iPhone 12 Pro Vs Xiaomi 12T Pro

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

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

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the Xiaomi 12T Pro, launched in October 2022, are smartphones from different ecosystems, offering distinct user experiences. While the iPhone 12 Pro operates on Apple's iOS, the Xiaomi 12T Pro runs on Android, providing a fundamental difference in software and interface. Key differentiators between these two devices include their display technology, camera systems, and overall performance capabilities, reflecting their respective release timelines.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release dates and software support policies are important factors. The iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, typically receives iOS updates for an extended period, often around 5-6 years from its release. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, released two years later in 2022, is promised three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates from its launch.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Pro, running iOS, generally benefits from a longer period of major operating system updates compared to many Android devices, potentially extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, while newer, has a defined update policy that will see it receive Android OS updates up to Android 15 and security patches until October 2026.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that many components are modular and relatively easy to replace, though proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. The Xiaomi 12T Pro scored 7 out of 10 in a teardown review, suggesting a slightly more repair-friendly design.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Xiaomi 12T Pro uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for its front display and has an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two smartphones is influenced by their respective processors and system optimizations, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with Apple's A14 Bionic chip, which delivers strong performance for its generation, ensuring smooth operation across applications and games. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features the newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, offering enhanced speed and efficiency, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive tasks and sustained workloads.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices provide a responsive user experience. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its optimized iOS, handles multitasking efficiently. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, often available with higher RAM configurations, offers ample capacity for running numerous applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 12 Pro was available with internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers similar storage tiers, including 128GB and 256GB, with some configurations also providing 12GB of RAM for improved performance.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, which users generally report as lasting a full day with moderate use. The Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage, and supports 120W fast charging for rapid power replenishment.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications, impacting clarity, smoothness, and overall viewing pleasure.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The Xiaomi 12T Pro boasts a larger 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display, offering a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), providing sharp images and text. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a resolution of 2712x1220 pixels (1.5K) at 446 ppi, delivering comparable clarity on its larger screen.
  • Refresh Rate: A notable difference is the refresh rate; the iPhone 12 Pro features a standard 60Hz display. In contrast, the Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a 120Hz AdaptiveSync display, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the visual experience, especially in fast-paced content.
  • Brightness: Both phones offer good brightness levels. The iPhone 12 Pro reaches 800 nits typical brightness and up to 1200 nits for HDR content. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a typical brightness of 500 nits and a peak brightness of 900 nits.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12T Pro approach photography with different philosophies, offering distinct strengths for capturing images and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple 12-megapixel camera setup, including wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, complemented by a LiDAR scanner for improved autofocus in low light and enhanced depth sensing. The Xiaomi 12T Pro stands out with a high-resolution 200-megapixel main wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in consistent image quality across its lenses, with strong computational photography features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, producing balanced and detailed photos in various conditions. The Xiaomi 12T Pro's 200MP sensor is capable of capturing highly detailed images, especially in good lighting, and includes features like Xiaomi ProFocus for tracking moving subjects.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 12 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, offering professional-grade video capabilities with good stabilization. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, providing ultra-high-definition video capture.
  • Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 12 Pro has a 12-megapixel front camera. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a higher-resolution 20-megapixel front camera.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro offers clear audio recording and playback. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features dual stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos support, aiming for an immersive audio experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for efficient wireless networking. The iPhone 12 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro features the slightly newer Bluetooth 5.2 standard.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 12 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer and relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a USB-C 2.0 port, a more universal standard, and incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Build Materials: The iPhone 12 Pro features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front, giving it a solid and durable feel. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and back, with a plastic frame, offering a different aesthetic and tactile experience.
  • Dimensions and Weight: The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 189 grams. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is larger and slightly heavier at 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm and 205 grams.

Weight

187 g

204 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the iPhone 12 Pro often highlights its consistent performance, robust build quality, and reliable camera system, particularly its video capabilities and the integration of the LiDAR scanner for improved low-light focusing. Common criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display, which, compared to newer devices, can feel less fluid. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is frequently praised for its high-resolution 200MP camera, large and smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and exceptionally fast charging speeds. Some users might note its plastic frame as a less premium material compared to some flagships, and its software update policy, while improved, is still shorter than Apple's.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a long software support lifespan, a highly capable and consistent camera system for both photos and video, and a premium build with strong water resistance may find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its integration within the Apple ecosystem is also a significant draw for many. Conversely, users who value a larger, high-refresh-rate display for smoother visuals, a high-megapixel main camera for detailed photography, and ultra-fast charging capabilities will likely lean towards the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Its larger battery capacity also appeals to those requiring extended usage between charges.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these electronics and offering a sustainable choice.

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