Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. We're not just looking at spec sheets here; we’re figuring out which phone fits into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, what they mean, and how they impact daily use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | The S24 Ultra is significantly larger and bulkier, which impacts one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 176g | 232g | The 12X is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | Both have strong glass protection but Armor is a slight upgrade, offering better scratch and damage resistance, making S24 more durable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | The S24 Ultra offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and easier multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | The S24 Ultra provides a sharper and more detailed display, enhancing visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 505 | The S24 Ultra’s higher PPI results in crisper text and images, a noticeable improvement in viewing quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED screen gives vibrant colors and inky blacks, more power efficient, and great for dark mode compared to generic screens. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 Ultra’s much higher brightness ensures excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S24 Ultra’s newer, more efficient chip leads to significantly faster performance, better power efficiency, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,814,869 | The S24 Ultra has a significantly higher AnTuTu score, translating to much faster app loading and smoother performance under load. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | The S24 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, which offers better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | The S24 Ultra’s main camera captures significantly more detail and performs better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" | The S24 Ultra has better optical zoom to capture better details at a distance. |
| Telephoto Portrait Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" | The S24 Ultra has better portrait mode to capture photos with blurry backgrounds. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | The S24 Ultra has better low light performance and slightly wider field of view in photos. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xiaomi 12X has the ability to take macro photos while the S24 Ultra does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Xiaomi 12X has higher resolution but the S24 Ultra has wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-quality video recording, but the S24 Ultra has additional HDR and stereo sound capabilities. |
| DXOMARK | - | 144 | The S24 Ultra has been tested with a good rating for mobile camera photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The S24 Ultra offers slightly longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The Xiaomi 12X charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | S24 Ultra has more features for battery management than the 12X. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The S24 Ultra offers a much more recent OS and updates than the Xiaomi 12X. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | The S24 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and reduced latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The S24 Ultra has an upgraded Bluetooth version with more extensive functionalities. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both offer great GPS capability, The S24 Ultra additionally supports Galileo for better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM) | The S24 Ultra additionally offers eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The S24 Ultra offers much more internal storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both have ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both offer great audio but the Xiaomi 12X has slightly more features to enhance the experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security capabilities. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 Ultra has more environmental sensors for better user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: Compact, lightweight, and comfortable for one-handed use. It offers a bright AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 67W fast charging is a huge plus for quick top-ups. It excels in audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support and even comes with a dedicated macro camera. It has a lower price and better value proposition.
- Competitive Advantages: Its fast charging, lighter weight, and more compact size, with its good audio, make it an appealing option for those who value portability and convenience, and its a great option for someone with a budget.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset means it lags behind in performance compared to newer flagship models. The camera system, while good, is not as versatile as the S24 Ultra. It lacks features such as the telephoto camera for better zoom. It also has older software.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Strengths: Cutting-edge performance, a stunning display with exceptional brightness, and a top-tier camera system with superior zoom capabilities. The larger battery ensures long-lasting usage.
- Competitive Advantages: Its performance is the best in the market, and the superior camera system, including the amazing zoom and telephoto, takes fantastic photos with lots of detail. It has a much bigger screen, great for multitasking and media. It has more software features and updates, and even better display protection.
- Trade-offs: The size and weight make it less comfortable for some users. The slower charging speed of 45W is a noticeable drawback compared to the Xiaomi 12X. It comes with a premium price tag, and the lack of a macro camera is a downside to some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X: Best for users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone with fast charging and value for money. It’s excellent for everyday use, media consumption, and general photography, but might not suit heavy gamers or those who need the very best camera system.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Ideal for power users, professional photographers, and those who want the absolute best smartphone technology available. Its superior performance, larger display, and advanced camera features cater to demanding tasks. This is the best premium smartphone option.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi 12X: Perfect for students or professionals who need a reliable daily driver that doesn't break the bank and can quickly charge for a full day's use.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The best option for content creators, mobile gamers, or anyone who needs a top-tier smartphone experience with the best camera system for creative professionals.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize size and weight, or do you want the biggest, best display? If you want a compact and lightweight phone, the 12X wins. If you want the biggest, best display, the S24 Ultra wins.
- How important is top-tier performance and camera technology? If those are paramount for you, the S24 Ultra is the way to go. If you want the best phone for value, the Xiaomi 12X might be the best choice.
- What is your budget, and how much are you willing to pay? If budget is a major concern, the Xiaomi 12X provides great value. The S24 Ultra requires a significant investment but gets you the best possible technology.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a reliable daily phone for social media, media consumption, and some casual gaming on a budget. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X.
- Scenario 2: You're a professional photographer or videographer needing a phone that delivers top-tier image quality and performance with some gaming. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: You want the very best smartphone on the market regardless of price. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Scenario 4: You need a phone that's easily usable with one hand and has fast charging with a good price. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the Xiaomi 12X has its merits with its compact size and fast charging, the S24 Ultra offers a better all-around experience that is hard to ignore.
- Performance: As a tech journalist who often runs resource-intensive applications and games, the S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a noticeable performance boost.
- Display: I often use my phone for consuming media, and the brighter and higher-resolution display of the S24 Ultra would be a significant plus.
- Camera: I love taking photos, and the camera on the S24 Ultra is miles ahead of the 12X in terms of zoom quality, telephoto, and general image quality, making it a perfect fit for my usage.
While the price is a significant consideration, the combination of leading-edge performance, an amazing display, top-tier camera quality, and software updates makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth the investment for me. The smaller charging speeds of the S24 Ultra are not a deal-breaker, and the sheer number of features, performance, and quality of the phone outweighs the better value from the Xiaomi 12X.
