Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Realme 12 Pro+. These are two very different phones targeting slightly different users, and the devil, as always, is in the details.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably smaller and more compact; Realme 12 Pro+ is larger, which can mean more screen space but less pocketability |
| Weight | 176g | 196g | Xiaomi 12X is significantly lighter (20g less), making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking; Xiaomi 12X is more pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a crisp Full HD+ display; the difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 394 PPI | Xiaomi 12X has slightly sharper text and images, though the difference is not usually noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels with deep blacks and vivid colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X has much better outdoor visibility in sunlight, crucial for usability in bright environments. Realme 12 Pro+ brightness not provided, which is a serious disadvantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 870 in Xiaomi 12X is the more powerful processor, offering better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. The Realme's chipset is more efficient and still perform well enough for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 603,400 | Xiaomi 12X will generally feel faster, with quicker app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 710 | Adreno 650 in the Xiaomi 12X is the more powerful GPU, giving it an edge in graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX890 | Realme 12 Pro+ has slightly better light gathering capability with a wider aperture. The IMX890 is a slightly newer and more advanced sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, OV32B | 32MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX615 | Realme 12 Pro+ selfie sensor is larger, which in turn translates to better light-gathering capability, wider apperture, making it better for low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, OV64B | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, a significant advantage for photographers. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, OV13B10 | None | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for capturing landscapes or group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | None | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, Hynix HI-846 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, providing versatility. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12X can record video at 8K, offering higher resolution for professional use. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, generally offering better battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both have fast 67W charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More Satellites | Less Satellites | Xiaomi 12X has better satellite support for accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has an option for larger storage capacity if required. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both phones have good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, Noise Cancellation Mic | Realme 12 Pro+ offers noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X has more sensors including a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 is a significant step up in raw processing power, making it much more capable for gaming and demanding apps.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1100 nits brightness ensures excellent visibility under direct sunlight, a significant advantage for outdoor users.
- Compact Design: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable to use single-handedly and more pocketable.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution for those looking for professional-grade content creation.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus is a significant advantage for screen durability.
- More GPS Satellites: Better for precise location tracking, this feature enhances experience when using maps or location based applications.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Better Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a telephoto lens provides versatile zoom capabilities, missing in the Xiaomi 12X. The combined wide-angle and macro lens also add versatility.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should translate to a longer battery life on a single charge.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, providing a newer software experience.
- Higher internal Storage options: The 512GB storage option is great for users that prefer to have all data on the device.
- Noise Cancelling Mic: For clearer audio in calls.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12X trades camera versatility and battery capacity for performance and screen brightness.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ sacrifices performance for camera capabilities, battery life and comes with a significantly larger form factor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance, especially for gaming or demanding applications.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight and need high screen visibility.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who prefer smaller, lighter devices for single-handed use and better pocketability.
- Video creators: For users that require higher video resolution to take more professional grade content.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems, including zoom capabilities.
- Battery Life Seekers: Those who prioritize all-day battery life without frequent charging.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos, and consuming content on a large display.
- Newer OS enthusiasts: Those that want the latest software experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize raw performance or camera versatility? If it's performance and screen visibility in daylight, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice. If it's better camera zoom capabilities and longer battery life, go for the Realme 12 Pro+.
- Do you prefer a compact phone or a larger one? The Xiaomi 12X is significantly smaller and more pocketable, whereas Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger display for media consumption.
- Is having the latest Android version important to you? If so, the Realme 12 Pro+ has an advantage with Android 14.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12X for its superior processing power and smoother gaming experience.
- The Traveler: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ for its longer battery life and versatile zoom capabilities for photography on the go.
- The Urban Explorer: Choose the Xiaomi 12X for better screen visibility in sunlight and overall smaller size which makes it easier to carry around.
- The Social Media Creator: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ for versatile cameras including a telephoto lens for more dynamic photos and videos.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12X. The significantly higher performance and the screen brightness are more important to me. I do enjoy taking photos, but having the extra performance of the snapdragon 870, it would be worth the compromise for me. While the Realme 12 Pro+ has a lot of nice things going for it such as the better camera versatility and battery life, I would still prefer the Xiaomi 12X. The fact that the brightness of the Realme 12 Pro+ is unknown is also a big disadvantage. Overall, the Xiaomi 12X offers a more complete and robust package that better aligns with what I look for in a smartphone.
