Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. I'll be looking at these phones not just as spec sheets, but as devices that people will use every day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | The 12X is noticeably smaller and more pocketable; The Axon 40 Ultra has a larger footprint. |
| Weight | 176g | 204g | Xiaomi 12X feels lighter in hand; Axon 40 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has a better screen protection, the Axon 40 Ultra lacks clarity on this aspect. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | Axon 40 Ultra provides more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1116 x 2480 | Axon 40 Ultra offers slightly sharper visuals due to the higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 400 | Both screens are very sharp; the difference in PPI isn't noticeable in normal use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the brightness varies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Axon 40 Ultra is much more powerful for heavy tasks, the 12X is still very capable for most use. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 1,061,300 | Axon 40 Ultra will have better app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Axon 40 Ultra excels at gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 64MP (f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | Axon 40 Ultra captures more detail and performs well in low light conditions; Xiaomi 12X features a bigger sensor for better light intake. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3", 0.7µm) | 16MP (f/2.0, 1.22µm) | Xiaomi 12X is better for selfie lovers who want detail, whereas Axon 40 Ultra shines in low light scenarios. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm) | The Axon 40 Ultra offers optical zoom capability for capturing distant objects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | None | Xiaomi 12X provides wide angle shots, while Axon 40 Ultra lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | Xiaomi 12X provides macro shots, while Axon 40 Ultra lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP (f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | The Axon 40 Ultra features a dedicated macro camera along with the wide angle one, while the Xiaomi 12X lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Both phones are good for video content creators but the Axon has better video quality in low light situations thanks to HDR implementation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Axon 40 Ultra is more likely to get you through a full day of heavy usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly faster charging speed, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12(Upgradable to 13) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will provide more updated features due to the new OS, while the Xiaomi 12X has an older OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Axon 40 Ultra supports a newer version for better connections with audio devices; the Xiaomi 12X has more audio codecs for better audio quality for some devices.. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both feature highly accurate GPS systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers much more storage options, great for storing many media files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | Axon 40 Ultra has a higher RAM ceiling, excelling in heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X | Both offer great audio quality; the Xiaomi 12X has spatial audio enhancements, while the Axon 40 Ultra has enhanced sound immersion. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both provide a basic biometric sensor for security. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Gravity, Hall, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X has a comprehensive sensor suite, excellent for gaming; the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has some specific sensors as well. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: It's significantly smaller and easier to handle, perfect for those who prefer a phone that isn't a handful.
- Good All-Rounder: The Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chip, handling most tasks with ease.
- Fast Charging: The 67W fast charging is a nice plus, getting you back up and running quickly.
- Better Camera System: The Xiaomi 12X has a more versitile camera system with a macro, and wide-angle camera, in comparison to the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Better Audio System: The Xiaomi 12X has support for Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos for a better audio experience in comparison to the Axon 40 Ultra's DTS / DTS X.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a significant leap in processing and graphics performance.
- Larger, Brighter Display: The 6.8" AMOLED screen with 1500 nits of brightness is a treat for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensures a long day of usage, even under heavy loads.
- Advanced Camera Features: With its telephoto and wide + macro lens, the Axon 40 Ultra is more capable in versatile photography scenarios, alongside HDR video recording capability.
- More Storage and RAM Options: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers way more storage and RAM options, making it a good phone for professional use.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12X sacrifices the latest chipset and bigger screen for a compact design and faster charging. It also has an older OS.
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is heavier and bulkier, and the telephoto lens might not be a priority for all users. It also sacrifices a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- The Everyday User: If you value a compact, lightweight phone that’s easy to handle but still offers great performance, the 12X is ideal.
- The Budget-Conscious Gamer: The Snapdragon 870 is still good for gaming, and you get a smooth 120Hz display and a good audio system.
- The Minimalist: If you need a solid camera system without needing a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom shots, this is a great option.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- The Power User: If you need maximum performance for gaming or demanding applications, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 will satisfy your needs, along with its huge storage options.
- The Media Enthusiast: The large, bright display and great audio are perfect for watching videos, playing games, and consuming content.
- The Photography Enthusiast: With its versatile set of lenses, along with HDR video recording and a telephoto lens, the Axon 40 Ultra is a good option for diverse photography needs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Size and Comfort: Do you prefer a smaller, lighter phone or a larger screen for media consumption?
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw power for gaming and heavy apps, or is a smooth experience sufficient?
- Camera Preferences: Do you need a good all-rounder, or are you looking for more advanced zoom and HDR video capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario: You need a daily driver that fits comfortably in your pocket and is easy to use.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X.
- Scenario: You are a gamer who values the highest possible performance, and you like to watch videos on the go.
- Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario: You're a content creator on the go and need a flexible camera system and good video quality, along with huge storage options.
- Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Xiaomi 12X is a solid phone, the significant performance boost with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, coupled with the much larger and brighter screen, is more appealing to me as a tech enthusiast who likes to play demanding games, and watches videos on the go. The battery and storage are also big factors for me as I use my phone heavily. While the Xiaomi 12X has better audio and an overall better camera system with its macro, and wide-angle lens, the HDR video recording and telephoto lens of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra would fit my needs better.
