Okay, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12X and the Samsung Galaxy S24+, comparing their specs and translating that into real-world user experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on the most impactful specifications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm, 196g | S24+ is larger and heavier, potentially feeling less comfortable for one-handed use. 12X more portable and pocketable. |
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Both offer a premium feel; S24+ uses newer Gorilla Glass 2 for increased drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | S24+ offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24+ provides a much sharper and more detailed viewing experience, which benefits reading, gaming, and viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 513 PPI | Noticeably sharper images on S24+ thanks to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Assumed AMOLED) | 12X offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly better for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight, ensuring readability in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, ensuring faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 1,639,695 | The S24+ delivers nearly double the performance in benchmarks, which translates to significantly better real world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 (USA/Canada/China), Xclipse 940 | S24+ has more powerful graphics for smoother gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3 | S24+ has slightly wider aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.88). Xiaomi 12X has a slightly larger sensor (1/1.56 vs 1/1.57). Both take excellent photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | S24+ provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing for lossless zooming in on subjects without sacrificing detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", OV13B10 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX564 | S24+ offers a wider aperture and a larger sensor, which helps to achieve better low light results and a larger field of view.. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3", OV32B | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU | 12X has a higher resolution front camera, useful for selfies. S24+ has a slightly wider aperture on front camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | None | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Both offer high-resolution video recording with stabilization for smooth, professional-looking videos, but the S24+ has superior HDR implementation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ has a larger battery which translates to more hours of use, possibly a day of battery for moderate usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges faster, minimizing downtime when you need to top up. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse Charging, Wireless, Non-removable | S24+ offers more flexible charging options with wireless charging and reverse charging, plus Bypass charging for prolonged plugged in usage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24+ comes with a much newer Android version and will receive more software updates over time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster, lower-latency connections on compatible networks and a cleaner 6Ghz band. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | S24+ has a newer Bluetooth version for more robust and efficient connections with peripherals. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | S24+ offers higher storage capacity options, beneficial for those who store many large files. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | S24+ standardises at 12GB which is excellent for seamless multitasking, high performance apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the appropriate storage capacity from the beginning. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, 2 mics | Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Xiaomi 12X offers a more immersive audio experience and better quality recording with 2 mics and Hi-Res playback support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Standard biometric security on both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ features newer Gorilla Glass version for better drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24+ has a broader range of sensors which unlocks features related to those sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: More compact design, lightweight, excellent AMOLED display, faster charging, impressive audio features, a versatile camera setup with a dedicated macro lens, and a lower initial price point.
- Competitive Advantages: The 12X excels in audio quality, has a more lightweight compact design and delivers a well rounded experience.
- Trade-offs: Its older chipset results in lower processing power, a slightly inferior camera in the telephoto department, slower wireless connections and an older Android OS.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Strengths: Significantly more powerful chipset, a much brighter and higher resolution display, superior low-light camera performance, larger battery, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, latest Android OS, and Wi-Fi 6E.
- Competitive Advantages: The S24+ excels in overall performance, display quality, low light camera performance, and battery flexibility.
- Trade-offs: It is larger and heavier than the Xiaomi 12X, lacks a dedicated macro camera, and comes at a higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X Users: Best suited for users who prioritize a compact, pocketable design, excellent display quality for multimedia, fast charging, and good audio quality. Ideal for those who want a capable all-rounder without breaking the bank and might not be very demanding users. Good for people who don't need to do very demanding tasks on their phone like gaming.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ Users: Ideal for users who demand top-tier performance, outstanding display quality, high quality low light camera, and long battery life. Best for users who engage in heavy multitasking, gaming, and photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize size and weight over maximum performance? If a smaller, lighter phone is essential, and you are not a heavy mobile gamer, the Xiaomi 12X is a good choice. If maximum performance is a priority, the S24+ is the clear winner.
- How much do you value display and camera performance? If you want the best possible display and the best low light photography, the S24+ is the better choice. The 12X is not bad, but it's not quite on the same level.
- What is your budget? If the S24+ is pushing the limits of what you are willing to spend, the 12X can still offer a great overall experience, but bear in mind there are considerable trade offs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User/Multimedia Consumer: The Xiaomi 12X is a balanced choice with a beautiful display, good audio quality, and all-day battery life for media consumption.
- Heavy User/Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the better option for demanding tasks, thanks to its more powerful chipset, high resolution display, and superior GPU.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a better overall camera system, particularly for low-light photography and has a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Xiaomi 12X provides an excellent value proposition for the performance and features you get.
- User looking for longevity: Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a newer chipset, more software support, better performance and more battery flexibility.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24+. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and someone who's always on the go, I need a phone that can handle everything I throw at it, from heavy app usage and research to capturing high-quality photos and videos. The S24+'s vastly superior processor, brighter and sharper display, higher battery capacity, telephoto lens and improved low light photography capabilities make it a clear winner for my specific use case. The added flexibility of wireless and reverse charging is a welcome addition as well. Although the size and weight are slightly less appealing for portability, I am happy to sacrifice it for the increased capabilities of the device. The S24+ will also offer more software support over time which will contribute to a longer and more stable ownership of the device. While the Xiaomi 12X is a compelling choice for its size, weight, and overall features, my usage pattern tips the scales towards the more powerful and versatile S24+.
