Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Realme 12+. These are two compelling smartphones, each with its own strengths, and understanding their differences is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of their key specifications, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable, while the Realme 12+ offers a larger screen but is bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 190g | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown front | The Xiaomi 12 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Realme 12+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp, detailed visuals thanks to their FHD+ resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 395 PPI | The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper display, although the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices contribute to a more responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | The Realme 12+ is much brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | The Xiaomi 12's flagship processor offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 601,000 | Xiaomi 12 delivers nearly double the raw processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance for demanding applications like high-end gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi 12's Adreno 730 provides superior graphics performance, essential for high-fidelity gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/2") | The Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") | 16MP (f/2.45) | The Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution, which might be useful for cropping or printing large selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, while the Realme 12+ has slightly wider aperture |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12 delivers higher resolution for better macro detail capturing |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 has significantly higher video capabilities, with 8K recording and more high-frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Score | 113 (Overall) | Not Tested | The Xiaomi 12's camera quality has been evaluated, providing additional performance data |
| Additional Features | 8K Video, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, RAW, Night Mode | None | Xiaomi 12 features enhanced photography options like continuous shooting, 8K video, and RAW image capture |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme 12+ has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both phones support fast charging, allowing for quick refills. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Wireless | None | Xiaomi 12 offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging for other devices on the go |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ comes with the latest Android version out of the box, while Xiaomi 12 uses an older Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi MiMO | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12 provides an additional WiFi feature that improves the speed and reliability of your WiFi connection |
| Audio | |||
| Noise Cancellation | No | Yes | Realme 12+ provides clear audio during calls with noise cancellation microphone |
| Sensors | |||
| Additional Sensors | RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | Xiaomi 12 has an additional RGB sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor and a comprehensive sensor suite for gaming, while Realme 12+ features a standard proximity sensor |
| Storage | |||
| Max Internal Storage | 256GB | 512GB | Realme 12+ has 256GB more storage capacity |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices does not support expandable storage |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 is a performance powerhouse with its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, making it ideal for demanding tasks. It has a better camera on paper, with a larger main sensor, higher resolution selfie and ultrawide, 8K video recording, and additional camera features such as RAW images and manual mode. The inclusion of fast wireless charging and a more compact design are also notable advantages.
- Competitive Advantages: Its raw power is simply superior, better suited for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Trade-offs: The older Android OS, and its smaller screen and battery may be a concern for some users.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: The Realme 12+ shines with its larger, brighter display, providing better outdoor visibility. Its larger battery capacity offers better endurance and the latest android version. The Realme 12+ also has the option of 512GB storage.
- Competitive Advantages: Its bigger display and greater battery life makes it an excellent choice for media consumption. It also uses a newer Android version.
- Trade-offs: Its performance is considerably lower compared to the Xiaomi 12. The camera system is not as advanced and it lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is Best For:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize raw performance and need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want advanced camera features and superior video recording capabilities and better image quality.
- Compact Phone Lovers: People who prefer a smaller, pocketable design without sacrificing flagship performance.
Realme 12+ is Best For:
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a larger, brighter display for movies, videos, and gaming.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can easily last a full day of heavy use, thanks to its larger battery.
- Value Seekers: People who prefer a more recent Android version with a very good price-to-performance ratio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance or Battery/Screen? Are you a power user who needs the most powerful processor for demanding tasks, or do you value a larger, brighter display and longer battery life for media consumption?
- Camera Quality and Features? Do you need top of the line camera capabilities, advanced video recording features and RAW image capture?
- Size and Wireless Charging? Do you prefer a smaller, more compact phone that offers the convenience of wireless charging and a better screen protection?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its superior performance and high refresh rate display.
- Frequent Traveler: Opt for the Realme 12+ for its larger battery, brighter display, and updated software.
- Photography Hobbyist: Select the Xiaomi 12 for its better camera, 8K video, RAW image capture, and better DXO score.
- Daily Commuter: Choose either based on your need for a compact design or larger screen and longer battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the Xiaomi 12. While the Realme 12+ offers a larger screen and battery, the performance difference is a major factor. I value speed, multitasking, and raw power, especially for tasks like mobile video editing and gaming. The Xiaomi 12’s superior camera is also a major draw, and the compact size makes it ideal for my pocket.
However, the Xiaomi 12 runs on an older Android version which is a big downside and the wireless charging is not a must-have for everyone. If the larger screen and better battery life are your top priority, then the Realme 12+ is a great option but it's worth considering the performance gap.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal priorities, and hopefully this comparison helps you make the right decision.
