Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and Honor X7. We'll dissect these devices, focusing not just on the numbers but also on what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how the Xiaomi 12X and Honor X7 stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Honor X7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 167.6 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact, fitting easier in pockets and hands. The Honor X7 is larger and may feel more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 176g | 198g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown screen protection | Xiaomi 12X has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Honor X7's screen durability is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.74" | Honor X7 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. Xiaomi 12X is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Xiaomi 12X has a much sharper display with finer detail; text and images will look crisper. Honor X7 will look comparatively less sharp, and pixelated. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 260 PPI | Xiaomi 12X's screen is significantly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the standard LCD of the Honor X7. AMOLED also offers better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12X has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X is much more readable outdoors in sunlight. Honor X7 brightness is unknown so expect issues with visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Xiaomi 12X offers drastically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and is more future-proof. Honor X7 is slower and more basic. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 249,000 | Xiaomi 12X delivers far superior overall performance for demanding tasks and smoother general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi 12X offers better graphics processing for gaming and visually intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | 48MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor, meaning better low light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12X has significantly higher resolution and better detail capture, better for selfies and video calls. Honor X7’s has a wider aperture for more light but it’s lower resolution. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12X captures much more detailed wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor X7 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution for macro shots, offering more details when shooting close-ups. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X can record professional-grade video up to 8K, while the Honor X7 is limited to 1080p. Xiaomi 12X offers far superior video quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, RAW, Night Mode | PDAF, CDAF | Xiaomi 12X offers optical image stabilization, while the Honor X7 offers Phase and Contrast detection autofocus for quicker, more reliable focus. Xiaomi 12X has more advanced options including RAW shooting, Night Mode and more. |
| DxoMark | N/A | 61 (Mobile), 52 (Photo), 69 (Video) | Honor X7 has been tested, showing its camera performance, especially good video performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Honor X7 has a slightly larger battery, possibly offering longer runtime on a single charge. However, this might not hold true because of the vastly more efficient processor on the Xiaomi 12X. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones have similar OS out of the box |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12X supports newer Wi-Fi standards, providing faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, AptX, LDAC | 5.1, EDR | Xiaomi 12X has superior audio codec support for higher fidelity wireless audio. |
| GPS | Multi-Band | Standard | Xiaomi 12X offers greater location accuracy with multi-band GPS. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance with multiple apps running. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | Xiaomi 12X offers a 256 GB storage option, offering more space for apps, media and documents. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi 12X offers far superior audio experience, perfect for music, movies and games. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Honor X7 provides easier and more seamless fingerprint unlocking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12X: This phone is a performance powerhouse. It boasts a superior display, a much faster processor, a more advanced camera system, and faster charging. The design is also more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle. The Xiaomi 12X is clearly aimed at users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, particularly for media consumption and mobile gaming.
- Honor X7: This phone focuses on providing a basic, budget-friendly experience. Its strengths lie in a larger display and larger battery, which is great for users who prefer a bigger screen and potentially longer battery life (however, this might not be true when considering the chipset efficiency of the 12X). The Honor X7 aims to deliver the basics at an affordable price and might be more suited for simple tasks, media consumption and light usage. It’s also the only phone out of the two that has been tested by DxoMark with decent results, especially for video.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: The biggest trade off of the Xiaomi 12X is the smaller battery capacity, which is 500mAh less than the Honor X7. This is not a significant difference but it is worth noting. Another limitation is that it doesn’t come with a headphone jack.
- Honor X7: The Honor X7's biggest limitation is its underpowered processor, its basic display, camera performance and other technical capabilities. It is a budget phone, so it lacks advanced features, and it's not suited to demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: The high-refresh-rate display, powerful processor, and ample RAM will provide a smooth gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display with Dolby Atmos makes this phone great for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photographers/Videographers: If you want more control over your photos and videos, and value high-resolution recording.
- Users who prefer compact devices: People who prefer a smaller phone that easily fits in pockets and hands.
- Honor X7:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who are looking for a basic device at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for web browsing, social media, and basic media consumption.
- Users who prefer larger screens and potentially longer battery life: Great for those who just need a simple phone and a large screen, and aren't too fussed about demanding tasks.
- Users who just want a phone that works well in basic scenarios
- Users who want good enough video camera performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask when choosing between these phones:
- Performance: How important is smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall speed to you?
- Display Quality: How critical is screen sharpness, vibrancy, and visibility in sunlight?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend and how do you balance that against overall value?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You love mobile gaming and watching high-resolution content.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X. The powerful processor, high refresh rate AMOLED display, and fast charging make it ideal for gaming and media.
- Scenario 2: You primarily use your phone for web browsing, social media, and making phone calls.
- Recommendation: Honor X7 is more budget-friendly and provides adequate performance for these tasks, combined with a large display and a solid video camera.
- Scenario 3: You need a camera for casual photography and high-resolution video recording.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice for higher image quality, more advanced features, and higher resolution video recording.
- Scenario 4: You care more about the video camera performance.
- Recommendation: Honor X7 is a better phone for video recording when considering its video score from DxoMark.
What would I choose and why?
Given my focus on technology and user experience, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12X.
While the Honor X7 offers a larger screen and potentially longer battery life, the overall experience falls short. The Xiaomi 12X stands out with its superior performance, amazing display quality, and advanced camera system, not to mention its vastly superior build quality and materials. For me, the smoothness, speed, and overall responsiveness of the Xiaomi 12X make it a better daily driver. I value the high-quality display and the ability to use a phone comfortably under direct sunlight. Moreover, I tend to be a power user, and the significantly higher AnTuTu score means more headroom and more future proofing for the device.
Although it does have a smaller battery, that doesn't bother me because it comes with 67W charging which will allow me to quickly charge my phone. The extra cost is definitely worth it for the enhanced experience and future-proofing that the 12X provides.
Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12X is the better fit for my usage patterns and preferences.
