Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Sony Xperia 1 VI. We'll break down the specs, see what they mean for real-world use, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs for each phone, along with what those numbers mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm | The Xperia 1 VI is noticeably taller and wider, while both have the same thickness. This means the Xiaomi 12 is a bit more pocketable, while the Xperia 1 VI offers more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 179g | 192g | The Xiaomi 12 is slightly lighter, which could make it more comfortable for extended use. The Xperia 1 VI adds a bit of heft, possibly due to its larger battery and premium build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | The Xperia 1 VI offers a slightly larger screen, which will be better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference of .22" is noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both phones have sharp FHD+ displays, though the Xperia has a slightly lower vertical resolution. This difference is minor and unlikely to be noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 396 ppi | The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper display. However, the difference is marginal, and both displays will appear crisp and detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The differences are negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making them great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12's higher brightness is ideal for sunny days. It significantly improves visibility outdoors, whereas the Xperia 1 VI brightness is unknown, which is a significant concern. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The Xperia 1 VI’s newer chipset will offer significantly better processing speeds and improved energy efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 2,110,000 | The Xperia 1 VI has an 83% higher score, showing a significant performance difference, making the Xperia a more capable device for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | The Xperia 1 VI's updated GPU offers better graphics rendering, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved visual performance in graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", 1.17µm | The Xperia 1 VI has a physically larger sensor with bigger pixels, which should result in better low-light performance, even with slightly lower resolution. It also has a slightly narrower aperture which means less light will hit the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Xiaomi has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the Xperia’s larger pixel size will likely provide better quality selfies, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | The Xperia 1 VI offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities which are missing from the Xiaomi 12. This lens allows for better quality zoomed in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Both offer similar wide angle lenses. The Xperia 1 VI has a better aperture and larger pixel size leading to better wide angle shots with less noise, and better quality in less optimal lighting. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Xiaomi 12 offers a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. However, the quality might not be a priority over other factors for most users. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | The Xiaomi 12 supports a higher resolution of 8K for professional-grade video creation. The Xperia 1 VI has better OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which will provide smoother footage. |
| DXOMark | Main: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | N/A | The Xiaomi 12 provides measurable image and video quality results. Sony Xperia 1 VI is missing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Xperia 1 VI has a larger battery, which will likely translate to longer battery life, meaning you can go longer between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12 charges significantly faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall. The Xperia 1 VI prioritizes battery health with its slower charging speed, but is at a disadvantage for users in a hurry. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Bypass Charging, Reverse Wireless | The Xiaomi 12 offers faster wireless charging speeds, whereas the Sony comes with bypass charging which helps preserve battery health when plugged in for extended periods of time. Both have reverse charging and reverse wireless charging, but the specs vary. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Xperia 1 VI will provide newer features with a more updated version of Android, as well as longer security and software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Xperia 1 VI is compatible with the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, providing faster speeds, better latency, and higher stability when compared to the older Wi-Fi 6 standard on the Xiaomi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | The Xperia 1 VI has the newer version of bluetooth which has increased range, speed, and better energy saving protocols. This is also supplemented by higher compatibility. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Xperia 1 VI offers an eSIM allowing for easy digital carrier switching, which can be more convenient when compared to the physical Nano SIM's that are used in the Xiaomi 12. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | The Xperia 1 VI is offered with higher base storage options, ideal for those who want to store a lot of data. Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | The Xperia 1 VI has 12GB which will be ideal for heavy users. The Xiaomi 12 offers 8 or 12GB RAM configurations depending on the model. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both devices offer high fidelity audio, the Xiaomi 12 adds to this with support for Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side Mounted Fingerprint | The side-mounted sensor on the Xperia 1 VI is often more convenient and ergonomically pleasing than the basic implementation on the Xiaomi 12. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Xperia 1 VI benefits from an improved screen protection. |
| Sensors | Multiple | Multiple, Pedometer | Both devices come with common sensors, the Xperia 1 VI includes Pedometer, which can appeal to fitness oriented users. The Xiaomi 12 includes an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor, which may be useful for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: More pocketable and comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is significantly faster than the Xperia 1 VI’s 30W.
- Higher Resolution Video: Offers 8K video recording for high-quality video footage.
