Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. I'll break down the specs, analyze what they mean for you, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the practical implications of each specification:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is newer by about 4.5 months, meaning potentially more up-to-date features and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones (not foldable). |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable, while the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 204g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to handle and carry for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers slightly sharper image with higher pixel density, although not major difference. |
| PPI | 419 | 400 | Both are sharp enough, but Xiaomi 12 is technically a bit sharper due to higher pixel density, although it will be hardly noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animation on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Both offer flagship-level performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,061,300 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher performance based on benchmarks, may offer a minor performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges slightly faster than the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, so slightly shorter charge times. |
| Charging Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse | None | Xiaomi 12 provides fast wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", IMX787 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor, which also assists in low light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", JD1 | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution for detailed selfies; however, ZTE has larger pixels, which may help with low light scenarios. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", OV64B | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Offers optical zoom capabilities not available on Xiaomi 12. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 provides wider field-of-view for landscape shots. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Depth sensing capabilities for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 allows for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", IMX787 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Provides a versatile lens for ultra-wide and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24, 4K@60 | 8K@30, 4K@120 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers 4K@120 fps recording, while Xiaomi 12 provides higher framerate up to 4K@60 and offers 1080p@960 fps slow-motion. |
| Camera Score (DxO) | 113 | None | Xiaomi 12 has been officially rated, while ZTE Axon 40 Ultra hasn't. |
| Camera Features | Wide range of software, lacks optical zoom | Wide range of software, including optical zoom | Both phones offer a wide range of manual controls and advanced shooting options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers the latest version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6E | WiFi 6E | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both use the latest Bluetooth version for lower power consumption and higher throughput. |
| GPS | More satelite support | More satelite support | Both support multi-band GPS for accurate positioning. Xiaomi 12 has a slight edge due to support for more satelites. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has more storage options, with up to 1TB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12/16/18GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers up to 18GB of RAM, better for heavy multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | DTS/ DTS X | Both phones have stereo speakers. Xiaomi 12 offers slightly higher quality audio, ZTE a slightly better mic system. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for quick unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has stronger screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Many | Many | Both offer accelerometer, compass and gyroscope. Xiaomi 12 has more sensors overall. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: More comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
- Slightly Higher Benchmark Scores: Better single-core performance.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Offers convenience of faster wired charging, and wireless charging, with reverse charging capabilities.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Takes more detailed selfies.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Offers better screen durability with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Better audio quality : Dolby Atmos support and Hi-Res Audio give a richer listening experience.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Larger, Brighter Display: More immersive experience, better for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto zoom lens, and wide + macro lens which Xiaomi 12 lacks.
- Latest software: Comes with Android 12, upgradable to Android 13.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Ideal for users who need maximum storage and multi-tasking capabilities.
- More microphones: Better at recording sound and filtering noise in video.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12: Lacks a telephoto zoom lens and is more limited on battery life.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Is larger and heavier, no wireless charging, and potentially less screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight design that fits comfortably in a pocket.
- Those who need fast wired and wireless charging with reverse charging.
- Individuals who take lots of selfies and want the highest resolution front camera.
- Users who appreciate high-quality audio through headphones.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Users who want the largest, brightest screen for media consumption and gaming.
- Those who require long battery life and multi-day usage.
- Photographers who need a versatile camera setup, including a telephoto lens.
- Power users who need maximum storage and RAM for intensive multi-tasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your buying decision:
- What size phone do you prefer? If you want a compact, easy to handle phone, the Xiaomi 12 is the obvious choice. If you prefer a larger screen for media consumption, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is better.
- How important is battery life to you? If you are always on the go and battery life is critical, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's larger battery will be a better fit. If you have easy access to a charger the Xiaomi's shorter battery life can be overlooked.
- What type of photography do you do most often? If you take many selfies, the Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution. But if you need versatility with telephoto zoom and wide angle shots, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is more suited to your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you are a power user that needs the highest performance, along with high storage, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the obvious choice due to better RAM, storage and more versatile camera system.
- The Media Consumer: If you consume a lot of media, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's larger, brighter display will likely improve your viewing experience.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The Xiaomi 12's compact design, fast charging and wireless charging make it ideal for you.
- The Casual User: If you are a casual user who wants a good all-around phone and prefer a more compact device, the Xiaomi 12 is a great option.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would lean towards the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's my reasoning:
As a tech journalist, I tend to use my phone for a variety of tasks, including content consumption, a bit of gaming, and a lot of research and writing on the go. The larger, brighter display of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra would be perfect for reading articles, watching videos, and browsing the web. The bigger battery will also mean I don't have to constantly find a charger during my travels.
While I appreciate the compact design and wireless charging of the Xiaomi 12, I find myself valuing screen real estate and battery life more in my day-to-day use. Also, while I like taking selfies, I do much more general photography, so the versatility of the Axon's camera system is something I value more. The faster charging on the Xiaomi is only slightly faster than the ZTE, and for me, that is not a deciding factor. Ultimately, while both phones are excellent, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra better suits my specific needs and preferences.
