iPhone 12 Pro Vs Xiaomi 13T Pro

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:241.00

Versus €900.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro, launched in September 2023, represent different generations and philosophies in the smartphone market. While the iPhone 12 Pro operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Xiaomi 13T Pro runs on Android with Xiaomi's HyperOS interface. Key differentiators include their release timelines, camera systems, and display technologies, catering to distinct user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release dates play a significant role in software support and overall longevity. The iPhone 12 Pro, being an older model, has received consistent iOS updates since its October 2020 release, with Apple typically providing 5-6 years of major OS support. This means it is nearing the later stages of its guaranteed software update cycle. The Xiaomi 13T Pro, released in September 2023, benefits from a more recent launch, promising up to four major Android upgrades and five years of security updates.

  • Software Updates: The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a longer guaranteed period of major Android updates and security patches due to its more recent release.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that many components are modular, though proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. Information on the Xiaomi 13T Pro's repairability score is less readily available, but its newer design may incorporate modern repair considerations.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and the latest features will find the Xiaomi 13T Pro to have a longer practical lifespan from the current date. However, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a capable device for users comfortable with its current software capabilities and potential for future security updates.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both devices offer robust capabilities, though they approach performance from different hardware generations. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its internal processing unit, delivers smooth performance for everyday applications and handles multitasking efficiently. The Xiaomi 13T Pro, featuring a more recent processor, is designed for demanding applications and intensive multitasking, offering a responsive user experience.

  • System Responsiveness: The Xiaomi 13T Pro provides a highly responsive experience, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games and when running multiple applications simultaneously, thanks to its newer processing architecture. The iPhone 12 Pro also offers a fluid experience for most users, adept at handling a wide range of tasks.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 12 Pro was available with 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB storage options. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers more generous configurations, including 256 GB, 512 GB, and up to 1 TB of internal storage, paired with higher RAM options, which can benefit users who store large files or run many apps.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2,815 mAh battery, which, in some tests, showed moderate battery life, especially with 5G usage. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a larger 5,000 mAh battery, often providing over a full day of use for many users.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the iPhone 12 Pro and Xiaomi 13T Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with some notable differences in technology and specifications. The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro's OLED display provides excellent contrast and color accuracy with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features an AMOLED display with a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, offering sharp visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Xiaomi 13T Pro stands out with a 144 Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Screen Size and Viewing: The iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1-inch screen offers a comfortable viewing area for one-handed use. The Xiaomi 13T Pro's larger 6.67-inch display provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and gaming.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, but they differ in their approach and specific capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple-lens setup, while the Xiaomi 13T Pro emphasizes its collaboration with Leica for image processing and includes a high-resolution main sensor.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultra-wide, and 12 MP telephoto lens, offering 2x optical zoom in and out, and features like Night mode and Deep Fusion. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a 50 MP wide sensor, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, all co-engineered with Leica.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography with Night mode across its cameras and supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also offers strong low-light performance and can record video up to 8K at 24fps, with 4K at 60fps and HDR10+ options.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode and 4K video recording. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a 20 MP front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones. Connectivity, physical design, and additional sensors often influence daily convenience and device interaction. Both devices offer modern connectivity standards and robust build quality.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and Xiaomi 13T Pro support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a USB-C port, a more universal standard. Both support Wi-Fi 6, with the Xiaomi 13T Pro also supporting Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.0 (iPhone 12 Pro) or Bluetooth 5.4 (Xiaomi 13T Pro).
  • Sensors and Security: The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Xiaomi 13T Pro typically includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition.
  • Design and Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its durability and premium feel, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and is available in various finishes including glass and a leather-like material. The iPhone 12 Pro weighs 189 grams, while the Xiaomi 13T Pro is slightly heavier at 200g or 206g depending on the variant.

Weight

187 g

200 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 12 Pro and Xiaomi 13T Pro cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and release timelines. Users often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its consistent software experience, robust build quality, and reliable camera system, particularly its video capabilities and the integration of the LiDAR scanner for improved low-light portraits and AR. Some users, however, noted that its battery life could be a concern, especially with heavy 5G usage, and its 60Hz display is a point of comparison with newer devices.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro is frequently lauded for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display, its fast charging capabilities, and its versatile camera system co-engineered with Leica, which offers strong performance in various lighting conditions. Its larger battery capacity is also a common positive point. Potential criticisms sometimes revolve around the software experience compared to stock Android, though HyperOS aims to refine this.

Users prioritizing a long-term software support window, a larger, smoother display, and rapid charging will find the Xiaomi 13T Pro well-suited to their needs. Its powerful processor and high-resolution camera system also make it a strong contender for mobile gamers and photography enthusiasts. Conversely, users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, who value a compact form factor, consistent performance for everyday tasks, and a proven camera system, may still find the iPhone 12 Pro to be a compelling choice. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons