iPhone 12 Vs Xiaomi 12T

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T
Starting at

Refurbished price:140.00

Versus €649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, and the Xiaomi 12T, launched in October 2022, are both smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Xiaomi 12T runs on Android with Xiaomi's MIUI overlay. These devices present distinct approaches to design, performance, and camera capabilities, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone 12, being released in late 2020, has already received several major iOS updates and is expected to continue receiving software support for an extended period, potentially up to iOS 26. The Xiaomi 12T, launched two years later in late 2022, typically receives 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security updates from its release date. This means the iPhone 12, despite its earlier release, may offer a comparable or even longer period of active software support.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers enhanced drop performance, alongside an aluminum frame and glass back. It also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Xiaomi 12T utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for its display protection and has an IP53 rating, indicating resistance to dust and splashes.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the iPhone 12's robust software update policy often translates to a longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest operating system features and security patches. The Xiaomi 12T's hardware, being newer, might offer a slight edge in raw component longevity, but its software support window is generally shorter.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to demanding gaming sessions. Both the iPhone 12 and Xiaomi 12T offer capable hardware, but their approaches differ.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a processor that, at its release, delivered strong performance for a wide range of applications and multitasking. It handles demanding apps and graphics-intensive games smoothly. The Xiaomi 12T features a current-generation processor designed for efficiency and performance, capable of managing intensive tasks and offering a responsive user experience.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is optimized by its operating system for efficient multitasking and app management. The Xiaomi 12T typically offers 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously and ensuring smooth transitions between them.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity that supports a full day of moderate use, with specific tests showing around 12.5 hours of browsing or 6.5 hours of gaming. The Xiaomi 12T features a larger battery capacity, which, combined with its efficient processor, is designed to provide extended usage, with some reports indicating up to 13.5 hours of screen-on time. Additionally, the Xiaomi 12T supports rapid charging technology, allowing for a full charge in a short period.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The Xiaomi 12T sports a larger 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 2712x1220 pixels at 446 ppi, offering a sharp and detailed visual experience.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer good brightness levels. The iPhone 12 reaches a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content. The Xiaomi 12T provides a typical brightness of 500 nits and a peak brightness of 900 nits. Both displays are suitable for outdoor viewing, with the iPhone 12 having a slight edge in peak brightness for HDR content.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 12 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for most users. The Xiaomi 12T, however, offers a higher 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid overall user interface experience. The Xiaomi 12T also boasts a 480Hz touch sampling rate for increased responsiveness.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Photography and videography capabilities are key differentiators, and both smartphones offer versatile camera systems for capturing moments.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a main wide-angle lens with an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), and an ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.4 aperture. The Xiaomi 12T comes with a triple camera setup, including a high-resolution 108MP main sensor with OIS and an f/1.7 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 excels in delivering consistent image quality across its lenses, with strong computational photography features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, which enhance detail and dynamic range in various lighting conditions. The Xiaomi 12T's 108MP main sensor captures highly detailed images, especially in good lighting, and its OIS helps in low-light scenarios. Users report that the Xiaomi 12T's Night Mode is effective in rendering clear images in dim environments.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 12 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second (fps) and can record HDR video with Dolby Vision at 4K 30fps. Its front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, also capable of HDR video recording. The Xiaomi 12T records video at up to 4K 30fps. Its front camera is a 20MP sensor with an f/2.24 aperture.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer and supports MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and accessories. The Xiaomi 12T features a USB-C 2.0 port and includes an IR blaster, which can be used to control household appliances. Both support Wi-Fi 6 and NFC. The Xiaomi 12T also offers Bluetooth 5.3, while the iPhone 12 uses an earlier version of Bluetooth.
  • Biometrics and Security: The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition and unlocking. The Xiaomi 12T incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication and also offers AI face unlock.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 has a compact design with flat edges, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 162g. It features an aluminum frame and a glass back. The Xiaomi 12T is a larger device, measuring 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm and weighing 202g, with a design that includes a matte finish and a mostly plastic build with a Gorilla Glass 5 front.
  • Audio Experience: The Xiaomi 12T provides a dual stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support and Hi-Res Audio, aiming for an immersive audio experience. The iPhone 12 also offers stereo speakers, delivering clear audio for media consumption and calls.

Weight

164 g

220 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 12 and Xiaomi 12T cater to different priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and design philosophies. Users often praise the iPhone 12 for its consistent camera performance, robust software longevity, and compact, premium build. Common criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display and battery life compared to newer or larger devices. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 12T frequently receives acclaim for its rapid charging capabilities, large high-refresh-rate display, and powerful main camera. Some users might find its software experience, while feature-rich, to be less streamlined than iOS, and its update policy, while good for Android, is typically shorter than Apple's.

Users prioritizing a compact device with long-term software support, a highly optimized ecosystem, and reliable camera performance in various conditions may prefer the iPhone 12. Its Ceramic Shield front and IP68 rating also appeal to those seeking enhanced durability. Conversely, users who value a larger, smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate, exceptionally fast charging, and a high-megapixel main camera for detailed shots might find the Xiaomi 12T more aligned with their needs. Its larger battery capacity also suits heavy users. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to individual preferences regarding operating system, display fluidity, and charging speed. For those looking for a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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