Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12X and the Apple iPhone SE (2022). These two phones represent very different philosophies in the smartphone world, and choosing between them comes down to understanding your own priorities. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at their specs, with a focus on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm, 144g | Xiaomi is noticeably larger and heavier; Apple is more pocketable and comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front, unknown back and frame. | Unknown front, back and frame | Xiaomi offers superior scratch resistance on the front screen |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 4.7" | Xiaomi's larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. Apple is more compact and convenient for calls and quick tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | Xiaomi’s display is significantly sharper and clearer. Text and images will appear more crisp on the Xiaomi 12X. |
| PPI | 419 | 326 | Xiaomi offers visibly higher pixel density, which translates to sharper images and finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED has deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast than the Apple’s IPS LCD, better for consuming video and dark theme usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi's screen is noticeably smoother in everyday use, with less perceived motion blur. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi's display is much more visible under direct sunlight, and overall superior visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | Apple's A15 Bionic has a higher benchmark score, indicating potentially faster app loading and smoother overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,225,939 | A15 Bionic has significantly higher benchmark scores |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Both phones handle graphics well, but the A15’s GPU is generally more powerful, especially for graphically intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1.22 µm | Xiaomi's main sensor captures more detail, while the iPhone SE has larger pixels for potentially better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3", 0.70 µm, Omnivision OV32B | 7MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi captures more detailed selfies and better low light photos with its bigger sensor |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi offers versatile wide-angle photos. The iPhone does not have a wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi offers dedicated macro photos; The iPhone does not have a macro camera. |
| Video Quality | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS | Xiaomi captures video at higher resolutions but Apple offers a more complete set of professional video features with OIS and HDR |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous/Manual Focus, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, OIS, RAW, HDR | The Xiaomi offers more software features, while Apple has a more natural image processing and better color accuracy. The iPhone scores better on DXO Mark for photo and video quality |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 2018mAh | Xiaomi has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | iOS 15.4 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android vs. iOS ecosystem and user interface. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MiMO, Direct, Display | WiFi 6, MiMO | Xiaomi has additional Wi-Fi features, like direct and display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 LE, A2DP | Xiaomi offers more advanced audio codecs and has newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | Multi-band | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Xiaomi uses multi-band, more satellite system for greater accuracy. Apple relies on Wi-Fi and Cell ID which may be less accurate in some situations |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | The iPhone SE has a 64GB base variant while Xiaomi offers a minimum of 128 GB |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB | Xiaomi has more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic Audio | Xiaomi has a superior audio output and microphone setup which is much better for music lovers. The Apple SE features only basic audio functionalities |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Authentication | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones have a fingerprint reader for basic security features |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Apple includes barometer sensor for environmental sensing, Xiaomi includes Ultrasonic Virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12X boasts a fantastic display with a 120Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness. It also comes with a larger battery and significantly faster charging. The camera setup is more versatile thanks to the inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens, and it records video up to 8K. Additionally, the higher RAM options and better audio make it a good multimedia device.
- Competitive Advantages: A larger, superior display, faster charging, higher resolution cameras, more software features, more versatile camera system, better audio, more RAM.
- Trade-offs: Larger, heavier form factor; slightly lower benchmark scores in comparison to the iPhone SE; Android ecosystem vs iOS
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
- Strengths: The iPhone SE offers top-tier processing power thanks to the A15 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance in all tasks, and a longer period of software updates. Its compact design is convenient, and it captures excellent quality photos and videos with Apple's natural color processing. Its strong single core performance may allow for faster app loading.
- Competitive Advantages: Top tier single core performance, more software updates, compact design and more convenient for single-hand use. Apple’s processing algorithm produces great color accuracy and video quality.
- Trade-offs: Small screen, lower resolution, basic IPS LCD panel, shorter battery life, significantly slower charging, single camera setup.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X: Best for users who prioritize a large, high-quality display for media consumption and gaming. Great for those who want a versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro capabilities. Ideal for those who value faster charging and longer battery life. Android users who enjoy customization and open source systems will prefer this device.
Apple iPhone SE (2022): Suited for users who value a compact and convenient form factor, and who are firmly in the Apple ecosystem. Best for users who want top-tier performance with consistent software updates. Good for those who prefer simplicity and convenience over screen size and additional camera features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
Do you value a larger, more immersive screen or a compact, one-hand-friendly phone?
- If you lean towards a large display, choose the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you favor compactness, go for the iPhone SE.
Do you prefer versatility or speed and simplicity when it comes to camera quality?
- If you want a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi 12X is the better option.
- If you prefer simplicity and consistency with Apple ecosystem, choose the iPhone SE.
Do you prioritize the latest technology and customizable experience or consistent performance and a long term software updates?
- If you prefer the latest tech, a larger screen, and faster charging, pick the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you need a phone that is optimized for consistent long term performance and will receive software updates for a longer time, go for the iPhone SE.
My Choice and Why
For me personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. As a tech journalist and content creator, I prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption and a more versatile camera for capturing a wide variety of content. The larger screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and versatile camera setup of the Xiaomi 12X make it a more compelling option for my needs. Additionally, the fast charging is invaluable for my on-the-go lifestyle, and the better audio quality will be used for my media consumption. While the iPhone SE offers a more compact form factor and smoother performance, the overall multimedia experience of the Xiaomi 12X aligns better with how I use a smartphone. I value software feature availability more than single core performance, and a larger screen is a big plus for me.
