iPhone 15 Vs Xiaomi 12T Pro

iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:391.00

Versus €879.00 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 15, released in September 2023, and the Xiaomi 12T Pro, launched in October 2022, are both advanced smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the iPhone 15 operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Xiaomi 12T Pro runs on Android with Xiaomi's MIUI interface. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support and repairability are important.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15, running on iOS, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years, with security updates extending to seven or eight years, potentially until around 2035. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, launched with Android 12 and MIUI 13, was promised three Android OS updates and four years of security updates. It currently runs Android 15 with Xiaomi HyperOS 2.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 15 initially received a repairability score of 4 out of 10, which was later promoted to 7 out of 10 due to software improvements for parts calibration. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a repairability score of 7 out of 10, indicating a good level of ease for repairs.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices offer a robust build. The iPhone 15 features a Ceramic Shield front and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Xiaomi 12T Pro includes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and an IP53 rating for splash and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 features a current-generation processor that enables smooth operation across applications, efficient multitasking, and capable performance for graphics-intensive tasks. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is powered by a powerful processor, which contributes to its strong performance in benchmarks and smooth gameplay, even during extended sessions.
  • Storage and Memory: The iPhone 15 offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, paired with 6GB of RAM. The Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, with many users reporting it lasts a full day with typical usage. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery and supports 120W fast charging, capable of reaching a full charge in approximately 19 minutes. User experiences with the Xiaomi 12T Pro's battery life are generally positive, though some heavy users note quicker depletion.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some key differences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 15 has a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 460 PPI. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a resolution of 2712x1220 pixels, with a pixel density of 446 PPI, offering clear visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15's display has a standard refresh rate of 60Hz and can reach up to 1000 nits typical brightness, with a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits. The Xiaomi 12T Pro boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations, and offers up to 500 nits typical brightness, with a peak of 1200 nits.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, each with distinct strengths for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 features an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48-megapixel main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. It also offers 2x telephoto zoom through its main sensor. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, highlighted by a 200-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 is praised for capturing sharp, vibrant photos, even in low-light conditions, and includes features like automatic portrait mode. The Xiaomi 12T Pro's 200-megapixel main camera is noted for solid performance in various scenarios, including low light.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording. For selfies, the iPhone 15 has a 12-megapixel front camera, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro features a 20-megapixel front camera.

Main camera

48 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro also features a USB Type-C port. The Xiaomi 12T Pro additionally includes an IR Blaster.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone 15 relies on Face ID for secure authentication. The Xiaomi 12T Pro incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor. Both devices include standard sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, and ambient light sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 has an aluminum design with a color-infused glass back, weighing 171 grams and measuring 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has a glass front and back, weighing 205 grams and measuring 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm. The iPhone 15 also features the Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and activities.

Weight

171 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 feedback for the iPhone 15 often highlights its excellent main camera, good battery life for many users, and the bright, clear display. Some common criticisms include the 60Hz refresh rate, which some users find less smooth compared to higher refresh rate displays, and occasional reports of the device getting warm under moderate use or during charging. The Xiaomi 12T Pro receives praise for its powerful processor, very fast charging capabilities, and its high-resolution 120Hz AMOLED display. Criticisms sometimes point to the ultra-wide and macro cameras being less impressive than the main sensor, and some users have noted that the selfie camera applies a smoothing filter that cannot be fully disabled.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a highly integrated software and hardware experience, consistent camera performance, and long-term software support may find the iPhone 15 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a larger, high-refresh-rate display, extremely fast charging, and a versatile Android operating system with a powerful processor might lean towards the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable choice for either model.

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