Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi 12X and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. We've got a classic David versus Goliath matchup here: a sleek, conventional smartphone versus a cutting-edge, foldable powerhouse. Let's break down what these devices offer, and more importantly, how they translate into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at their specifications, along with the real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | One is a traditional phone, the other transforms into a tablet. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm | Fold4 is significantly wider when unfolded; 12X is thicker in its standard form. |
| Weight | 176g | 263g | 12X is noticeably lighter, making it easier for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 7.6" | Fold4's main screen is much larger, providing a tablet-like experience for media & multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Fold4 has higher pixel count, making images look sharper on the larger screen. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 373 PPI | 12X has higher pixel density, which means sharper text and images on its smaller screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | 12X offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | 12X is significantly brighter, making it far more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Fold4 has a newer, more powerful, and efficient chip for faster performance & battery usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,232,800 | Fold4 delivers considerably better performance in benchmarks, great for gaming & demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Fold4 has the better graphics processing, further enhancing the gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" GN3 | Comparable main sensors; Fold4 has wider aperture, 12X has slightly larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" OV32B | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" IMX374 | 12X boasts higher resolution, but Fold4's larger pixel size may improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" S5K3K1 | Fold4 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, which is not available on the 12X. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" OV13B10 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" IMX258 | Both offer wide-angle capabilities, though Fold4's has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | 12X has a dedicated macro lens, allowing for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Both offer high-resolution video, Fold4 has HDR support, 12X higher FPS recording. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | Only Fold4 has been tested by DxOMark, this is a good baseline for its camera quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 12X charges much faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Wireless, Reverse Charging | Fold4 offers wireless charging, bypass charging & reverse wireless charging, 12X non removable. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | Fold4 offers a more recent Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer comparable WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Fold4 has a slightly newer version. |
| GPS | GPS,A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | GPS,A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer robust GPS, 12X has more satellite system support |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Fold4 offers eSIM, which could be useful for travelers, 12X dual sim support.. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Fold4 offers far more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Fold4's 12GB is more RAM for more intensive usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos | 12X offers Hi-Res Audio and dual mics, which improves overall audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Fold4 has more convenient fingerprint placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer good screen protection with Fold 4 slightly better protection. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer | Barometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Accelerometer | Fold4 includes a barometer for environmental monitoring, 12X ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Xiaomi 12X is significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle and carry around daily.
- Superior Display Brightness: Its 1100 nits brightness offers significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is much faster than the Samsung's 25W.
- Better Audio Features: Features like Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones result in better audio quality and voice capture.
- Macro Lens It also features a dedicated macro lens.
- More Affordable: The 12X is considerably more budget-friendly, offering good value for its specifications.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: The transformative foldable design offers an innovative, larger display experience that no regular phone can match.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides a massive performance boost, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and heavy workloads.
- More Versatile Cameras: It includes a telephoto lens, offering greater zoom capabilities and versatility.
- Latest Software: The Fold4 features Android 12, and it's upgradable to 16, offering the newest software and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: The device has more modern Bluetooth connectivity.
- More Storage: With the possibility of up to 1TB, Fold4 has much higher storage options.
- Wireless Charging Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- More sensors Including a barometer and a more advanced side mounted fingerprint scanner.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: Lacks the power of the latest chipset, no dedicated zoom capabilities and lacks water protection.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Very heavy and bulky, much more expensive, basic charging, and requires a case for best grip.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight, and affordable phone with good overall performance and a great display. It's an ideal choice for everyday use, social media, media consumption, and casual gaming.
- Use Cases: Students, busy professionals, and general users who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, power users, professionals, and those who demand the absolute best in performance, multitasking, and innovation. Perfect for on-the-go professionals, and media creators.
- Use Cases: Professionals who need a tablet-like experience on the go, gamers who want top performance, and anyone who wants a cutting-edge experience with a large display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize portability and affordability, or do you want the latest cutting-edge features? If portability is essential, and budget is a factor, the 12X is the better choice. If you want the best that mobile tech has to offer and you're willing to pay for it, the Z Fold 4 is the obvious choice.
- How do you plan to use the device the most? If it's mostly for calls, texts, and social media, 12X will be enough. However, if you are doing heavy tasks like media editing, heavy gaming, and require a big display, the Z Fold 4 wins here.
- How important is the camera experience? While both devices feature good cameras, Z Fold 4 is more versatile with it's additional telephoto lens, while 12X does have the macro lens for close up detailed shots.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you have a limited budget and want a great phone for everyday use, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner.
- Power User: If you need top-tier performance, prefer a tablet-like experience, and don’t mind the higher price and weight, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the only choice.
- On-the-Go Professional: If you need a phone that can double as a work device, you might lean towards the Z Fold4 with its massive screen and powerful performance, but be aware of its added weight.
- Media and Content Creator: If you consume a lot of media or create content the extra storage of the Z Fold4, and the powerful camera is the better choice.
My Choice:
If I were to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. Here's why: As a tech enthusiast, I love the cutting-edge nature of the foldable design. The sheer versatility of having a phone that transforms into a tablet is incredibly appealing. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and the enhanced multitasking capabilities would significantly benefit my workflow. Yes, it's heavier and pricier, but the innovation and power on offer are something that I would be willing to compromise for.
However, for the average user, or those who prefer a more traditional form factor, and are on a budget, the Xiaomi 12X offers a solid experience. It really does boil down to what the user values the most, I simply would like the best of what technology has to offer.
