Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Samsung Galaxy A35. As a tech journalist, it's my job to cut through the marketing hype and get to the heart of what these phones offer in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, emphasizing the practical implications for users:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. A35 is larger and slightly more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 179g | 209g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter (30g), which means less fatigue during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | A35 offers a bigger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have crisp displays, minor difference wouldn't be noticeable for most users. |
| PPI | 419 | 390 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper screen, meaning clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, great for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is much brighter, ensuring better visibility under direct sunlight. A35 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Exynos 1380 | Xiaomi 12 is equipped with a flagship chip, delivering significantly faster performance. A35 has a good mid-range chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 578,500 | Xiaomi 12 offers nearly double the performance. It’s noticeably faster for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Xiaomi 12's GPU will deliver superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" Samsung GN8 | Xiaomi 12 has larger sensor which means it captures more light, potentially better low light images. A35 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing for better bokeh effects |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a much higher resolution selfie camera. A35 selfie cam pixel size is larger |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution, but A35 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Both similar. |
| Video | 8K, 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Xiaomi 12 is better for high-resolution video recording and content creation. |
| DxOMark Camera Score | Main: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Main: 104, Photo: 107, Video: 110 | Xiaomi 12 excels in all aspects of camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Samsung A35 has larger battery, likely giving longer usage. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, getting you back on the move quicker. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 offers more charging flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Samsung A35 has a newer OS, meaning longer software support and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi experience. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Newer Bluetooth version in Samsung Galaxy A35, potentially more reliable connections. |
| GPS | Full Support | Standard support | Xiaomi 12 provides more accurate positioning with more satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same options available for both. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM, aiding in better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: The Powerhouse
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 is a performance beast. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, combined with superior RAM options, will handle any task you throw at it, from heavy gaming to intensive photo editing. The higher screen brightness and faster charging are also significant advantages. Its camera scores are also higher.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance, brighter display, significantly faster charging, and better camera quality, especially for video. It packs flagship level power.
- Trade-offs: Smaller display, smaller battery capacity, older OS (though updates will likely come), and does not have expandable storage. It may not be as comfortable for long media consumption sessions due to its smaller size and potentially lesser battery endurance than the A35.
Samsung Galaxy A35: The Reliable All-Rounder
- Strengths: The Samsung Galaxy A35 focuses on a large display and reliable battery life. The newer OS version, coupled with Samsung's UI, provides a good user experience for everyday tasks.
- Competitive Advantages: Larger display, likely longer battery life, and newer OS.
- Trade-offs: Noticeably weaker performance, lower camera quality, slower charging speed, and less bright screen. It is bigger and heavier which may not be comfortable to some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Best for: Gamers, power users, content creators, and anyone who values speed and high performance. Ideal for those who frequently use their phone for demanding tasks, multimedia, and photography.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding games at high settings, editing photos/videos, multitasking, and using apps that require significant processing power.
- Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Best for: Casual users, media consumers, and those who value a large screen and long battery life. Great for daily tasks, social media, watching videos, and reading.
- Use Cases: Browsing the web, using social media, watching videos, streaming content, and everyday productivity tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance? If you need top-tier performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If your usage is more basic, the A35 will do fine.
- What do you value more: display size or portability? If you prefer a larger screen for media and find it easier to use, the A35 is a better pick. If you want something more compact and lighter, the Xiaomi 12 is preferable.
- How important is fast charging and high brightness? If these are essential, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks, occasional streaming, and light social media. The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a cost-effective choice with a large screen and decent battery life.
- Scenario 2: You're a gamer who also enjoys photography and needs a device for work-related tasks. The Xiaomi 12 is the superior pick for its raw performance, camera, and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: You're a casual user who prefers a smaller form factor with a brighter screen for outdoor use. The Xiaomi 12 is the better choice for the smaller form and brighter screen, and the higher performance will be beneficial in the long run.
My Choice: Xiaomi 12
Given my usage patterns, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. While the A35 offers a larger screen and a newer OS, the Xiaomi 12's superior performance, brighter display, and significantly faster charging are more critical to my needs. I often edit photos and videos, play games, and switch between multiple apps frequently, so the performance boost is crucial. The fact that it is more compact and lighter is a bonus for my day to day usage. I can easily tolerate a slightly smaller screen as a trade-off for all the other gains. The enhanced camera system with its high quality video capabilities would also push me to choose this. For me, the Xiaomi 12 is the obvious winner.
