Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison between the Xiaomi 12X and the Honor X7b. As a tech journalist, I'm always excited to dissect the nuances that make each phone unique, and it’s our job to see how these specs translate to real-world utility for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table that compares these two devices, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Honor X7b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2023-12-01 | Honor X7b is a newer model (approx. 11 months newer) |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones; no foldable screens |
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 166.7 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | X7b is taller & wider, making it bulkier and less pocket-friendly for small hands; same thickness |
| Weight | 176g | 199g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, improving comfort for extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | Honor X7b has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking; 12X easier to hold with one hand |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar resolutions, good sharpness on both though a tad more pixels on the X7B. |
| PPI | 419 | 389 | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, but not hugely significant. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12X offers smoother animations and scrolling, but 90Hz on the X7b is still quite fluid |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X is significantly brighter, ensuring better visibility outdoors; X7B's brightness info was not included |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12X has a much more powerful processor, leading to smoother, faster performance and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 249,150 | Xiaomi 12X is dramatically faster, excellent for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi 12X has a more capable GPU for graphically intensive tasks, particularly gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Honor X7b has higher resolution, but Xiaomi 12X's larger sensor and pixel size should capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B, 0.70µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12X offers much better selfies with higher resolution and sensor size. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, better for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor X7b includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography, which Xiaomi 12X lacks. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12X offers higher resolution for macro photography |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X offers superior video resolution and includes stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5330mAh | Honor X7b has a larger battery, generally providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 35W fast charging | Xiaomi 12X charges much faster, good for quickly topping up. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Honor X7b has newer OS, with an upgrade to Android 14 guaranteed |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | Xiaomi 12X has slightly more wifi features (MiMO) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1, EDR | Xiaomi 12X offers a wider range of high-fidelity audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple advanced systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi 12X has better location tracking with multiple systems and dual band support |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both have similar dual sim capability |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar maximum storage, but no expandable storage |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Xiaomi 12X has more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Stereo speakers | Xiaomi 12X has better audio, with more features for a better experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor X7b has better design and usability |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has much better screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X has a superior sensor suite, especially for motion sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with the Adreno 650 GPU delivers a much higher performance.
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits brightness offer a significantly better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera: Its main camera features a better sensor. Also its selfie camera and video recording capabilities are leagues ahead.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging ensures much quicker top-ups.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and dual microphones provide a richer audio experience.
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection gives peace of mind, while the Honor X7b’s screen protection is unknown
Honor X7b Strengths:
- Larger Battery: 5330mAh provides longer battery life.
- Newer Android: Runs on Android 13, with a guaranteed update to Android 14.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor aids portrait photography
- Newer phone: Launched later than the 12X
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: Faster and easier to access.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12X: Sacrifices a bit of battery capacity compared to X7b, but makes up for that with faster charging. Also its camera has lower resolution, but the sensor is larger for better low light photography.
- Honor X7b: Lags significantly behind in performance, and features an LCD instead of AMOLED display. Also it lacks the bells and whistles in audio and video recording that the Xiaomi has.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is ideal for:
- Gamers: The superior chipset and GPU ensure a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
- Media Enthusiasts: The AMOLED display and high-fidelity audio are perfect for watching videos.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: While not boasting highest resolution, the sensor size and included features provide much higher quality photos, plus superior video recording.
Honor X7b is ideal for:
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: The large 5330mAh battery ensures all-day use.
- Casual Users: Those who need a good and reliable smartphone for daily tasks.
- Cost-Conscious Buyers: Likely offered at a more budget-friendly price.
- People that prefer a bigger screen: The 6.8" display is great for watching videos and browsing the web.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is raw performance to me? If you run demanding apps or play graphically intensive games, the Xiaomi 12X is a clear winner.
- How often do I use my phone for extended periods of time away from a charger? If you regularly need all-day battery life, the Honor X7b would be a better pick.
- Do I value higher quality screen, audio and video recording features over raw battery capacity? If so the Xiaomi 12X has everything you need.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X. Its raw performance and quality display make it the winner for gaming and watching videos.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use and Battery Reliability
- Recommendation: Honor X7b. It's a reliable phone with solid battery life that would fit most casual users.
- Scenario 3: Taking Photos & Videos
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X. Its superior sensor, enhanced features and 8K video recording makes it the winner here.
Final Thoughts:
After examining these two phones, the Xiaomi 12X comes out as the better all around smartphone. Despite its older software and lower battery capacity, it outclasses the Honor X7b in screen quality, raw performance, and camera quality.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While the Honor X7b has a larger battery and a newer OS, the sheer performance difference and the superior AMOLED display on the 12X are too compelling to ignore. The faster charging helps mitigate battery concerns, and the better camera, audio, and build quality make it the better choice. As someone who appreciates high performance, a top-tier display, and enhanced features, the Xiaomi 12X aligns more closely with my usage patterns and preferences. It's a device that truly enhances the user experience.
