Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi 12 and ZTE Blade A75 4G. It's a classic case of a flagship contender versus a budget-friendly option, and the differences are pretty stark, as you'd expect. I'm going to dissect this tech with my usual approach, focusing on what really matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the core specifications, presented in a way that's not just about the numbers, but about what they mean for your everyday life.
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 179g | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm, 189g | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. The ZTE is noticeably larger and heavier. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown | Xiaomi has superior screen protection which is essential for durability, whereas the ZTE's protection is unclear. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | ZTE has a bigger screen but bigger doesn't always equal better. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi's screen will be much sharper and clearer. The difference is significant, especially for reading and watching videos. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 267 PPI | Xiaomi's display appears sharper with significantly more detail, making text and images look crisper. ZTE's display is noticeably less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. IPS LCD is more basic with less impressive visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi's screen will feel smoother, especially when scrolling and gaming. The 90Hz on the ZTE is less responsive, but it's still smoother than a standard 60Hz display. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi will be clearly visible in bright sunlight. The lack of any info on the ZTE makes me wary about screen visibility outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Xiaomi's chip is much more powerful, meaning significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and far better gaming performance. The ZTE's chipset is budget-level. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 240,000 | This benchmark reflects the real-world performance gap. The Xiaomi is vastly faster, capable of handling demanding games and apps. The ZTE is suitable for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi's GPU is far more powerful and can handle graphically demanding tasks and gaming with high frame rates, whereas the ZTE's GPU is basic and better for everyday, less demanding use. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi's camera has a better sensor, larger pixel size, and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. ZTE's sensor information is missing. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1, 0.7µm | 8MP | Xiaomi's front camera will capture significantly more detail and have better low light capability. |
| Additional Lenses | 13MP Wide-Angle, 5MP Macro | None | Xiaomi offers more versatility with wide and macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi can capture very high-quality, high resolution video. ZTE’s video capabilities are more basic. |
| DxOMark | 113 Mobile, 118 Photo, 121 Video | Not Tested | Xiaomi's camera has been independently assessed as capable, where ZTE has no rating for the camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The ZTE has a larger battery, which will likely mean better battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 22.5W Fast | Xiaomi charges much faster, and offers both wireless and reverse charging as added conveniences. ZTE's charging is more basic. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED display with its high resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is a major draw. This makes everything look crisp, vibrant, and smooth, be it browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games.
- Blazing-Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a powerhouse. It handles heavy multitasking, demanding games, and intensive apps with ease. This phone is built for those who need speed and responsiveness.
- Versatile Camera: The main camera is excellent, and the addition of wide-angle and macro lenses opens up creative possibilities. It's a very capable shooter across various conditions, capturing high-quality photos and video.
- Fast Charging: The 67W wired and 50W wireless charging means you can quickly top up your battery and get back to what you were doing, with the bonus of reverse charging for other devices.
- Premium Features: From Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos to cutting-edge connectivity, the Xiaomi 12 feels like a true flagship device.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Its 5000 mAh battery means it could last longer than the Xiaomi 12, especially with its less demanding components.
- Lower Price Point: This is its biggest advantage. The ZTE is a much more budget-friendly option for those not looking to break the bank.
- Decent Primary Camera: While it lacks the versatility of Xiaomi's camera, the 50MP main sensor should be capable of capturing reasonable photos in good lighting.
- Latest OS: It ships with a slightly newer version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12 comes with a premium price tag, while the ZTE is very budget-friendly and reflects the compromises that come with that.
- The ZTE struggles in low-light photography and lacks features like a wide-angle lens and advanced video recording features that the Xiaomi has in abundance.
- The ZTE has a less impressive display which lacks sharpness and brightness, a key area where the Xiaomi shines, especially outdoors and with bright ambient light.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Power Users: People who demand top-tier performance for gaming, productivity, and running demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who value high-quality displays, excellent audio, and immersive multimedia experiences.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system that can perform well in different scenarios.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest tech, with features like fast charging, wireless charging, and advanced audio capabilities.
ZTE Blade A75 4G is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a functional smartphone that covers basic needs without spending a fortune.
- Casual Users: People who mainly use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: If having your phone last the day is key to you, this is a better choice for battery than the Xiaomi
- Those Needing A Simple Device: If you like a device to just work, this is a safe choice, it doesn't have lots of extra additions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games flawlessly, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If basic use is all you need, the ZTE will be sufficient.
- How much do you value display quality and versatility? The Xiaomi 12's AMOLED display is a significant upgrade over the ZTE’s IPS LCD, delivering a richer visual experience. If you watch a lot of videos and value screen quality, this is important.
- What is your budget? If you are on a very limited budget, the ZTE provides the best value, but if you can stretch your budget the Xiaomi is worth it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you’re big on gaming, the Xiaomi 12 is the obvious choice. Its Snapdragon chipset and high refresh rate display offer a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- The Media Buff: If you love watching videos and consuming content, the Xiaomi 12 is perfect with its AMOLED display, sharp resolution, and premium audio.
- The Budget Buyer: If you need a phone that works and saves you a large sum of cash, the ZTE Blade A75 4G fits that bill with its decent primary camera, and decent battery life.
- The Everyday User: If you prioritize a comfortable phone and basic functions over performance, you’ll be happy with the ZTE Blade A75 4G.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two devices, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. The superior performance, stunning display, and more versatile camera system make it a no-brainer for me. As someone who appreciates a fast and responsive user experience, the Xiaomi 12 simply offers a more premium and enjoyable experience. The difference in display quality alone is huge and for me a very important part of the phone, I spend so much time looking at it so I want it to be the best it can be! While the ZTE has the advantage in battery capacity, the speed at which the Xiaomi charges somewhat negates this and the other benefits outweigh this for me. In short, the Xiaomi provides the best experience.
