Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'll be your guide, Alex Griffin, and together we'll break down these phones, focusing on what really matters for you as a user.
Xiaomi 12 vs. Realme 12 Pro+: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technologies and improvements. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 196g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have sharp displays, with minimal differences. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 394 PPI | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper screen, though most users may not notice the difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly brighter display, crucial for good visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Xiaomi 12 boasts a higher-end chip for significantly faster performance and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 603,400 | Xiaomi 12 delivers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Xiaomi 12 has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger battery for potentially longer usage times between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both offer quick charging times, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 offers more convenient charging options (wireless & reverse) |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, IMX890 | Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a slightly wider aperture and newer sensor for potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" JD1 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" IMX615 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" OV64B | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, Xiaomi 12 lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated wide angle lens, Realme 12 Pro+ lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens, Realme 12 Pro+ lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" HI-846 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens, Xiaomi 12 lacks this. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Xiaomi 12 allows for higher resolution video capture, Realme 12 Pro+ has EIS for stability in 4K, both have great video |
| DxOMark (Xiaomi 12) | Main: 113/ Photo: 118 / Video: 121 | None | Xiaomi 12 has a known DxOMark score, Realme 12 Pro+ is not tested. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, more | OIS, Optical zoom | Xiaomi 12 offers more advanced video options, Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with the latest Android version, offering improved features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi 6 technology |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Both have the same standard of Bluetooth |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi 12 has more GPS standards for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a higher storage option for users needing more space. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both offer good amounts of RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slight edge due to noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones offer basic fingerprint scanner technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 has more sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset gives the Xiaomi 12 a massive edge in performance, making it the clear choice for gamers and power users.
- Superior Display: The brighter screen makes it much better for use outdoors, and the slightly higher pixel density makes it sharper.
- Advanced Video: It has the ability to record in 8K video, which is great for users looking to create professional video.
- More Features: It boasts wireless charging and reverse charging, along with a better build quality, better sensor suite and superior screen protection.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Modern Software: It ships with the latest version of Android, giving it a software advantage.
- Bigger Battery & Screen: The larger screen and battery offer better media consumption and longer battery life.
- Telephoto Advantage: The dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, which is absent in the Xiaomi 12.
- Higher Storage: Offers a larger 512GB storage option for users with a lot of media.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12, while more powerful, is older. It is also more compact, which some might not like.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger screen and battery but a more mid-range chipset and lacks the same level of screen brightness and protection.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage, which may be a negative for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, and those who prioritize raw performance and display brightness.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, multitasking with demanding applications, use in bright outdoor environments.
- Value: Offers higher performance and features, but is the older device.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best for: Users who want the latest software, great battery life, more storage and a good camera with telephoto capabilities.
- Use Cases: Daily multimedia consumption, social media, photography, users that value battery life.
- Value: Offers more up to date software, battery life and a telephoto lens, at the cost of raw processing power and display quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw processing power to you? If you play demanding games or require top-tier performance, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If you are a more casual user, the Realme 12 Pro+ will be sufficient.
- What do you value most: a compact phone or a larger screen and battery? The Xiaomi 12 is smaller and lighter, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is larger with more battery.
- Do you prefer the newest Android experience or higher end video capability and wireless charging? The Realme 12 Pro+ will give you the newest Android version, while Xiaomi 12 offers better video and convenient charging features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its superior processing power.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro+ has a better low light camera, and a telephoto zoom lens for added versatility.
- Multimedia Consumer: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a bigger screen and more battery.
- Outdoor User: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its high display brightness.
- General User: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a balanced experience, but with a step down in the processor.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12. The raw performance difference and brighter display are too significant to ignore, especially given how much time I spend using my phone. The older age is a slight downside, but not enough to outweigh its raw processing capability. While the telephoto lens on the Realme is a good feature, I personally value the superior display and performance of the Xiaomi 12 more. The wireless charging is also a feature that I like.
Hopefully, this in-depth analysis will help you make the best decision for your specific needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
