Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. We’ve got two very different phones here, each with its own strengths and target audience. Let's break down what makes each of them tick.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up across key areas, with a focus on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2023-12-29 | The Z60 Ultra is significantly newer, with more up-to-date technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | The Z60 Ultra is larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 176g | 246g | The 12X is much lighter and more pocketable, while the Z60 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | The Z60 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | The Z60 Ultra has a slightly sharper display, though both look excellent. |
| PPI | 419 | 400 | Both have a high pixel density, leading to sharp, clear images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | The Z60 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it much easier to use outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The Z60 Ultra’s chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 2,017,588 | The Z60 Ultra has a much higher benchmark score, showing a substantial performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | The Z60 Ultra’s GPU is more powerful, giving smoother graphics in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | 54MP (f/1.6, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800) | The Z60 Ultra has a higher resolution and wider aperture, promising better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B) | 12MP (f/2.0, 1/2.4" Omnivision OV12D) | The 12X has higher resolution but smaller sensor than the Z60 Ultra on the selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/3.3, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B) | The Z60 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, a significant advantage for versatile photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06" OV13B10) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50E) | The Z60 Ultra's wide-angle lens is much higher resolution and has a wider aperture, capturing much better ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | The 12X includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots while the Z60 Ultra skips it. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Both phones offer 8K recording, with the Z60 Ultra having HDR for better video quality, and 4k@120fps |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, Night Mode, RAW | OIS, EIS, Optical Zoom, LAF, Under display camera, Night Mode, RAW | The Z60 Ultra has additional features for versatile photography, including OIS on all lenses, laser AF, and an under-display selfie camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | The Z60 Ultra has a significantly larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Z60 Ultra offers faster charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Z60 Ultra ships with a much newer version of Android, promising better performance and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Z60 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | The Z60 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth for more efficient wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, etc., Galileo | The Z60 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Z60 Ultra offers significantly more storage options, ideal for media hoarders and gamers. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16/24 GB | The Z60 Ultra offers more RAM options, particularly useful for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The 12X offers a slight edge with Dolby Atmos & Hi-res audio, but both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The 12X has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity, RGB | The 12X utilizes an ultrasonic sensor, while the Z60 Ultra adds extra sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: Compact design, lightweight, comfortable in hand, high-quality display with good brightness, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, capable camera system with OIS, and superior screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: Its smaller size makes it ideal for users who prefer a more pocketable device and prioritize comfort. Its Dolby Atmos and Hi-res audio will please audiophiles.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset and less impressive camera system relative to the Z60 Ultra may limit performance in heavy tasks, gaming, and low light photography.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: Cutting-edge performance, larger and brighter display, much better camera system (with a telephoto lens, OIS on every lens, and under-display selfie camera), massive battery, faster charging, newer software, and the latest connectivity.
- Competitive Advantages: Its raw power makes it the better choice for intensive use cases, from gaming to video editing. It excels in camera versatility, battery life, and overall performance.
- Trade-offs: Its larger size and weight make it less convenient for some users and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is inferior to the Victus of the Xiaomi 12x.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal User: Those who value portability, comfort, and a sleek design. Great for casual users, content consumers, and those who want a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.
- Use Case: Daily browsing, social media, media streaming, and photography in good lighting conditions.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, power users, or anyone who needs a high-performance device with a robust camera setup and long battery life.
- Use Case: Gaming, video editing, intensive multitasking, professional photography, and long days away from a power source.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is size and comfort? If you prefer a lightweight and compact phone, the Xiaomi 12X is the better choice. If you value a larger screen and powerful capabilities, the Z60 Ultra is the way to go.
- How important is performance? If you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or multitasking, the Z60 Ultra is far superior. The Xiaomi 12X is adequate for most daily tasks, but it will not be comparable in high-performance scenarios.
- How important is camera versatility? If you need a flexible camera system with optical zoom and superior low-light capabilities, the Z60 Ultra is the better choice, but if you prefer a dedicated macro camera, the Xiaomi 12x is the way to go.
What I Would Choose and Why!
If I were choosing, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. For me, the combination of the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the vastly superior camera system with its telephoto lens, and the massive battery with fast charging is just too compelling. As a tech journalist, I often use my phone for photography and video content creation, and the Z60 Ultra’s capabilities in these areas are a big win.
While I appreciate the compact size and premium feel of the Xiaomi 12X, I prioritize raw performance, camera versatility, and battery life. The Z60 Ultra, despite its larger size and weight, better fits my needs.
