Xiaomi 12X vs OnePlus Nord N20 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Xiaomi 12X
Xiaomi 12X
Xiaomi

General

Launch Date December 31, 2021 August 8, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 87.52 cm³ 98.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.57 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 176 g 187 g
Height 152.7 mm 163.8 mm
Width 69.9 mm 75 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Blue
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Blue Oasis
  • Celestial Black

Display

Screen Size 6.28 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 419 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 480 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 600 nits
Peak Brightness 1100 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.10 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.41 mAh/cm³ 50.88 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 650 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. This isn't just about specs on a page; it's about how these phones will actually perform in your hands and how well they fit into your daily life. We'll dissect each aspect, from design to performance, and I'll give you my honest take.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed table that breaks down the key specs, focusing on what they mean for you:

FeatureXiaomi 12XOnePlus Nord N20 SEReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g163.8 × 75 × 8 mm, 187gXiaomi 12X is more compact and lighter; N20 SE is larger, might feel less comfortable in hand
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), Glass back, Aluminum framePlastic back and frameXiaomi 12X offers premium feel and durability; N20 SE is more budget-oriented.
Display
Size6.28"6.56"N20 SE offers slightly more screen real estate; 12X is more compact.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1612Xiaomi 12X has a much sharper, clearer display.
PPI419269Xiaomi 12X has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper visuals
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDXiaomi 12X has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzXiaomi 12X feels smoother and more responsive with 120Hz
Brightness1100 nits0 nits (no value specified)Xiaomi 12X has superior outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 870MediaTek Helio G35Xiaomi 12X is much faster and smoother for apps, gaming, and multitasking
AnTuTu Score815,210221,000Xiaomi 12X has far superior performance, especially in demanding tasks.
GPUAdreno 650PowerVR GE8320Xiaomi 12X handles graphics-intensive applications more easily
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX76650MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor and larger pixel size, generally capturing more detail and better low-light images.
Front Camera32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10Xiaomi 12X offers more detail for selfies; N20 SE has a wider aperture for better low-light shots.
Wide Angle Lens13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10NoneXiaomi 12X offers more versatility with an ultra-wide lens; N20 SE does not have one.
Portrait Mode (depth)None2MP f/2.4OnePlus N20 SE has a dedicated depth camera while the Xiaomi 12X relies on software for portrait shots
Macro Lens5MP f/2.4NoneXiaomi 12X allows capturing detailed close-up shots; N20 SE does not have one
Video8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS1080p@30fps, No EISXiaomi 12X offers much higher resolution and smoother recording quality.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhOnePlus Nord N20 SE has a larger battery, may last slightly longer on a single charge
Charging67W Fast Charging33W Fast ChargingXiaomi 12X recharges faster.
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 11Android 12OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers a slightly newer Android version out of the box
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6, MiMOWi-Fi 5Xiaomi 12X has faster WiFi and better support for crowded networks
Bluetooth5.15.3OnePlus N20 SE has a newer Bluetooth version with improved connectivity and efficiency
GPSAdvanced multi-band, dual-frequencyBasicXiaomi 12X has much more accurate location services.
Storage
Internal128 GB or 256 GB64 GB or 128 GBXiaomi 12X offers more storage options; both phones lack expandable storage.
RAM8 GB or 12 GB4 GBXiaomi 12X has significantly more RAM, better for multitasking and app handling.
Audio
SpeakersStereo with Dolby AtmosStereo SpeakersBoth offer stereo audio; Xiaomi 12X has a better audio setup with dolby atmos.
Security
FeaturesFingerprint on screenFingerprint on the sideOnePlus N20 SE offers faster access with side mounted fingerprint, but both are basic biometric security options
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusUnknownXiaomi 12X has better screen protection against scratches.
Sensors
FeaturesComprehensive sensor suiteBasic sensor suiteXiaomi 12X has a complete sensor array for better functionality

2. Key Insights

Xiaomi 12X: This phone screams performance and premium feel. Its standout features include:

- **Superior Display:** The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a game-changer for daily use, making everything from browsing to video streaming a visual treat.
- **Powerful Performance:** The Snapdragon 870 is a workhorse that handles demanding tasks with ease.
- **Versatile Camera:**  The primary camera is excellent, and the addition of a wide-angle and macro lens offer a lot of creative flexibility.
- **Faster Charging:** 67W charging is a huge plus, getting you back in action quickly.
- **Premium Build Quality:** With Gorilla Glass Victus and an aluminum frame, the 12X feels very premium in your hands.
- **Advanced Features:** It also has features like advanced WiFi and GPS that are usually found in higher end models.

OnePlus Nord N20 SE: This is a budget-friendly option with a focus on essential functionality:

- **Larger Display:** If you prefer a larger screen, the N20 SE has a slightly bigger one.
- **Solid Battery Life:** The 5000mAh battery should provide good endurance.
- **Affordability:** It’s priced lower, making it an accessible option for those on a tight budget.
- **Newer Android:** It has a slightly newer Android version than the Xiaomi 12X out of the box.
- **Better bluetooth version:** It also has an updated bluetooth version.

Significant Trade-offs: The OnePlus Nord N20 SE's lower resolution, basic camera system, and lack of advanced features make it much less appealing to those looking for a more premium smartphone experience. The Xiaomi 12X also lacks expandable storage.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Xiaomi 12X: This phone is for:

- **Tech Enthusiasts:** Users who want the best possible performance, display quality, and camera capabilities without paying top dollar for flagship phones.
- **Content Consumers:** Those who spend a lot of time watching videos, gaming, or browsing, and appreciate a vibrant, smooth display.
- **Social Media Creators:** Users who need a reliable and versatile camera for photos and videos.
- **Multitaskers:** Users who frequently switch between apps and need a phone that can keep up.

OnePlus Nord N20 SE: This phone is for:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who need a basic smartphone that can handle everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
  • Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for communication, basic web browsing, and light media consumption.
  • Long Battery Life Priority: Users who prioritize longer battery life over higher end performance and features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Before making your final choice, consider these three questions:

1. **What is your priority: Performance or price?** If performance is paramount, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner. If your budget is strict, then the OnePlus Nord N20 SE makes sense.
2. **How much do you value display quality?** The Xiaomi 12X has a far superior display in terms of clarity and colour reproduction.
3. **What camera features are important to you?** If you want high quality, versatile and advanced camera features, the Xiaomi 12X is better.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • If you are a gamer or heavy phone user: Go with the Xiaomi 12X for the best performance and smoother display.
  • If you're on a tight budget and just need a phone for calls and basic apps: The OnePlus Nord N20 SE will do the job.
    • If you are an avid content consumer: The Xiaomi 12X will provide a much better viewing experience due to its display.
    • If you need professional video recording capabilities: The Xiaomi 12X offers high quality 4k and even 8k recording.
  • If you want better connectivity and GPS accuracy: The Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice.

My Choice

If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12X. The combination of a superior display, significantly better performance, a more versatile camera, faster charging, and overall better build quality makes it worth the additional investment. As someone who values a smooth user experience and high-quality multimedia, the 12X ticks all the right boxes for me. While the Nord N20 SE might appeal to the budget-conscious, the Xiaomi 12X offers much more for those who want a phone that can keep up with their demanding needs.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.