Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Realme 9 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and guide you through which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get granular with a detailed comparison table that also includes real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and pocketable, while Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly larger. |
| Weight | 176g | 182g | Xiaomi 12X is a bit lighter, which might feel better during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.4" | Realme 9 Pro+ has a marginally larger display, offering more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharp FHD+ resolution, meaning similar clarity. |
| PPI | 419 | 411 | Both offer similar pixel density, so sharpness will be practically identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels with excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12X provides a smoother user interface and animations with the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X is significantly brighter, making it much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12X’s chipset is significantly more powerful, translating to faster performance. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 496,970 | Xiaomi 12X delivers a much smoother experience in demanding tasks, including gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi 12X's GPU offers superior graphics processing power and better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766) | Both use the same main sensor but Realme 9 Pro+ has wider aperture for better low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3") | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | Xiaomi 12X offers higher resolution, while Realme has larger pixels for better low-light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed wide-angle shots, and Realme has slightly larger sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Xiaomi 12X's macro lens provides higher resolution for more detailed close-ups |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12X captures higher quality and sharper videos, with greater frame rate flexibility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, indicating comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges slightly faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ ships with a more up to date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a newer version of Bluetooth for better stability. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | Xiaomi 12X offers more precise location. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options to accommodate files and media. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12X offers more RAM which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Both phones share very similar audio capabilities. |
| Microphone | 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone , 2 microphones | Realme 9 Pro+ has the advantage here for having a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer the same basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12X has superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Xiaomi 12X has additional Compass and Realme 9 Pro+ has additional Heart Rate sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly more processing power for demanding applications and gaming, as demonstrated by the 64% higher AnTuTu score.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits of brightness is a huge advantage, making the screen much more visible in direct sunlight.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and fluidity compared to the 90Hz on the Realme 9 Pro+.
- Advanced Video Recording: The ability to shoot 8K video gives the Xiaomi 12X a clear edge for content creators.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is faster than the 60W on the Realme.
- Better Screen protection: Victus screen protection is better than Gorilla Glass 5 and is better in reducing scratches.
- More Precise GPS: With L1+L5, it offers better and more accurate positioning.
Realme 9 Pro+ Strengths:
- Slightly Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 which is an upgrade over Android 11 of the Xiaomi.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers superior call quality with enhanced noise cancellation.
- Slightly Better Low-light Camera Performance: Wider aperture on main sensor and bigger pixels on selfie camera help with low-light performance.
- More Connectivity Features: Comes with geomagnetic and heart rate sensor.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features a more up-to-date Bluetooth version.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: The main trade-off is the slightly older software, but given that both phones will get software updates, this should not be a huge concern.
- Realme 9 Pro+: The main compromise is significantly lower processing power, a less bright screen, and inferior video capabilities which might not suit performance-oriented users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking, demanding games, and intensive applications.
- Content Creators: Individuals who record a lot of videos and need the ability to shoot in 8K and 4K at 60fps.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and require excellent screen visibility.
- Users valuing speed: Those who seek faster phone charging.
Realme 9 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Users who want a reliable, well-rounded phone for everyday use, focusing on camera quality and smooth experience rather than performance.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who need a good phone with all the essential features without overspending.
- Users valuing connectivity: People who want a phone with heart-rate sensor and other useful sensors.
- Users valuing Audio: Those who value high quality audio during calls, especially in noisy environments.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you make a decision:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you prioritize smooth multitasking, fast gaming, and overall responsiveness, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner. However, if you're a casual user, the Realme 9 Pro+ will serve you well too.
- Do you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight? If so, the Xiaomi 12X's significantly brighter display will be a major advantage.
- Do you do more video recording or photography? If video is critical, especially at high resolutions, the Xiaomi 12X is the superior option. However, if you prioritize better low-light photos and clear voice during calls, then Realme 9 Pro+ takes the edge here.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While both phones offer compelling features, the raw processing power and superior display of the Xiaomi 12X would be invaluable to me. As someone who likes to multitask, edit photos, and occasionally play graphically demanding games, the Xiaomi 12X's Snapdragon 870 chipset and 120Hz display provide a much better user experience. The brighter screen would also be a huge benefit given that I tend to spend a lot of time outside. Even though it's not the newest Android version, the software experience and updates will still be good. The improved camera features, like 8K video recording, will give me more flexibility for content creation. Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12X's overall performance and feature set make it the better option for my needs.
