Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi 12X and the Honor Magic4 Pro. I'll break it down, tech-journalist style, focusing on what really matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with a column explaining what these mean for your daily experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Honor Magic4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.6 x 74.7 x 9.1 mm | Xiaomi 12X is significantly more compact and pocketable, while Magic4 Pro is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 176g | 209g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.81" | Honor Magic4 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1312 x 2848 | Honor Magic4 Pro's display is significantly sharper with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 419 | 460 | Magic4 Pro has better image clarity, especially noticeable for detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; not much difference in overall experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and video viewing. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12X is slightly brighter, enhancing outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Honor Magic4 Pro has a more powerful chip offering more processing power and speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 945,832 | Honor Magic4 Pro performs noticeably better in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Honor Magic4 Pro has a more advanced GPU, leading to better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Both use the same sensor, but the Xiaomi 12X’s slightly wider aperture may perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | - | 64MP, f/2.0 | Honor Magic4 Pro adds optical zoom for zoomed-in photography and portrait modes. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 12MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12X captures highly detailed selfies. Honor Magic4 Pro has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | - | Xiaomi 12X can capture wider shots and is well-suited for landscape photos. |
| ToF 3D sensor | - | 0.3MP | Honor Magic4 Pro can perform advanced depth mapping, assisting with AR and background blur. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | - | Xiaomi 12X is able to take detailed close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | - | 50MP, f/2.2 | Honor Magic4 Pro is able to take impressive wide-angle macro photos. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | Xiaomi 12X is capable of recording higher-resolution videos with 8K capabilities. Honor Magic4 Pro has a strong HDR video performance. |
| DXOMARK | - | 126, (photo 132, video 117) | Honor Magic4 Pro scores impressively for its camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 8K, OIS, EIS | Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, Laser AF, Dual Front camera | Honor Magic4 Pro has more versatile camera features with optical zoom and laser autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4600 mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for moderate usage. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Honor Magic4 Pro charges significantly faster and has a wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | Honor Magic4 Pro offers more flexible charging with reverse and wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Honor Magic4 Pro ships with a newer OS, offering better performance, and security features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Honor Magic4 Pro offers more stable and improved connection. |
| GPS | More support | More support | Honor Magic4 Pro has slightly more accurate location tracking with better navigation. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both allow two simultaneous SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Honor Magic4 Pro has a higher storage option, suitable for large media libraries and power users. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | DTS / DTS X | Xiaomi 12X boasts enhanced audio; Magic4 Pro has high-quality spatial audio for more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard biometric authentication using fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity | Proximity, Gravity | Both come with comprehensive sensor suites. Xiaomi 12X's ultrasonic proximity sensor is slightly more efficient, but the presence of a dedicated proximity sensor and gravity sensor in the Magic4 Pro is preferred by some. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X: Strengths & Advantages
- Compact & Lightweight: Its smaller size and lighter build make it comfortable for one-handed use and prolonged handling.
- Brighter Display: The 1100-nit display is an edge when using the phone outdoors in direct sunlight.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording for video editing.
- Complete Camera System: Has a full set of camera capabilities, including wide angle, macro, and a solid selfie camera with good resolution.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio makes for a better overall audio experience for music lovers.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection against scratches and cracks.
Honor Magic4 Pro: Strengths & Advantages
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU result in better gaming and faster app performance.
- Impressive Camera System: Features a dedicated telephoto, and an impressive wide-angle macro lens. Its DXOMARK score showcases the great camera performance.
- Faster Charging & Wireless: The 100W charging is a big convenience, coupled with wireless and reverse charging.
- Larger, Sharper Display: The larger screen and higher resolution make watching videos and browsing a more enjoyable experience.
- Upgraded Bluetooth: The 5.2 version offers better connection stability and faster data speeds.
Trade-offs & Limitations
- Xiaomi 12X: Lacks a telephoto zoom, wireless charging, and comes with an older OS version. It is not as future-proof as the Magic4 Pro.
- Honor Magic4 Pro: The larger size and weight may not appeal to everyone. Its display brightness is marginally lower than the Xiaomi 12X.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a compact phone with a good screen, a decent camera, and strong audio capabilities. Great for those who prefer one-handed use and those who are looking for a phone with 8k video.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, watching videos, listening to music, and casual photography. Excellent for users who value a lighter and more portable device.
- Price-to-Value: A great value for those seeking a high-quality phone that doesn't break the bank.
Honor Magic4 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users who demand the best performance and camera quality. Perfect for gamers, photographers, and those who multitask heavily.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, professional photography, video recording, and content creation. Well-suited for those who prefer a larger, immersive display.
- Price-to-Value: Justified for users willing to pay extra for top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and faster charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
Prioritize Portability or Immersive Experience?
- If a compact, lightweight phone is crucial, go for the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you prefer a larger display for multimedia and gaming, choose the Honor Magic4 Pro.
What Are Your Photography Needs?
- If you want a complete camera system, including an impressive selfie camera with high resolution, and macro/wide angle, go for the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you need a great main camera with optical zoom capabilities, plus great video quality and depth sensing, the Honor Magic4 Pro is the choice.
How Important is Top Performance and Charging Speeds?
- If you want faster charging speeds and the latest chipset, the Honor Magic4 Pro is the better option.
- If you are willing to sacrifice slightly on chipset for a balanced overall experience and prefer 8k video, the Xiaomi 12X is excellent.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The On-the-Go Professional: Someone who wants a reliable, portable device with a solid camera and good battery life—Xiaomi 12X.
- The Multimedia & Gaming Enthusiast: Users looking for top performance, advanced cameras with zoom, and a big screen—Honor Magic4 Pro.
- The Everyday User on a Budget: Someone who wants a balance of great features without breaking the bank—Xiaomi 12X.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Honor Magic4 Pro. While I appreciate the compactness and brighter screen of the Xiaomi 12X, the sheer power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, combined with the faster charging, versatile camera system (with zoom!), and wireless capabilities of the Magic4 Pro are hard to ignore. The improved multitasking performance and camera quality makes it the more future-proof choice. I am also very picky about having the latest OS available, so Android 12 vs Android 11 is also a major deciding factor. The larger screen of the Honor is also ideal for me as someone who likes watching videos on their phone.
