value, even if it means sacrificing a dedicated macro lens.
