Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. I'll break down their specs, discuss what they mean for everyday use, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the practical implications for users:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2022-11-01 | The Note 12 Pro+ is nearly a year newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software optimizations. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 176g | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm, 208.4g | The 12X is smaller and significantly lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard slab designs; neither offer any foldable mechanics. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Note 12 Pro+ offers a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer sharp, full-HD resolution; text and images will look crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 395 PPI | The 12X has a slightly sharper display, which may be noticeable in finer details or if you look very closely |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors; negligible difference for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the user interface and games feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | The 12X is brighter, making it easier to see the display in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The 12X’s Snapdragon 870 offers superior processing and graphics power, meaning snappier app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 573,100 | The 12X scores significantly higher, indicating it has much more raw power for demanding apps and tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 650 in the 12X will handle graphically intensive games more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766) | 200MP (f/1.65, 1/1.4", ISOCELL HPX) | The Note 12 Pro+ boasts much higher resolution, offering greater detail and cropping flexibility, better low light performance |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3") | 16MP (f/2.45) | The 12X has a higher-resolution selfie camera, capturing more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | The 12X has a higher resolution wide lens, while the Note 12 Pro+ has a wider aperture and slightly larger sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | The 12X's macro camera is slightly better on paper, though the practical difference isn't very significant. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The 12X supports higher resolution for professional-grade video. |
| DXOMARK | Not Tested | Mobile: 113 Photo: 117 Video: 117 | Only the Note 12 Pro+ has been tested by DXOMARK, showcasing solid scores in both photo and video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The Note 12 Pro+ comes with a more recent OS version and is poised for future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both offer similar WiFi capabilities and performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | The Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Both offer similar precision, with 12X offering more satellite systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Similar storage options available for both. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Sufficient RAM for heavy multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | The 12X has 2 microphones giving it slightly superior audio recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | The Note 12 Pro+ offers a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The 12X has more advanced screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity | Both phones have full sensor suits |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits brightness makes the screen more visible in outdoor, sunny conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its smaller size and lighter weight enhance portability and comfort.
- Advanced screen protection - Gorilla Glass Victus offers more advanced protection than the Gorilla Glass 5 of the Note 12 Pro+.
- Superior Video Recording - The Xiaomi 12X is capable of 8K video which provides superior detail and flexibility for professional video content creators
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Larger Display: A 6.67" screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 200MP main camera captures more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging gets you back up and running quickly.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers more endurance throughout the day.
- Newer Software: Launched with a more recent version of Android, offering longer software support.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Xiaomi 12X sacrifices battery life and a larger screen for a more compact design and superior performance. The camera system is also not as feature rich or as high resolution
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is larger and heavier. It's processing and graphics performance lags behind the 12X, despite its impressive main camera, and you will likely notice the difference.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is Best For:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 870 provides a superior gaming experience with higher framerates and responsiveness.
- Users Who Value Compactness: Those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone that is easy to handle and pocket.
- Performance Enthusiasts: People who demand snappy performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps.
- Video Creators - With its ability to capture 8k video, this camera is better for professional creators
- Users who want advanced screen protection: With Gorilla Glass Victus, this screen is very resilient.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is Best For:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want a larger screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The 200MP camera takes detailed photos, especially in low light, and is a very versatile camera system.
- Users Who Need Long Battery Life: Those who need a phone that lasts a full day with heavy use.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Its 120W charger allows you to get back to a full charge in a fraction of the time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
Do you prioritize performance or screen size and battery life?
- If performance is your main focus, go for the Xiaomi 12X.
- If screen size and battery life are more important, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better pick.
How important is camera quality for you?
- If you want high-resolution photos and low-light capability, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more compelling with its 200MP camera.
- If you care less about super high resolution, and video recording and gaming is more important, the 12X is the way to go.
Do you prefer a more compact phone, or are you comfortable with a larger one?
- If you prefer a smaller phone that is easier to hold and carry, the Xiaomi 12X is the right choice.
- If you don't mind a larger device and prefer a larger display, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is better suited for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Go for the Xiaomi 12X for its superior performance and smooth gameplay.
- Scenario 2: Avid Photographer: Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its impressive 200MP camera, especially if you take a lot of photos in low light.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go Professional: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will serve you well if battery life and the larger screen are paramount for your productivity.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: It is more difficult here, but if you prefer a compact phone that is lightweight, go for the Xiaomi 12X. However, if you prefer a larger screen and don't mind the weight of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, that could be a better choice.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally lean towards the Xiaomi 12X. While the larger screen and incredible camera on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are tempting, the superior performance of the Snapdragon 870 is more important to me. I value that snappy response and ability to handle any task I throw at it, along with the compact form factor that makes it more comfortable in the hand and pocket. Plus, the added benefit of Gorilla Glass Victus protection gives me peace of mind. While the video capabilities of the Note 12 Pro+ are impressive, the ability to capture in 8k is too good to pass up for professional video creators. For me, the trade-offs are worth it for the better user experience.
