Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs Xiaomi 12T

Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:542.00

Versus €1,589.00 new

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Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T
Starting at

Refurbished price:134.00

Versus €649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January 2024, and the Xiaomi 12T, launched in October 2022, are distinct smartphones offering different user experiences. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents a premium flagship device with advanced features, the Xiaomi 12T positions itself as a capable option with a focus on core functionalities. The primary differentiators lie in their camera systems, display technology, and long-term software support. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but with different manufacturer-specific interfaces.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical durability and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy S24 Ultra benefits from an extended software commitment, promising seven years of operating system upgrades and security updates, potentially extending its usability through Android 21. In contrast, the Xiaomi 12T was slated to receive three major Android OS updates, reaching Android 15, and four years of security patches, with some reports indicating the end of software support for the 12 series in March 2026.
  • Build Materials and Protection: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Armor on both the front and rear, contributing to its robust construction and enhanced scratch resistance. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Xiaomi 12T utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, a glass back, and a plastic frame, offering an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and advanced physical protection for extended device use will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra more aligned with their needs. The Xiaomi 12T, while durable for its class, offers a shorter official support window.

Year of Release

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the efficiency of their internal components, impacting how smoothly applications run and how effectively the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with high responsiveness. The Xiaomi 12T features a capable processor that provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and most applications.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 1TB, providing ample space and memory for extensive multitasking and large file storage. The Xiaomi 12T typically includes 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, which is suitable for general use and a moderate amount of applications and media.
  • Battery Performance: Both devices house a 5000mAh battery. The Galaxy S24 Ultra demonstrates excellent battery endurance, often lasting over a full day of heavy use, with some tests showing runtimes exceeding 16 hours. The Xiaomi 12T also offers good battery life, with claims of up to 13.5 hours of screen-on time, and supports 120W fast charging for rapid power replenishment.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with its quality significantly influencing the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440x3120 pixels), offering exceptional clarity and vibrant colors. The Xiaomi 12T has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1220x2712 pixel resolution, providing clear visuals and good color reproduction.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, along with an anti-glare coating, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Xiaomi 12T has a typical brightness of 500 nits and a peak brightness of 900 nits.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S24 Ultra's larger, brighter, and higher-resolution display with advanced anti-glare properties offers a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and outdoor use. The Xiaomi 12T provides a solid viewing experience for its category, with its AMOLED panel and high refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens with OIS, offering extensive zoom capabilities and detailed imagery. The Xiaomi 12T comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 108MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
  • Photography and Video Features: The Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in low-light performance and offers advanced features like 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K at up to 120fps. Its camera system is designed for high detail and flexibility across different focal lengths. The Xiaomi 12T supports 4K video recording at 30fps with its main camera and 1080p at 60fps with its front camera.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 12MP front camera with PDAF. The Xiaomi 12T features a 20MP front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the Xiaomi 12T specifically mentioning Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience.

Main camera

200 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G connectivity, and features a USB Type-C 3.2 port with OTG support. The Xiaomi 12T supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, and includes a USB Type-C port.
  • Security and Sensors: Both smartphones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also includes face recognition and a range of other sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 Ultra weighs 232g and measures 162.30 x 79.00 x 8.60mm, featuring a flat display and a titanium frame. The Xiaomi 12T weighs 202g and measures 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6mm, with a glass back and plastic frame. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also includes an integrated S Pen for note-taking and navigation.

Weight

232 g

220 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra frequently praises its exceptional display clarity and brightness, robust build quality, and the versatility of its camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities. Many users also highlight the significantly extended software support as a major advantage for long-term ownership. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to the device's size and weight for some users. For the Xiaomi 12T, users often commend its strong battery life, rapid charging speed, and the quality of its AMOLED display for its category. Some common concerns revolve around its shorter software update policy compared to premium devices and the inclusion of a less impactful macro camera.

Users prioritizing a device with the longest possible software lifespan, a highly advanced and versatile camera system, and a top-tier display for outdoor visibility and content creation will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its premium build and integrated S Pen also cater to those seeking a comprehensive flagship experience. Conversely, users who value fast charging, a capable display for everyday use, and solid performance for general tasks, without needing the absolute latest in camera technology or the longest software support, may lean toward the Xiaomi 12T. Both devices offer a quality experience, and for those considering a more sustainable choice, a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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