Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down these two contenders, focusing on what really matters for you, the user.
Smartphone Showdown: Xiaomi 12 vs Sony Xperia 1 IV
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's the lowdown on these phones, focusing on the specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | The Xperia 1 IV is noticeably taller and slightly wider. The Xiaomi 12 is more compact, easier for one-handed use. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 179g | 185g | Xiaomi 12 is lighter, which might be more comfortable during longer periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | The Xperia 1 IV has a slightly larger display, better for immersive viewing and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | The Xperia 1 IV has a significantly sharper display thanks to higher resolution. Fine details and text will appear much clearer. |
| PPI | 419 | 643 | The higher PPI of the Xperia 1 IV results in a sharper, more detailed picture, noticeable in text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, typical of these display technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 boasts dramatically higher outdoor visibility and is suitable for use in bright sunlight, while the Sony's data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Both phones offer high-end performance with the same chipset. Expect smooth multitasking and demanding game support. |
| Antutu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,076,100 | The Xiaomi 12 has a slight edge in benchmarks, suggesting slightly snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both share the same GPU, ensuring similar graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xperia 1 IV likely offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W fast, 50W wireless | 30W fast | The Xiaomi 12 charges significantly faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, wireless | Bypass charging | Xiaomi 12 can charge other devices wirelessly. Xperia 1 IV allows for uninterrupted gaming while plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution, while Xperia 1 IV has larger pixels which can improve low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution; data for Xperia 1 IV is missing some details. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Xperia 1 IV offers a dedicated telephoto zoom for better distant shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both have wide-angle lenses; Xperia 1 IV has slightly wider aperture, which can improve low-light performance. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | Xperia 1 IV has an additional sensor for depth and bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 offers dedicated macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xiaomi 12 records in 8K, while Sony provides 4K at up to 120 fps. Both feature stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 113 (Photo 118, Video 121) | 105 (Photo 107, Video 92) | Xiaomi 12 scores significantly higher across the board in camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K video, night mode | OIS, Optical zoom | Xiaomi 12 comes with additional video features and night mode; while Sony's offers additional optical zoom and a quad camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony has more updates available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi standards, Xiaomi has additional MiMo support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Sony offers more Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Xiaomi offers more satellite options. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony offers a more versatile setup with eSIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Sony offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | Sony has more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones have no expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has an additional microphone, likely for better sound recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Sony has a more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Same screen protection, but no data on the body of either. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Hall | Sony's selection of sensors is wider. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact Design: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are faster, great for those on the go.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores for both photos and videos, with 8K recording.
- Better Brightness: Brighter screen for outdoor visibility.
- Enhanced Audio: Additional microphone might provide better audio recording capabilities.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV Strengths:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution with a sharper pixel density for more detail.
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for heavy users.
- Telephoto Lens: A dedicated zoom lens for greater versatility in photography.
- eSIM Support: More versatile SIM options for travelers or users with multiple lines.
- More RAM: Higher RAM capacity for smoother multitasking and better handling of intensive apps.
- Additional Sensors: More environmental sensors, including barometer and hall sensor.
- Software Updates: Sony has an update to Android 13, whereas the Xiaomi stays at 12.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Lacks a telephoto lens and has a smaller battery, meaning a longer charge and less photography versatility.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Significantly slower charging, heavier, more expensive, and lower camera scores.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize fast charging and a compact form factor.
- Those who need great camera performance for both photos and videos.
- Users who want a smooth experience with a brighter display.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV is Ideal For:
- Users who demand a very sharp and detailed screen.
- Those who need long battery life for heavy daily use.
- Users who desire versatility in photography, including a telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer a device with more versatility in connectivity, as well as more sensors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize portability and charging speed or display sharpness and battery life? If the first, pick the Xiaomi 12; if the latter, go for the Xperia 1 IV.
- Are you a camera enthusiast who values computational photography or do you need versatility with zoom? If computational photography and video are your focus, the Xiaomi 12 is better. If you want a hardware zoom, pick the Xperia 1 IV.
- Are you on the go and need to use the phone while you are charging, or do you only want a quick charge and prefer not to use the device while it is being charged? If you need to use your device while plugged in, go for the Sony. If you would prefer a faster charge and can wait, pick the Xiaomi.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: Go with the Sony Xperia 1 IV. The versatile camera setup, and larger battery will serve your needs best while traveling.
- Casual User: Go with the Xiaomi 12. Its compact design and quick charge will enhance daily use.
- Media Consumption: Go with the Sony Xperia 1 IV. The sharper screen and larger battery are ideal for watching videos and reading.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The Xperia 1 IV has more RAM and a larger battery; however, the Xiaomi 12 has a better score on Antutu. This will depend on the specific needs of the user.
- Social Media Content Creator: The Xiaomi 12 has a much better video camera setup, especially in regards to video recording.
Which one would I choose?
If I were in the market for a new phone between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Xiaomi 12. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, and as someone who is always on the go, I value a phone that can keep up with my workflow. The faster charging, both wired and wireless, of the Xiaomi 12 is a game-changer, meaning less downtime and more productivity. Its camera is versatile enough for my needs, producing high-quality photos and video with good performance, especially in low light. Moreover, the compact design of the Xiaomi 12 fits better in my hand and is easier to manage during my busy days.
While I recognize that the Xperia 1 IV has its strengths, such as its sharper display and larger battery, these advantages don't outweigh my need for fast charging and compact design. For a user like myself, the Xiaomi 12 better aligns with my preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends entirely on individual preferences and use cases. Both are powerful devices with unique strengths, and understanding where these strengths align with your daily activities is key to making the right choice.
