Galaxy Z Fold4 Vs Xiaomi 12T

Galaxy Z Fold4
Galaxy Z Fold4
Starting at

Refurbished price:433.00

Versus €1,889.00 new

See options
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T
Starting at

Refurbished price:131.00

Versus €649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, represents a premium foldable smartphone experience, offering a unique form factor that transforms from a compact device into a larger tablet-like display. In contrast, the Xiaomi 12T, launched in October 2022, is a more traditional slab-style smartphone designed for a straightforward user experience. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their innovative design versus conventional approach, their camera philosophies, and their overall intended use cases. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing access to a broad ecosystem of applications and customization options.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and ongoing software support. Both devices, released in 2022, share a similar starting point in their lifecycle.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy Z Fold4 typically receives up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, offering extended software longevity. The Xiaomi 12T is generally supported with three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a foldable design with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its cover screen and back, along with an IPX8 water resistance rating. The Xiaomi 12T utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for its front display and a glass back, but lacks an official IP rating for water resistance. The foldable nature of the Z Fold4 introduces a hinge mechanism, which can be a point of concern for some users over time, though Samsung has made improvements in this area.
  • Repairability: Foldable devices generally present a more complex repair process due to their intricate design. The Xiaomi 12T, with its conventional form factor, may offer a more straightforward repair experience.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones translates to how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. Both the Galaxy Z Fold4 and the Xiaomi 12T are equipped with capable internal components designed for efficient operation.

  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy Z Fold4, with its larger internal display and higher amount of RAM (12GB), is designed to excel in multitasking scenarios, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously with ease. The Xiaomi 12T, typically featuring 8GB of RAM, provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks and most demanding applications.
  • Application Handling: Both devices handle demanding applications and graphics-intensive games effectively. The Z Fold4's processing power ensures a fluid experience across its unique foldable interface. The Xiaomi 12T also delivers consistent performance for gaming and heavy app usage.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a wider range of internal storage options, extending up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The Xiaomi 12T is available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Fold4 houses a 4400 mAh battery, which, despite powering two displays, is optimized to provide a full day of use for many users. The Xiaomi 12T features a larger 5000 mAh battery, often praised for its extended battery life, capable of lasting through heavy usage.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their form factors.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display. Both screens offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Xiaomi 12T comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, also known for its rich colors and clarity.
  • Resolution and Viewing Experience: The Z Fold4's main display has a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, providing a sharp and expansive canvas for content consumption and productivity. The cover display has a resolution of 904 x 2316 pixels. The Xiaomi 12T offers a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, resulting in a clear and detailed viewing experience on its single screen.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Both displays also offer high peak brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1812 x 2176

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy Z Fold4 and the Xiaomi 12T are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP wide-angle main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for flexibility in various shooting scenarios, including zoomed shots. The Xiaomi 12T features a high-resolution 108 MP wide-angle main camera with OIS, complemented by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Z Fold4's camera system is noted for producing warm, vibrant, and detailed images, performing well in various lighting conditions. Its telephoto lens provides clear zoomed-in shots. The Xiaomi 12T's main camera excels at capturing detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in good lighting.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy Z Fold4 supports video recording up to 8K resolution. The Xiaomi 12T can record videos up to 4K resolution. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption.
  • Front Cameras: The Z Fold4 has a 10 MP camera on its cover display and a 4 MP under-display camera on its main screen, with the cover camera generally offering better quality for selfies. The Xiaomi 12T features a 20 MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

4 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling fast mobile data speeds. The Galaxy Z Fold4 includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, with a USB-C 3.2 port. The Xiaomi 12T supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, featuring a USB-C 2.0 port.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Z Fold4 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face recognition for secure unlocking. The Xiaomi 12T utilizes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The Z Fold4 also supports S Pen (Fold Edition) for enhanced productivity on its main display.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy Z Fold4, due to its foldable design, is heavier at 263g and thicker when folded compared to the Xiaomi 12T, which weighs 202g. The Z Fold4's dimensions when folded are 155.1 x 67.1 x 15.8 mm, while the Xiaomi 12T measures 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm.
  • Build Materials: The Z Fold4 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability. The Xiaomi 12T uses a plastic frame with a glass back and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front.

Weight

263 g

220 g

Screen size (in)

7.6

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy Z Fold4 often highlights its innovative foldable design as a significant advantage, enabling enhanced multitasking and a unique tablet-like experience in a portable form factor. Users appreciate its robust performance and versatile camera system. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around the visibility of the screen crease and the device's overall weight and thickness when folded. For the Xiaomi 12T, users frequently praise its long battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and the high-resolution main camera. Some users have noted that the secondary cameras are less capable than the main sensor and that the software experience, while functional, might not be as refined as some competitors.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge, adaptable device for productivity and immersive media consumption, who value a larger screen real estate, may find the Galaxy Z Fold4 well-suited to their needs. Its unique form factor caters to those who frequently switch between phone and tablet modes. Conversely, users who prioritize extended battery life, extremely fast charging, and a strong main camera in a traditional smartphone design may lean towards the Xiaomi 12T. It offers a reliable and efficient experience for everyday use without the complexities of a foldable display.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to these technologies while making a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons