Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Honor X8a. This isn't just about specs on paper; it's about how these phones will fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact; Honor X8a is larger and thinner. |
| Weight | 176g | 179g | Virtually identical; both feel lightweight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Honor X8a provides more screen real estate; Xiaomi 12X is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer sharp displays; minor difference will be unnoticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 391 ppi | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display, but not significantly so. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12X provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X much better in bright sunlight with higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Helio G88 | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 253,700 | Xiaomi 12X is substantially more powerful in all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi 12X has a better GPU for graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1.0µm, OIS) | 100MP (f/1.9) | Honor X8a has higher resolution, but Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor & OIS |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 0.7µm) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Xiaomi 12X has a much better selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi 12X has better wide-angle shots with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X has slightly better macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X captures high resolution video with stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, RAW, Night Mode | PDAF, CDAF | Xiaomi 12X is much better in low light due to OIS and Night Mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer a full day of battery for most users. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | Xiaomi 12X charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Honor X8a is on newer Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 5 | Xiaomi 12X has faster Wi-Fi and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX, LDAC | 5.1, EDR | Xiaomi 12X offers better audio codec support for higher quality audio. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12X has more RAM, which is better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage for both phones. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi 12X has much better audio quality with stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Side mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X offers superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12X is a performance powerhouse, boasting a Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is significantly faster than the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a. This results in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and enhanced gaming capabilities. It has a superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and smoother animations. The 1100 nits brightness makes it much better for outdoor use. The camera setup is more versatile with OIS, a better selfie camera, wide-angle lens and 8K video recording. Lastly, 67W fast charging is much faster than Honor’s, saving valuable time. Also, you’re getting superior audio quality and Wi-Fi 6.
- Competitive Advantages: Its superior processing power, display quality, fast charging, and better audio elevate it above the Honor X8a for demanding users.
Honor X8a:
- Strengths: The Honor X8a stands out with its larger display and a newer version of Android out of the box. It also features a 100MP main camera, although higher resolution doesn't always equate to better image quality, especially when compared to the larger sensor and OIS of the Xiaomi 12X.
- Competitive Advantages: The X8a offers a more modern design with a larger display and a more updated OS version.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Xiaomi 12X’s compact size may not appeal to users who prefer larger screens. While both devices do not have expandable storage, this is something to keep in mind when choosing either of them.
- The Honor X8a’s performance is less powerful than the Xiaomi 12X, particularly for heavy tasks. The IPS display and lower peak brightness is also a limitation, particularly in sunlight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users who need fast performance, and users who heavily multitask.
- Media Consumers: Those who appreciate vibrant, high-contrast screens for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography/Videography: Users who want better quality photography and video recording and care about having the best quality available in these fields.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest technology, including Wi-Fi 6 and better audio quality.
Honor X8a is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize value and a large screen above all else.
- Casual Users: Those who perform basic tasks and are not heavy users.
- Large Screen Lovers: Those who like having a big screen for content consumption.
- Users who value updated OS: Those who want a newer operating system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If it's crucial, the Xiaomi 12X is the better choice, while the X8a would suffice for lighter users.
- Do you prefer a compact or a large screen? Xiaomi 12X is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand, but the X8a offers more screen real estate.
- Are you looking for top-notch camera quality and video recording capabilities? The Xiaomi 12X will be significantly better in this area.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer on the go - Choose the Xiaomi 12X. The powerful chipset, display quality, and fast charging are essential.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who wants a large screen and latest OS - The Honor X8a would be a good choice, mainly due to the display size and more updated OS.
- Scenario 3: User who wants the best camera and video recording capabilities - The Xiaomi 12X will give significantly better performance in this field due to the advanced features it offers.
- Scenario 4: User who enjoys content and audio and is looking for an immersive experience - The Xiaomi 12X is definitely the best option because of the Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 5: User who wants a reliable device, but has a limited budget - The Honor X8a is a better option due to the more affordable price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the Xiaomi 12X. While the Honor X8a has some appealing qualities like a larger display and more recent OS, the Xiaomi 12X offers a significantly better user experience in areas that matter most to me: performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall responsiveness. The Snapdragon 870 chipset will make the phone a joy to use in most scenarios. The additional 120Hz refresh rate, combined with superior color contrast will be much more pleasing for media consumption and the fast charging is a must for everyday use. Also, the superior audio quality is a great plus for when I'm listening to music or podcasts without headphones.
