Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Blackview A96. I'll be breaking down the specs, highlighting what really matters, and helping you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm, 193.9g | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and significantly lighter, easier to handle and carry around. Blackview A96 is larger and heavier. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown Screen protection | Xiaomi 12X has a more durable front screen, reducing risk of scratches or cracks. Blackview is unknown so it's a gamble. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | Blackview A96 offers slightly more screen real estate, good for media consumption. Xiaomi 12X is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals; good for most tasks. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 405 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, so the difference is not that noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially for dark mode. Blackview A96's IPS will not look as good. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X is dramatically better in bright, sunny conditions. Blackview A96 outdoor visibility is likely to be challenging due to the missing data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | MediaTek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12X boasts significantly more power, for demanding tasks and gaming. Blackview A96 handles everyday tasks but might struggle with graphically intense apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 423,393 | Xiaomi 12X is much faster, offering a more responsive and lag-free experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12X has a more powerful GPU, delivering better graphics for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | 48MP (f/1.6, 1/2" Samsung S5KGM2) | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed shots, with larger sensor and higher resolution. Blackview A96 has a slightly wider aperture, good for low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B) | 16MP (1/3" Hynix HI-1634) | Xiaomi 12X captures much higher-resolution selfies. Blackview A96 offers larger pixel size, for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X offers a higher resolution for capturing wide scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, Samsung) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution macro for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Up to 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X supports higher resolution recording, more options, and better stabilization. |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12X has a electronic stabilization, for smoother videos. Blackview does not have. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, EIS, RAW, Night Mode | PDAF, Front Flash | Xiaomi 12X is richer in features, like optical and electronic stabilization, night mode, 8k recording. Blackview A96 has front flash and PDAF focus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4380mAh | Both offer similar all day battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. Blackview A96 charges considerably slower. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Blackview A96 has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi 12X supports the latest WiFi version and MIMO for faster, more reliable wireless performance. Blackview is limited to WiFi 5. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12X has a newer Bluetooth version and supports higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More (L1+L5, NavIC) | Standard (GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou) | Xiaomi 12X has much better GPS capabilities due to support for more satellite systems. |
| Storage/Memory | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Blackview A96 comes with only 256 GB, while Xiaomi 12X comes in 128 GB or 256 GB versions. Neither are expandable. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking and app usage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12X has a slight edge in audio quality due to Hi-Res support and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Blackview A96 features a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X features Ultrasonic proximity sensor while Blackview A96 features Proximity sensor. Both have a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers a much faster and smoother experience, especially noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better outdoor visibility, creating a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The higher resolution sensors, wider video recording options, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in the Xiaomi 12X significantly enhance its image quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging dramatically reduces waiting time, getting you back to full power much quicker than the Blackview's 18W.
- Better Wireless Capabilities: Latest WiFi and better Bluetooth codec support provide a faster and more seamless wireless experience.
- High Quality Audio: With Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support, the Xiaomi 12X provides much higher audio quality.
Blackview A96 Strengths:
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 out of the box offers the latest features and security updates.
- Bigger Screen: The slight increase in screen size is ideal for media consumption.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and reliable biometric unlock.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Slight low light advantage for main camera.
- Larger Selfie Pixel Size: The selfie camera benefits in low-light due to the pixel size.
- Cost: The Blackview A96 is likely to be much more affordable than the Xiaomi 12X
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: Blackview A96's Helio G99 is less powerful than the Snapdragon 870, which might impact heavy users.
- Display Quality: The IPS LCD screen of the Blackview A96 is noticeably less vibrant and contrasty than the Xiaomi 12X's AMOLED.
- Camera Quality: Xiaomi 12X significantly outshines the Blackview A96 in both photo and video quality, making it a more compelling option for photography enthusiasts.
- Charging Speed: Blackview A96's slow charging can be a significant inconvenience for some users, especially compared to Xiaomi 12X's fast charging.
- Overall experience: Xiaomi 12X is a flagship experience in many aspects, while Blackview A96 is a mid-range phone, which reflects in the overall experience and feel of the phone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is best suited for:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and anyone who needs a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who appreciate superior image quality and are passionate about capturing stunning photos and videos.
- Users on the move: Those who don't want to wait for their phone to charge.
- Users who enjoy a sleek and light phone.
Blackview A96 is best suited for:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge features.
- Users who prefer the latest Android version.
- Users who appreciate a slightly larger screen.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted finger print sensor.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making your decision, ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is performance to you? If you are a gamer or a heavy app user, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice. If you just browse and message, the Blackview A96 is ok.
- How much do you value display quality? If you appreciate vibrant colors and deep blacks, the AMOLED screen of the Xiaomi 12X is far superior.
- How much do you value camera quality? If you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12X with its superior sensors and features will be much better than the Blackview A96.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer - If you plan to play demanding games, the Xiaomi 12X is the undisputed winner with its superior processing power and better display.
- Scenario 2: The Budget User - If you are on a budget, the Blackview A96 offers good value, and provides a solid experience.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Buff - If you prioritize photography and videography, the advanced camera setup, OIS and 8K video recording of the Xiaomi 12X make it the ideal choice.
- Scenario 4: The Casual User - If you just want a phone for everyday tasks, the Blackview A96 will be more than adequate, especially if you appreciate a newer version of Android.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the Xiaomi 12X and the Blackview A96 depends heavily on your priorities and how you plan to use your phone. If you demand high performance, a superior display, advanced camera capabilities, and fast charging, the Xiaomi 12X is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget, prioritize a newer Android version, and need a larger screen for basic tasks, the Blackview A96 might be a more suitable and affordable choice.
My Choice:
Personally, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12X. As someone who values performance, a great display, and excellent camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 12X simply offers a far superior overall experience for my needs. The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides much faster performance, and the AMOLED display is just a joy to use. While it might come with a higher price tag, the overall performance makes it worth the investment in my opinion. The dramatically faster charging is also a huge plus. The camera capabilities are just the cherry on top for my personal use case.
