Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Motorola Moto G35. These two phones are intriguing for different reasons, and I'm excited to break down what they offer, going beyond just the spec sheet to get into real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of each phone, with a focus on what they mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 176g | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm, 188g | The Xiaomi 12X is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Moto G35 is larger and a bit heavier, with a bigger screen. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones and don't have foldable displays. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.72" | The Moto G35 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. Xiaomi 12X is more compact for one handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same sharp FHD+ resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 392 | The Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display, though most users may not notice the difference in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Xiaomi 12X’s AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G35's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | The Xiaomi 12X is brighter, making it more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | The Xiaomi 12X has a much more powerful processor. The Moto G35 has a budget-friendly processor which struggles with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 423,297 | The Xiaomi 12X is significantly faster for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. It’s nearly twice as powerful. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 | The Xiaomi 12X's Adreno GPU is much more capable, providing superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1) | Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor and Sony's premium IMX766, promising better image quality and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3", Omnivision OV32B) | 16MP (f/2.45) | The Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Xiaomi 12X has a higher-resolution wide-angle lens. Motorola has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, Samsung) | None | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, the Moto G35 does not. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS, Slo-mo 960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, Slo-mo 120fps | The Xiaomi 12X is capable of higher resolution and faster framerate video capture, plus better slow-motion. |
| Features | 4K/8K, OIS, EIS, Raw, Night Mode | 4K, EIS | The Xiaomi 12X has OIS, Raw capture, and night mode, which should result in better photo and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G35 has a larger battery and will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X has much faster charging, replenishing the battery quickly. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Motorola G35 uses a much newer version of Android. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi 12X supports the latest WiFi standard, providing faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | The Xiaomi 12X has a newer Bluetooth version, with more audio codecs for better sound quality over wireless. |
| Storage/RAM | 128/256 GB, 8/12GB RAM | 128/256 GB, 4/8 GB RAM | The Xiaomi 12X has significantly more RAM options and can handle more apps running simultaneously without performance issues. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | The Xiaomi 12X has a slight advantage in audio features. Hi-Res Audio provides enhanced audio. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | The Moto G35 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Xiaomi 12X has better scratch and drop protection for its screen. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD card. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Motorola G35 has an eSIM, offering more flexibility with carrier options. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Xiaomi 12X features an ultrasonic proximity sensor for accurate detection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly more processing power, making the Xiaomi 12X ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better viewing angles compared to the Moto G35’s IPS LCD screen. It's also brighter, making it easier to see outdoors.
- Better Camera Setup: The larger sensor in the main camera, along with OIS, should provide better photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of 8k recording, and RAW capture gives it more advanced photographic capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to quickly top up the battery.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support is a treat for audiophiles, plus it has a newer version of Bluetooth with higher fidelity codecs.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 provides much faster speeds for your home network.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Larger Display: A larger 6.72" screen is a boon for media consumption and gaming, providing an immersive experience.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery ensures all-day battery life, even with heavy usage.
- Latest Android Version: It's a newer phone, shipping with Android 14.
- eSIM Support: Offers an eSIM, which is great for flexibility when switching between mobile carriers.
- More Affordable: Usually comes in at a much lower price point than the Xiaomi.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12X has a smaller battery but charges much faster, making it more suitable for people who need quick top-ups.
- The Motorola G35's processor is much weaker, which may be a limitation for more demanding users.
- The Xiaomi 12X is a slightly older model and may not receive software updates as long as the newer Motorola phone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is best for:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, intensive gaming, and heavy multitasking will appreciate the Snapdragon 870 chipset and ample RAM.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality and versatility will appreciate the higher quality main camera with OIS, 8K recording, Raw capture, and dedicated macro lens.
- Media Consumers: The vibrant AMOLED display with higher brightness and smoother refresh rate will enhance movie watching and content consumption.
- Users Seeking Fast Charging: The 67W charging is a significant advantage for anyone needing a quick power boost.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic productivity tasks will find the Moto G35 adequate.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: This phone offers a large screen and decent battery life at an affordable price point.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: The larger battery is a major plus for those who need a phone that can last a full day without needing a charge.
- Users who value the latest software: This phone will have an advantage in security updates and new Android features
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide which phone is right for you:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life?
- If performance is key, and you play intensive games or use demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner. If your focus is on all-day battery life, the Moto G35 will serve you well.
- How important is display quality and camera performance?
- If you value a vivid, high-quality screen and superior image and video quality, the Xiaomi 12X's AMOLED panel and OIS camera setup are a must. If those are not as important to you, and a large screen is what you need, the Moto G35 is suitable.
- What's your budget?
- If you're working with a tighter budget and need a phone that can handle basic tasks, the Motorola G35 offers good value. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a significant performance and camera upgrade, the Xiaomi 12X is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Go with the Xiaomi 12X for its processing power and smooth display.
- Budget-Conscious Student: The Motorola Moto G35 is a great value pick for everyday tasks and extended battery life.
- Photography Lover: The Xiaomi 12X offers a better main camera, OIS, and 8k recording capabilities.
- Frequent Traveler: Consider the Motorola Moto G35 for its longer battery life and eSIM capabilities.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi 12X. While I appreciate the larger battery and more affordable price point of the Moto G35, I need a device that can handle more demanding tasks and provide superior multimedia experiences. As someone who values camera quality and often engages with power-hungry apps, the Xiaomi 12X is a better fit for my daily needs. The performance, display, and camera upgrades, combined with fast charging, make the Xiaomi 12X a more compelling choice for me, even with its smaller battery.
