Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. I'll be breaking down the specs and giving you my take on what it all means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table laying out the key specs with a focus on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | The Xiaomi is more compact; the S22+ is larger, which may be better for media consumption but less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | The Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | The S22+ has a larger screen; great for watching videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both provide sharp images, though the difference is minimal in practice. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 393 PPI | The Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display, but it’s unlikely to be noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1750 nits | The S22+ is much brighter, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | The S22+ has a newer chip, typically offering better raw performance. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 890,774 | The S22+ has a slight edge in benchmarks, which means potentially smoother overall performance in the long run. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 (AMD) | The S22+’s GPU is generally more powerful, so it handles graphics-intensive tasks better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life should be expected from both devices for most users. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12X charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | The S22+ is more flexible with charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN5 | Both offer good detail but the S22+ performs better in low light with a wider f/1.8 aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" OV32B | 10MP, f/2.2 | The Xiaomi 12X has higher resolution for selfies. The S22+ has wider aperture and larger pixel size, which leads to better low light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | The S22+ includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom; a big advantage for taking distant shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" OV13B10 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer decent ultrawide shots, but the S22+ will gather more light due to wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | None | Xiaomi includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps with EIS, 4K@60fps with EIS, 1080p@960fps with EIS | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Both provide excellent video capabilities, but the S22+ includes stereo sound recording for enhanced audio quality. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 125, Photo: 122, Video: 124 | The S22+ has been benchmarked and performs admirably, but the 12X has not. |
| Features | Digital image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Night Mode | Optical zoom, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Each has unique features with the 12X focused on user control and the S22+ on lens options and autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | The S22+ comes with newer software out of the box, promising a longer life for the device in terms of updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer high-speed Wi-Fi for fast downloads and browsing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The S22+ has the edge with slightly faster pairing and data transfers. |
| GPS | More GPS systems | More standard GPS systems | Both offer precise location tracking, but the Xiaomi supports more satellites for potentially greater accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The S22+ offers eSIM support for greater flexibility in managing carrier plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer plenty of storage space for most users, but neither has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi offers up to 12 GB RAM for those who need high performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi 12X is a more immersive audio experience, great for music and gaming. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors for quick and convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer good screen protection, but the S22+ has a slight upgrade in terms of scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | The S22+ has a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12X is lighter, more compact, charges faster, and has slightly sharper display with higher PPI. It also offers Hi-Res audio, 2 microphones and Dolby Atmos.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior charging speeds and the option of higher RAM. Its smaller size makes it easier to handle and carry.
- Trade-offs: The Xiaomi 12X has a less bright screen and lacks a dedicated telephoto camera. The performance is slightly weaker.
- Limitations: No wireless charging, no expandable storage, an older OS.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Strengths: The S22+ offers a brighter display, better performance thanks to its newer chipset and GPU, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, wireless charging, an eSIM, and a more versatile set of sensors. The screen protection is also improved.
- Competitive Advantages: A much brighter screen for outdoor visibility, more advanced camera features, and newer software out of the box.
- Trade-offs: The S22+ is heavier and bulkier. It has slower charging, no Macro camera and doesn't have the audio quality of the Xiaomi.
- Limitations: Limited RAM and a higher price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight design, fast charging, and are on a budget. Also good for those that value better audio quality. It’s a great all-rounder for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media browsing, casual gaming, and multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Best for: Users who value a large, bright screen, enhanced camera capabilities, wireless charging and a full array of sensors. It's ideal for power users, photographers, and those who consume a lot of media on the go.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, heavy gaming, video editing, and extensive multimedia use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
Do you prioritize a compact form factor and fast charging? If yes, the Xiaomi 12X is a solid choice.
Do you need a top-tier display and advanced camera features? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the better option.
Are advanced features like wireless charging and optical zoom important to you? If these are essential, go with the Galaxy S22+.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Casual User: If you're primarily browsing, using social media, and making calls, the Xiaomi 12X is an excellent, more budget-friendly pick.
For the Multimedia Enthusiast: The S22+ is the way to go for its stunning display, robust video capabilities, and great sound features, even though it lacks the audio quality of the 12X.
For the Photographer: The S22+ with its versatile triple-lens system, is more flexible, especially due to its optical zoom.
My Choice
If I were making this decision for myself, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I often use my phone for photography and video, and the telephoto lens is a must for me, and the S22+ excels here. I also find the brighter screen essential for outdoor use, especially when I’m on the go and want to view content. Although I appreciate the compact design and fast charging of the Xiaomi, the added flexibility of wireless charging, better benchmark scores and the more advanced camera on the Samsung win out for me. The S22+ also offers newer software, and a better camera overall, and that will be useful for the long term. Finally the Samsung just has more of what I need, even though it has a higher price.
