Galaxy S25 Ultra Vs Xiaomi 12T Pro

Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:735.00

Versus €1,408.78 new

See options
Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 12T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in early 2025, and the Xiaomi 12T Pro, launched in late 2022, represent different generations of high-performance Android smartphones. While both devices aim to deliver a premium experience, the Galaxy S25 Ultra benefits from more recent technological advancements, particularly in its camera system and display, whereas the Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a compelling package with ultra-fast charging capabilities. Both operate on the Android platform, though with different custom user interfaces and varying software support timelines.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan and software support differ between these two devices, primarily due to their respective release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, is a more recent device compared to the Xiaomi 12T Pro, which debuted in October 2022. This age difference directly impacts their expected software longevity.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android 15 and is expected to receive several years of major OS updates and security patches, extending its usable life. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, initially on Android 12, was promised three Android OS updates and four years of security updates, meaning its software support cycle is nearing its end or has already concluded for major OS upgrades.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for its display, offering enhanced scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Xiaomi 12T Pro uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and has an IP53 rating, indicating protection against dust and splashes.

Year of Release

2025

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities are a key differentiator, with the newer Galaxy S25 Ultra featuring a more advanced processing unit.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor, specifically optimized for Galaxy devices, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced on-device AI tasks with fluidity. The Xiaomi 12T Pro utilizes a previous-generation high-end processor, which still delivers strong performance for everyday use, gaming, and most applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM configurations, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra typically featuring 12GB or 16GB, and the Xiaomi 12T Pro available with 8GB or 12GB. The Galaxy S25 Ultra provides storage options up to 1TB, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro goes up to 256GB, neither offering expandable storage via microSD.
  • Battery Performance: Both phones house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy S25 Ultra generally provides a full day of use for many users, with some reports indicating over 17 hours of screen-on time in specific tests. The Xiaomi 12T Pro also offers robust battery life, often lasting a full day even with heavy usage, and is noted for its exceptionally fast 120W wired charging, which can fully recharge the device in under 30 minutes. The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 45W fast charging and wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a slightly more refined display.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Xiaomi 12T Pro sports a 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels), which also offers good clarity.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S25 Ultra can reach a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a peak brightness of 1200 nits. Both devices feature a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions.
  • Visual Enhancements: The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes AI-powered ProScaler technology for upscaling lower-resolution content and features an anti-reflective coating. Both displays support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, offering rich contrast and color reproduction for media consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2340 pixels

1220 x 2712

Audiovisual

Both devices feature high-megapixel main cameras, but their overall camera systems and capabilities differ significantly.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, providing extensive zoom capabilities and detailed imagery. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a 200 MP main camera with optical image stabilization, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro lens. The 12T Pro's 200MP sensor can achieve a 2x zoom through cropping.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers advanced features like Dual Recording in 4K, log format video recording, and the ability to capture macro photos at 50MP. Its main camera excels in capturing detailed photos with vibrant colors across various lighting conditions. The Xiaomi 12T Pro utilizes pixel binning to produce high-quality 12.5MP or 50MP images, particularly beneficial in low-light scenarios, and includes AI camera features for clarity.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second and has a 12 MP front-facing camera. The Xiaomi 12T Pro can record 8K video at 24 frames per second and features a 20 MP front camera.

Front camera

8K@24/30fps

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for S25 Ultra, Wi-Fi 6 for 12T Pro), and Bluetooth (5.2 for 12T Pro). The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a USB-C port, as does the Xiaomi 12T Pro. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also integrates an S Pen for enhanced productivity and interaction.
  • Biometrics and Audio: Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes an ultrasonic sensor. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers dual speakers tuned by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos support, providing a rich audio experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra's speakers are generally considered capable for media consumption.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a titanium frame and rounded corners, contributing to a premium feel and improved handling, with an IP68 rating. It weighs around 218g. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a glass-and-metal body with a matte finish, weighing 205g, and carries an IP53 rating.

Weight

2 g

204 g

Screen size (in)

6.9

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Xiaomi 12T Pro cater to users with different priorities, largely influenced by their release timelines and feature sets. Users often praise the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its exceptional display quality, versatile and advanced camera system with extensive zoom capabilities, and its integrated S Pen, which enhances productivity. Some users, however, have noted that while its battery life is good, it might not always outperform some rivals, and its charging speed is not the fastest among flagships.

The Xiaomi 12T Pro is frequently lauded for its incredibly fast 120W wired charging, allowing for rapid power-ups, and its capable main camera, which delivers detailed images. Its display is also well-regarded for its clarity and smoothness. Criticisms sometimes point to its less versatile secondary cameras (particularly the 2MP macro lens) and its shorter software support window compared to newer flagships.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge camera system with advanced zoom, a top-tier display, and the unique functionality of an integrated stylus will find the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Those who value ultra-fast charging, a strong main camera, and a solid overall performance for everyday tasks may lean toward the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Both devices offer a robust smartphone experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons