Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Asus Zenfone 10. These two phones offer a fascinating contrast in design philosophy and feature sets. I've put together a breakdown that covers the technical details, real-world implications, and helps you figure out which one best fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and wider, Zenfone is thicker and more compact overall. |
| Weight | 176g | 172g | Both are lightweight and comfortable to hold, negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 5.92" | Xiaomi offers more screen real estate, Zenfone is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a sharp, detailed image. |
| PPI | 419 | 445 | Zenfone has a slightly crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone has a slightly smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both are very bright and visible in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone is significantly more powerful, offering faster speeds and better efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone has a much higher benchmark score, translating to better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone has a superior GPU, delivering smoother gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Both have capable main cameras with similar sensors. Xiaomi’s wider aperture might mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3", Omnivision OV32B | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | Xiaomi's selfie cam has a larger sensor and wider aperture for potentially better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Asus has a combined Wide Angle + Macro lens |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with EIS, etc. | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with EIS, HDR, etc. | Both offer robust video capabilities, with HDR on Zenfone. |
| Camera Features | Triple cam, OIS, EIS, 4K/8K Video, etc. | Dual cam, OIS, Gimbal, PDAF, 4K/8K, etc. | Zenfone 10 has Gimbal feature for video, Xiaomi has Night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Xiaomi has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless, 5W reverse | Zenfone offers wireless charging and reverse wired charging, added versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone has a much newer Android version and update commitment. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone supports the latest WiFi standards, offering better speeds, stability. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Zenfone has a newer Bluetooth version for enhanced features and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5) , Galileo | Zenfone has access to more satellite systems for enhanced location precision. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM for multiple carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Zenfone offers more storage options, up to 512GB. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone has a 16GB RAM variant for heavy multitasking and intense use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Xiaomi has Dolby Atmos and Zenfone has noise cancellation mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone has more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones use the same protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone has Gravity and Hall sensor, Xiaomi has Ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.28" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly quicker, great for people on the go.
- Triple Camera System: Has dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses for more photography versatility.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
Xiaomi 12X Limitations
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 870 is capable, but significantly less powerful than the Zenfone's.
- Older Software: Comes with an older version of Android (Android 11) out of the box.
- Lacks Wireless Charging: Does not support wireless charging which is convenient.
- Lacks Advanced Camera Features: It doesn't have a gimble system.
Asus Zenfone 10 Strengths:
- Cutting-Edge Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a powerhouse, providing exceptional speed and efficiency.
- Compact Size: Its 5.92" display and smaller overall dimensions make it incredibly pocketable.
- 144Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and a more responsive display.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for convenience.
- Modern Software: Ships with the latest Android 13, with future updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth standards, providing better speed and stability.
- Gimble Stabilization: Provides excellent video stabilization.
- 512GB Storage Option: Offers larger internal storage for users with lots of media.
Asus Zenfone 10 Limitations:
- Smaller Display: The 5.92" screen is a compromise, which may not be ideal for some users.
- Slower Charging: 30W fast charging is slower compared to the Xiaomi 12X.
- Less Versatile Camera: lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers a good balance of features and performance at a competitive price.
- Media Consumers: The larger display and Dolby Atmos enhance the media experience.
- Those Who Value Fast Charging: 67W fast charging is a big advantage for those on the go.
- Users Who Value Versatile Camera: The dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses are great for photographers.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a larger display.
- Casual gaming.
- Everyday photography with diverse focal lengths.
- Users who want the most amount of features for the best value.
Asus Zenfone 10 is best for:
- Power Users: Those needing the best possible performance, particularly for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users Seeking a Compact Device: Prefers a highly pocketable, easy-to-handle phone.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Those who value the convenience of wireless charging.
- Software Enthusiasts: Those who prefer a modern operating system and a commitment to updates.
- Videographers: It has gimbal for professional looking videos.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Multitasking with many apps.
- Users wanting the best experience in their pocket.
- Users who need enhanced wireless functionality.
- Creating videos for professional-grade content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you make a decision:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? If you need the absolute best performance and don’t mind slightly slower charging, go with the Zenfone 10. If you value battery life, and fast charging, the Xiaomi 12X is great.
- Do you need a larger screen, or do you prefer a pocketable device? If you need the biggest screen possible, go with the Xiaomi 12X. If you want maximum pocketability, go for the Zenfone 10.
- Are modern features, software, and connectivity standards important to you? The Zenfone 10 wins in this case because it has a newer version of Android, faster wireless connectivity, and a more modern bluetooth.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: The Asus Zenfone 10 offers far better performance and smoother gameplay due to its cutting-edge chipset, superior GPU, and higher refresh rate display. It also has better connectivity for low latency online gaming.
- The Everyday User: For most day-to-day tasks, both phones will be suitable, however, the Xiaomi is a better value for money. If you want better video and a more modern phone, the Zenfone 10 is the obvious choice.
- The Photographer: While the Xiaomi has a triple camera setup with dedicated macro and wide angle lenses, the Zenfone 10 has a more advanced system overall. The Zenfone 10 also boasts a gimbal for video. Therefore the Zenfone 10 is the better overall camera phone.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Asus Zenfone 10. While the Xiaomi 12X is an excellent phone, the Zenfone 10 is a more powerful phone that is better in the long-run. I value the cutting-edge performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the convenience of wireless charging. The significantly better software experience and wireless standards also are a major benefit. Even though I personally prefer larger displays, the slightly smaller display is a trade-off I’m willing to make for the improvements elsewhere. The Zenfone 10 delivers a more refined and future-proof experience, making it my preferred choice.
