Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. As a tech journalist, I always aim to dissect the specs and translate them into real-world user experiences. Here's a structured breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the technical specifications of the Xiaomi 12X and Huawei Mate 50 Pro, with a focus on how these specs translate into user experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, making the 12X more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 176g | 205g | Xiaomi 12X feels significantly lighter, better for extended use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro's larger screen provides more immersive media consumption and productivity, while 12X is more compact and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution and better clarity for detailed content. |
| PPI | 419 | 428 | Very similar pixel density on both; sharp images on both phones. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high quality display tech that offers excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones will provide very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X offers much better outdoor visibility due to its high brightness. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro brightness was not provided, and this is a significant gap. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mate 50 Pro offers better processing power and app loading. 12X is still very capable. The Mate 50 Pro also doesn't have 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro will be noticeably faster for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Mate 50 Pro has better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88 | 50MP, f/1.4 | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance and natural background blur. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed selfies, while Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5 | Mate 50 Pro has dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed images without loss of detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12X has 1MP higher resolution, Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up details. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K, EIS | Up to 4K, HDR, EIS | Xiaomi 12X can capture 8K video, while the Mate 50 Pro offers HDR. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not Available | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a proven powerhouse when it comes to camera performance, according to DxOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger battery, which will likely result in marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Similar fast charging capabilities, with Xiaomi 12X being just a bit faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse/Wireless/Charging | Mate 50 Pro offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities that Xiaomi 12X doesn't have. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Mate 50 Pro's OS was not specified. The 12X is running Android 11 which could be a disadvantage if future support is needed. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Mate 50 Pro uses newer bluetooth standards. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both provide good location information. The 12X has GPS support where the 50 Pro does not. The 50 Pro supports Galileo. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Mate 50 Pro has higher capacity options, which can be a big deal for power users. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 12X has a 12GB RAM option which is better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both devices do not have expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12X boasts a much more impressive suite of audio features, providing higher quality audio playback and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones include a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xiaomi 12X uses a stronger screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Gravity, Hall | Huawei Mate 50 Pro has additional environmental sensors including barometer, proximity, gravity and hall. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: Lighter, more compact, better outdoor visibility with higher brightness, stronger screen protection, more RAM options for multitasking, superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, 8K video.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for those who prioritize portability, prefer single-handed use, and need excellent outdoor display and audio. Also a strong choice if video recording is a priority.
- Trade-offs: Slightly less powerful chipset than the Mate 50 Pro, lacks a telephoto lens, no wireless charging, slightly smaller battery and only comes with Android 11.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior performance with a more advanced chipset, better main camera with wider aperture, dedicated telephoto lens, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities, larger display, higher base storage.
- Competitive Advantages: Best suited for users who demand top performance, a versatile camera system, and a larger display. Also provides great flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier than the 12X, doesn't have the higher screen brightness as 12X, no macro lens, no 8K video, unknown screen protection and does not support 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X: Best for users who value portability, comfortable one-handed use, higher brightness, superior audio, and good video recording capabilities at an often more affordable price point. Great for media consumption, social media and everyday tasks.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Ideal for power users, photography enthusiasts, and those who need a large immersive display and a versatile camera system. Suitable for professional photographers and for people who need a full suite of charging options with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between the Xiaomi 12X and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- What is more important to you: portability and one-handed use or a larger display and top performance? If you prefer a compact and lighter device, the 12X is a better choice. For those who want a larger screen and the best performance the Mate 50 Pro takes the cake.
- Do you need a superior camera system and wireless charging capabilities? If yes, the Mate 50 Pro with its telephoto lens and wireless charging features is the better fit. Otherwise the camera on the 12X is still very capable.
- How much do you prioritize audio quality and video recording capabilities? If you prefer high-quality audio and an 8k video, the Xiaomi 12X is the better device. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro supports HDR in video.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- On-the-Go Professional: If you need a phone that is compact, has good brightness for outdoor use, and great audio capabilities, the Xiaomi 12X is a great choice.
- Creative Photographer: If you want a phone with a versatile camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens and excellent low-light performance and wireless charging, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the way to go.
- Media Consumer: If you prioritize a large, immersive screen, top performance, and solid battery life, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice.
- Everyday User: If you need a solid, reliable smartphone with good performance, good quality camera, great display and great audio the Xiaomi 12X offers the best value.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12X. My reasons are as follows: While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has the better main camera and processing power, the Xiaomi 12X has a lot of features I personally value. I use my phone a lot for work and while on the go so I value a smaller, lighter device with great outdoor screen visibility. I use my phone for video recording, and the 8k and EIS features of the 12X are important. I also use my phone for a lot of audio recording, and the Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and 2 Microphones are all important factors for me. Finally, the 12GB of RAM is great for multitasking. I am also budget conscious and it is likely that the 12X would come in cheaper. These are all the most important factors for me, and the 12X checks all the boxes in a way that the 50 Pro does not.
I hope this thorough analysis has been insightful and will help you make the right choice.
