Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi 12X and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and focus on how these numbers translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 176g | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | Very similar in size and weight. Xiaomi is wider and shorter, Sony is taller and narrower. Slight difference in hand feel but both are comfortable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.1" | Xiaomi's larger screen provides slightly more visual real estate for media consumption and multitasking, Sony's slightly smaller display might be more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Sony's higher resolution means slightly sharper visuals. Not a huge difference, both are crisp but Sony has a very slight edge. |
| PPI | 419 | 449 | Sony’s slightly higher pixel density is virtually unnoticeable. Both screens are very sharp and vibrant. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality OLED technology, promising excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in fluid animations and responsive touch interactions. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Specification Error) | Xiaomi 12X's brighter display is much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Based on other sources it should be around 800-1000 nits for the Sony which still puts the Xiaomi at an edge |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Sony's newer chip offers a significant performance jump and enhanced efficiency for demanding tasks like gaming, whereas the Xiaomi 12X is still fast, it's not the top-tier. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,021,542 | The Sony will have noticeably faster app loading and smoother operation, showcasing its superior processing power. 25% higher is actually a massive upgrade. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | The newer Adreno 730 offers better graphics performance, resulting in improved gaming experiences and smoother visuals, again another place where Sony shines. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Sony's larger battery has a larger capacity, likely providing better endurance for all-day usage without charging, it does depend on usage though. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi's much faster charging significantly reduces the time spent tethered to an outlet. Sony is decent but could use a faster charging speed. |
| Features | Non-Removable | Bypass, Reverse, Non-Removable | Sony offers extra charging features that are convenient for power users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | 12MP (f/1.7, 1/1.7") | Xiaomi has a higher resolution main sensor that is larger, Sony has a wider aperture. Which one wins will depend on use case, Sony's wider aperture should do better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3") | 12MP (f/2.0) | Xiaomi has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Sony has a wider aperture. Similar to the main camera, low light will depend. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/3.5") | Sony provides a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a big plus for versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | Sony’s wide-angle lens has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which might result in better performance, especially in low light, though the Xiaomi is not too far behind. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Xiaomi includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, but based on other reviews it is only mediocre. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xiaomi offers 8K video, while Sony maxes out at 4K, but provides more frame rate flexibility with better stabilization features. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | 119 Overall | Sony has been rated well overall for its camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony has a newer OS out of the box, ensuring better optimization, features, and long-term updates, it also shows that the software will be supported longer compared to Xiaomi |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both devices offer WiFi 6 capabilities, providing fast wireless internet, but Xiaomi has MIMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Sony uses a more up to date Bluetooth version with a better audio codec, and added support for many more features that will allow for more modern connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi offers more satellite navigation systems for accurate location tracking, including NavIC. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | Sony has an eSIM option, providing flexibility for digital carrier switching in addition to the dual sim capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer sufficient internal storage, though they don’t offer external storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi has an edge for power users because of the higher memory option of 12GB, while the Sony only comes with 8 GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both devices offer quality audio via stereo speakers and headphone jack, but the added microphones on the Xiaomi, while not tested, mean it might have better recording abilities. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Sony's side-mounted sensor is more convenient than the basic fingerprint reader. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices are protected with the same scratch-resistant glass. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Sony has an edge for environmental features with the Barometer and Hall sensors, while the ultrasonic sensor for proximity is a good tradeoff for the Xiaomi. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: A brighter display, faster charging, high-resolution main and selfie camera, 12 GB RAM option, Macro lens, more satellite navigation systems.
- Competitive Advantages: Faster charging, higher RAM, and a brighter screen are big wins for the user experience, particularly outdoors. The camera has some advantages as well.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Older chipset, missing a telephoto lens, and an older Android version at launch.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: More powerful and efficient chipset, a dedicated telephoto lens, a wider aperture for low-light photography, better video features with HDR, eSIM, better Bluetooth, newer Android version, extra charging features, and a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: Significantly better performance, advanced camera versatility with a telephoto lens, and better software with a newer version of Android and support for a later update.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Slower charging, no option for 12GB of RAM, potentially inferior outdoor visibility, and less comprehensive satellite navigation system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is best for:
- Media Enthusiasts: The brighter, larger display, and faster charging mean you can enjoy streaming for longer without worrying about battery life.
- Casual Gamers: Good performance, but will feel inferior in resource-intensive games compared to the Sony.
- Those on a Budget: If price is a huge factor, the Xiaomi is a good device, but is outperformed by the Sony.
Sony Xperia 5 IV is best for:
- Power Users: The newer, more powerful processor and better Bluetooth means you will experience noticeably better performance, especially in intensive tasks and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Lovers: The telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and all the other features make it a versatile option for people who want to take photos in different scenarios.
- Tech Savvy Users: The eSIM, newer Android version, and the additional sensors mean that it is a great device for people who want the latest technology with the most flexibility.
4. Buying Decision Framework
1. Performance or Features?
- Choose the Xiaomi 12X if having a very bright screen and fast charging are higher priorities than the latest chip and all the features that come with it, like the telephoto lens and an up-to-date version of Android.
- Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV if performance is the primary concern. The difference between the chipsets is very significant.
2. Photography Needs?
- Choose the Xiaomi 12X if a high-resolution main and selfie camera is paramount, and if you need a dedicated macro lens.
- Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV if you value versatility with a dedicated telephoto zoom and the advantage of better low-light capabilities.
3. Long-Term Usage and Features?
- Choose the Xiaomi 12X if fast charging and a brighter display are most important.
- Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV if having all the newest features, software updates, better audio capabilities, and a more reliable and all-around great camera setup is what you’re after.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Xiaomi 12X has the advantage of a brighter screen and faster charging, and the 12GB RAM, the overall package of the Sony makes it the superior phone. The newer, faster chipset is very important, and it is not just the chipset, but everything else that makes the phone better, such as the inclusion of the telephoto lens and the much better version of Android that is upgradable. The combination of the powerful chip, more versatile camera system, and software that is likely to be supported for a longer time makes the Sony Xperia 5 IV the better all-around choice for anyone who wants a high-performance device that will last for years.