- Brighter Display: The significantly brighter screen (1100 nits) is far more suitable for outdoor use.
- Hi-Res Audio : Enhances the audio fidelity and offers an improved listening experience.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For detailed close-up photography.
- Lower Price: Typically sold for a cheaper price.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Larger Display: A slightly bigger screen is better for media consumption and productivity.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh more battery capacity translates to longer usage between charges.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Updated OS: Ships with Android 14, providing newer features and longer support.
- Advanced Camera: Larger sensor with bigger pixels in main and selfie cameras, generally better low-light performance.
- Improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster connections and better energy efficiency.
- Better Build Quality: The use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers more improved screen protection.
- Bypass Charging: Preserves battery health for prolonged use, for example while gaming.
- eSIM support: Better integration for easy digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Lower performance and older software. Its camera lacks the versatility of the Xperia 1 VI.
- Sony Xperia 1 VI: Slower charging and a lower brightness, making outdoor visibility more challenging. It’s also a larger and heavier device.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Users on a budget: Generally cheaper.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: The 67W charging is a major advantage.
- Those who prefer a more compact phone: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Users who want 8K video: For those who need very high resolution video.
- Users who prioritize maximum brightness: For outdoor viewing.
- Users who prioritize Hi-Res audio: For those who want enhanced audio quality.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for general use, browsing, and streaming.
- Good for capturing photos and videos in decent lighting.
- Suitable for users who frequently need a quick battery top-up.
Sony Xperia 1 VI is best for:
- Power Users: Its advanced chip and RAM are excellent for performance and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The telephoto lens and the better sensor on the main and selfie cameras are a big advantage.
- Media Consumers: The larger display, battery, and high fidelity audio make this a good choice for streaming and consuming media.
- Users who want to extend the lifespan of their device: Benefits from a newer OS, as well as future support and updates.
- Users who prioritize connectivity: Faster and more modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
- Users who value battery health: The Bypass charging feature preserves battery health during extended use.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and running resource-intensive apps.
- Excellent for photography and videography, especially in low-light.
- Suitable for users who need a long-lasting battery and don't mind slower charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
Do you need top-tier performance and battery life, or do you prioritize fast charging and compactness?
- If performance and battery are key, go with the Xperia 1 VI. If fast charging and a smaller size are more important, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice.
How important is a good camera for you?
- The Xperia 1 VI offers significantly more camera features and versatility due to it's telephoto lens and larger sensors. However, the Xiaomi 12 also produces decent photos, but it’s more limited.
What is your budget and how much do you value future proofing?
- The Xiaomi 12 is likely to be the more affordable choice. The Xperia 1 VI will have better support thanks to it's newer OS, and more up to date connectivity, such as Wi-Fi 7.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI for its powerful chipset and larger battery.
- The Social Media Creator: The Xperia 1 VI excels with its enhanced camera setup.
- The Commuter: The Xiaomi 12 is a decent choice for its compact form and quick charging.
- The Power User: The Sony Xperia 1 VI, for top performance and a reliable battery.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi 12 is more affordable and has a decent enough camera for the casual user.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Xiaomi 12 and the Sony Xperia 1 VI, I would go with the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi 12 has some compelling features, including a brighter display and faster charging, the overall package of the Xperia 1 VI is significantly more appealing for me as a tech journalist. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a major step up in performance and, combined with 12GB of RAM, will be a noticeable difference for daily tasks and gaming. The camera system is also much more versatile, with a better primary and selfie camera, and an added telephoto lens for optical zoom. The updated software and future-proofed connectivity are also major points in its favor. The lack of a macro lens on the Xperia 1 VI does not bother me, whereas the added telephoto lens is an excellent addition, giving far more versatility.
Though the Xperia 1 VI will be more of a hassle in regards to charging speeds, and is noticeably larger, the other upgrades and improvements are worth it. In addition to this, the lack of brightness information for the Xperia 1 VI is slightly concerning, but I have confidence in Sony to provide a suitable display with its flagship device.
In short, while the Xiaomi 12 is a perfectly capable device, the Sony Xperia 1 VI offers a far more complete and future-proofed experience. This is further compounded by its better camera setup, performance, and battery.
