Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the ZTE Blade V60 Design, focusing on what these specifications actually mean for you, the user.
Xiaomi 12X vs. ZTE Blade V60 Design: A Head-to-Head Analysis
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | ZTE Blade V60 Design | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-06-01 | ZTE is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech and design philosophies. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, neither is foldable |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 164.2 x 75.3 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi is more compact and comfortable to hold, ZTE is larger and may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 198g | Xiaomi is lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods. ZTE feels heavier in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | ZTE offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption, Xiaomi is easier to manage. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi has much sharper images and text, ZTE appears noticeably less detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 267 PPI | Xiaomi provides a crisp, high-definition display, ZTE's display will not be as sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi has better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors, ZTE's screen will be less visually impressive. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi will feel smoother for animations and scrolling, ZTE's display will feel slightly less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi is much more visible in direct sunlight, ZTE brightness specs are not provided, which is a potential issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Xiaomi is significantly faster, handles demanding apps and games, while ZTE is more basic for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 240,000 | Xiaomi offers vastly better overall performance, ZTE is entry-level. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi delivers significantly higher graphics performance, ZTE is more basic for graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | ZTE should last slightly longer on a single charge due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, reducing downtime, ZTE charges relatively slower. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a 50MP main sensor, but the Xiaomi has better sensor, and is able to capture more details. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3", Omnivision OV32B | 8MP | Xiaomi takes much higher resolution selfies, ZTE selfie camera is considerably weaker. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10 | None | Xiaomi can capture wide scenes with an additional dedicated lens. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | ZTE has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for taking extreme close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p up to 960fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi can shoot very high resolution video and has many more frame rate options, while ZTE is limited to 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | None | Xiaomi has EIS video stabilization which will result in less shaky videos, and ZTE doesn't offer any. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ZTE has a more recent version of Android, which may be better for software compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi has faster, more stable Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi 6; ZTE's is slightly older, with slightly slower speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 | Xiaomi has the newer version with higher audio quality codecs. |
| GPS | Multi-band, includes L1, L5 | Standard GPS, Galileo | Xiaomi has a more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB | Both offer a 256GB option, with Xiaomi providing a more affordable 128GB variant. |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 4GB / 6GB | Xiaomi has a greater capacity for running more apps at once, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | DTS / DTS X | Xiaomi has better overall audio quality with more features and louder volume; ZTE audio is not as enhanced. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-Mounted | ZTE has the more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor, whereas Xiaomi has a less advanced standard sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has better scratch and drop protection for the screen, while the ZTE does not state its screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Fingerprint | The Xiaomi provides a broader range of sensors, enhancing functionality and the user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high pixel density is a clear winner, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals.
- Blazing Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset combined with ample RAM provides excellent performance for demanding tasks and gaming, and it greatly outclasses the ZTE.
- Exceptional Camera System: With a high-resolution main sensor, ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and great video capabilities (8K!), the Xiaomi is more versatile and better in all around photography.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging quickly refills the battery.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers significantly enhance the audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 and better GPS system offers the best connections.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for protection
ZTE Blade V60 Design Strengths:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh capacity offers slightly longer battery life, if the display is kept at a reasonable brightness.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably more convenient than the basic fingerprint sensor on the Xiaomi.
- Slightly Wider Aperture: Slightly wider aperture on the main camera, but not enough to justify buying this phone.
- Cheaper Price: Usually ZTE devices are cheaper than their counterparts.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: The lack of expandable storage and a slightly older OS out of the box. It also has a basic fingerprint sensor.
- ZTE Blade V60 Design: It has a significantly less capable display, significantly lower performance, poor camera and slow charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who want the best display and performance in a compact body. Gamers, photographers, and heavy multi-taskers will love this phone.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, media consumption, photography, video recording, editing, and general power-user needs.
- Value Proposition: Excellent balance of performance, features, and build quality at a mid-range price point.
ZTE Blade V60 Design:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a basic smartphone with a large battery.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, web browsing, social media, casual gaming, and those with basic photography needs.
- Value Proposition: Affordable price makes it a reasonable option for light use cases, however, it may not offer the best performance for users with high requirements.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these two, ask yourself these three questions:
- What are my top needs?: Is it display quality, performance, and camera, or just a large battery and basic functionality?
- How much are you willing to spend?: The Xiaomi will usually be pricier. Is it worth it to spend extra for the Xiaomi?
- How do you use a smartphone? Do you use it for demanding tasks, or just casual use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want the best display and performance for gaming and multimedia": Choose the Xiaomi 12X. Its AMOLED display, high refresh rate, powerful chipset, and excellent audio make it ideal for this.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone for basic everyday tasks with a long-lasting battery and a tight budget": If on a really strict budget, go for the ZTE Blade V60 Design. However, expect a noticeable drop in performance and screen quality.
- Scenario 3: "I need a good all-rounder for everything, and I value camera quality and video capabilities": Choose the Xiaomi 12X. It has significantly better cameras and video performance, and the display is far better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely pick the Xiaomi 12X. Yes, it's the older phone, and it has a slightly older version of Android, but the superior screen, the much better performance, cameras and speakers of the Xiaomi make the Blade V60 Design pale in comparison. The extra cost is worth the drastically improved experience. I'd rather have a premium experience that enhances daily usage than a more basic phone that may not perform the way I would want it to.
