Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi 12 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. It’s a classic matchup between a sleek, conventional smartphone and a boundary-pushing foldable. Here’s a breakdown that should give you a clear picture of what each device brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, broken down into categories with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard Smartphone | Foldable Smartphone | Z Fold4 offers a tablet experience when unfolded, while Xiaomi 12 remains a traditional phone for everyday use. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) | Xiaomi 12 is smaller and more pocketable; Z Fold4 is more substantial and needs more space, but becomes tablet sized when unfolded. |
| Weight | 179g | 263g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it comfortable for prolonged use; Z Fold4 is noticeably heavier due to its foldable design. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus screen | Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen | Both use premium glass, with Z Fold4 using a slightly upgraded version on the outer screen |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 7.6" (unfolded) | Z Fold4 provides a significantly larger screen, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. Xiaomi 12 is a great hand held size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1812 x 2176 | Z Fold4 offers higher resolution and more detail, crucial for a large screen; Xiaomi 12 is still a decent resolution for its size. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 373 ppi | Xiaomi 12 has a sharper display per inch due to its smaller size; Z Fold 4 still has a sharp display, but because it is spread over larger surface area, less PPI. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 has the superior AMOLED technology, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great power efficiency. Z Fold 4 lacks this detail. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, critical for responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 has a much brighter display, making it better for outdoor visibility. Z Fold 4 spec not specified, so we do not know. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Z Fold4 has a newer, slightly more powerful processor that offers improved performance and efficiency. |
| Benchmark (Antutu) | 1,150,831 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 scores slightly higher in benchmarks, meaning faster processing times during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both use the same GPU, although with potentially different configurations, suitable for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN3 | Z Fold4 has slightly wider aperture (better low light) while Xiaomi 12 has a marginally larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution selfie camera. Z Fold 4 has a better pixel size for better light capture. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" Samsung S5K3K1 | Z Fold4 offers optical zoom, Xiaomi 12 does not have this dedicated lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258 | Z Fold4 has a slightly wider aperture for better light capture on its ultra wide angle. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 offers a macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording, but Z Fold 4 has more features. |
| DxoMark | 113 (overall) | 124 (overall) | Z Fold4 has a higher overall camera score from DXO mark, indicating better image quality. Z Fold 4 provides superior overall camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both have similar battery capacities and should offer a full day of use for most users. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster. Z Fold4 charging is relatively slow compared to the Xiaomi 12. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Wireless, 10W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse | Xiaomi 12 offers faster wireless charging, and more powerful reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run on Android 12, with the Z Fold 4 confirmed to update up to Android 16. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support Bluetooth 5.2, with the Z Fold 4 having a wider range of profiles for more devices. |
| GPS | Extensive Satellite Support | Extensive Satellite Support | Both have advanced positioning support but Xiaomi 12 has a more extensive list of satellite systems supported. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Fold4 has eSIM support for easier digital carrier switching. Xiaomi 12 is limited to two Nano SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold4 offers more storage options, especially if you need a lot of space for files, videos etc. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold4 has more consistent RAM, great for demanding applications and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither devices provide the option for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has a slight edge in audio with Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Type | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Z Fold4 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and rapid unlocking. |
| Other Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive List | Extensive List | Both have extensive list of sensors, with the Z Fold 4 additionally offering a Barometer and other sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Xiaomi 12 excels in portability and single-hand use.
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent power efficiency, and is noticeably brighter than the Z Fold 4.
- Faster Charging: With 67W fast charging, you’ll spend less time tethered to an outlet, and the wireless charging is significantly faster.
- Solid Audio: The inclusion of Hi-Res audio and dual microphones gives it an edge for audio enthusiasts.
- Better Selfie Camera: Has a very high resolution selfie camera that takes crisp, clear images.
- Better Macro Lens: The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens for close up shots.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths:
- Innovative Foldable Design: The Z Fold4 offers a transformative experience, shifting between a phone and a tablet for enhanced multitasking and content consumption.
- Larger Screen: The expansive 7.6" display is perfect for immersive media, multitasking, and creative tasks.
- Slightly Better Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers a marginal boost in performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1 TB of storage, ideal for media enthusiasts.
- Telephoto Camera: Inclusion of a telephoto lens provides versatility to the camera.
- Enhanced Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient than the basic one in the Xiaomi 12.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Better in video and photo performance according to DXOMARK, meaning overall better camera performance.
Trade-Offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Lacks a telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities.
- More limited storage options and no expandable storage.
- Basic fingerprint sensor.
- Lower DXOMARK score.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Significantly heavier and bulkier.
- Less impressive charging speeds.
- Significantly more expensive.
- Unknown screen brightness.
- Lacks macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12: Ideal for users who value portability, speed, and a bright, color accurate display. Great for people that want a more traditional phone experience and value fast charging and good audio. Great for people that want a great selfie camera and macro lens, but do not require a telephoto lens.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Best for power users, multitaskers, and those who want a transformative mobile experience. Perfect for individuals who value the ability to switch between a phone and a tablet, enjoy enhanced productivity, and are less bothered by its bulkiness and price. Great for people who want a great main camera and optical zoom, but do not require a dedicated macro lens.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or do you value a larger screen for multitasking and immersive content?
- If portability is key, the Xiaomi 12 is the better option.
- If a larger screen for multitasking is important to you, the Z Fold4 is a better option.
How important is fast charging and battery life for you?
- If you need a phone that charges very quickly and has good battery life, the Xiaomi 12 is the better pick.
- If you do not mind slower charging, both phones will offer good battery life.
What is your budget and how much emphasis do you place on innovation?
- If you want the most premium experience while still being price conscious, the Xiaomi 12 is a better pick.
- If budget is not as large of a concern and you value the transformative experience of a foldable phone, the Z Fold4 is a more exciting choice, though the Xiaomi 12 is by no means a slouch.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. My priorities align with its strengths: I value portability and the traditional smartphone form factor, I would prefer a lighter device, and I'm not willing to sacrifice the fast charging speed. The AMOLED display is stunning, and the inclusion of Hi-Res audio is a nice bonus for me as a content creator. While the Z Fold4 offers the impressive foldable experience and a great camera, it is just too large and heavy for me.
The Xiaomi 12 strikes a great balance between high performance, great display technology, excellent charging speeds and a sleek, user friendly design, which fits my mobile needs and preferences much better.
