Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12X and ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. I’m going to break this down as if we were sitting down and geeking out over the latest tech over coffee. Here’s how these two phones stack up, focusing on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to give you a clear overview:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2023-07-27 | ZTE is significantly newer, with more modern tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with no foldable mechanisms. |
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is noticeably smaller and more compact. ZTE is taller and wider, meaning it will feel larger in hand. |
| Weight | 176g | 228g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. ZTE is heavier and may feel less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | ZTE's larger screen offers more screen real estate for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | ZTE's higher resolution makes images sharper and text clearer. |
| PPI | 419 | 452 | ZTE has slightly sharper image details thanks to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks common to AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation, great for gaming and everyday use. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE is significantly brighter, making it more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | ZTE’s newer chip is significantly faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,579,720 | ZTE offers a much faster experience for demanding apps and games. Xiaomi 12X can still handle most tasks well but with less horsepower. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | ZTE's GPU is significantly more powerful, which results in better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.56" | 54MP f/1.6, 1/1.49" | ZTE has a slightly larger sensor and wider aperture, capturing more light and detail for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 8MP f/2.4 | ZTE offers a dedicated telephoto camera for portrait and zoomed photos, a feature absent on the Xiaomi 12X. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45, 1/3" | 16MP f/2.5, 1/3.06" | Xiaomi 12X offers a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially better for highly detailed self-portraits, though ZTE may offer better overall performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.88" | ZTE’s ultrawide is higher-resolution and has wider aperture, capturing more detail and light in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi 12X offers a dedicated macro camera for close up shots, a feature absent on the ZTE. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS | Both offer excellent video capabilities. ZTE has a higher framerate for 8K recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, 4K/8K video, others | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, 4K/8K video, others | ZTE offers additional features like Optical Zoom, Gimbal and Flicker sensor. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5100mAh | ZTE's larger battery will likely offer better battery life, especially with a more power-efficient processor. |
| Charging | 67W | 80W | ZTE charges faster than Xiaomi, reducing downtime. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ZTE ships with a much more recent version of Android. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ZTE offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity with a better standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | ZTE has a newer Bluetooth version offering better connection stability and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | ZTE supports more satellite systems, potentially giving better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | ZTE offers significantly more storage, especially the 1TB option. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12/16GB | ZTE offers more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and handling demanding apps with ease. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X | Xiaomi has more comprehensive audio options (Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio). ZTE focuses on immersive spatial audio with DTS/DTS:X. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both provide basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi uses superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive sensor suite | Comprehensive sensor suite | Both offer similar sensor setup |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Compact Design: It's significantly smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Superior Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, offering a better listening experience for music enthusiasts.
- Good Selfie Camera: Its 32MP front camera is impressive for high-resolution selfies.
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection, making it a little more durable against drops and scratches.
- Macro lens: A dedicated macro lens allows for the user to take close-up images.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 processor and Adreno 740 GPU provide significantly better performance.
- Superior Display: Larger screen with higher resolution and brightness make for a better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Enhanced Camera System: Offers better main and ultrawide cameras with a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery combined with faster charging offers better endurance.
- More Storage & RAM: Options for more storage and RAM offer improved multitasking and app usage.
- Newer tech: Has a newer OS, WiFi, and Bluetooth versions.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12X: Falls behind in terms of processing power, camera features, and battery performance compared to the ZTE.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Larger, heavier, and may not be as comfortable for users with smaller hands. Lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X: Best for users who prioritize a compact, lightweight design with strong audio capabilities and a solid selfie camera. It's also good for those who don’t need the absolute best performance for heavy gaming and appreciate a phone with comprehensive audio and a macro lens for close up photos.
- Use Cases: Casual use, music listening, social media, those who like one-handed use, taking selfies, and the occasional mobile game.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Ideal for users who want top-tier performance, a superior display, and an advanced camera system. It's perfect for gaming enthusiasts and those who demand top-tier photo and video capabilities.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, heavy app users, photography and video enthusiasts, and users who prioritize a high-end performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prefer a more compact phone or a large screen for enhanced media consumption?
- If you prefer a smaller, lighter phone then the Xiaomi 12X is for you.
- If you enjoy a larger screen for a more immersive experience, go for the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro.
- How important are top-tier performance and gaming?
- If you value the best possible gaming and app performance, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear winner with its more powerful processor and GPU.
- If you are not a power user and only occasionally game, then the Xiaomi 12X will do well.
- What is your camera priority – selfies or versatile photography?
- If you prioritize high-resolution selfies and occasional macro shots, the Xiaomi 12X may be more up your alley.
- If you want a versatile photography experience, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: For those focused on cost-effectiveness, the Xiaomi 12X could provide a better bang for your buck due to its lower price, but expect a lower performance and a slightly less versatile camera.
- Tech Enthusiast: If you want the latest tech, superior performance, and a robust camera system, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is worth the investment, though its higher price is a premium for all the extra features.
- Everyday User: If you want a good all-arounder with strong audio, the Xiaomi 12X will be more suitable. If you want an all-arounder with a better display, camera system, and battery, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the better option for you.
My Choice and Why
If I were making the purchase, I’d go with the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While I appreciate the compact form factor and unique audio features of the Xiaomi 12X, the ZTE offers a more compelling overall package. The massive performance jump with its newer processor and GPU would be great for both demanding apps and gaming. I also really value the improved display and camera system, as I am someone who consumes media and takes photos regularly. The longer battery life and faster charging are just cherries on top. While the phone is larger and heavier, which is a drawback, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for my needs. Plus, I appreciate the newest tech, such as a new OS, WiFi version, and Bluetooth versions, so the ZTE seems like a much more well-rounded device.
