iPhone SE (2022) Vs Xiaomi 12T Pro

iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:127.00

Versus €549.00 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 SE 2022 and the Xiaomi 12T Pro, both released in 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. The iPhone SE 2022, an Apple device, maintains a classic compact form factor with its familiar home button and iOS operating system. In contrast, the Xiaomi 12T Pro, running on Android, offers a larger display and a more modern design. These differences cater to varying user preferences, particularly concerning screen size, camera capabilities, and software ecosystems.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Updates: The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years, potentially until 2028-2030, aligning with Apple's typical long-term support for its devices. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, released in October 2022, was promised three Android OS updates and four years of security updates, with Android 15 as its final major software version.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It also incorporates durable glass on both the front and back, offering drop protection comparable to some higher-end models. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has an IP53 rating, indicating protection against dust ingress and spraying water, but it is not designed for submersion. Its front display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and the rear is made of plastic.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users of the iPhone SE 2022 can anticipate a longer period of major software feature updates, which can extend the practical usability of the device. The Xiaomi 12T Pro will continue to receive security patches for a reasonable period, but its major OS updates will conclude sooner.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and demanding applications like gaming. Both devices offer capable internal components, but their real-world impact differs.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation, quick app loading, and efficient multitasking, handling demanding apps and gaming fluidly. The Xiaomi 12T Pro also features a high-performance processor, providing a responsive experience for everyday use, seamless scrolling, and smooth gameplay, even with graphically intensive titles.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with storage options up to 256GB and includes 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical iOS multitasking. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers more generous RAM configurations, with options for 8GB or 12GB, alongside storage up to 256GB, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in intensive tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022's battery generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity, may require more frequent charging. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is known for its robust battery capacity, often lasting a full day even with heavy use, and features very fast charging capabilities.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and these two models offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, providing clear visuals and accurate colors, though it is a smaller screen with traditional bezels. The Xiaomi 12T Pro boasts a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a higher resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for most users. Its display offers adequate brightness for indoor and outdoor viewing. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, and it offers high peak brightness for good visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2022's compact screen is well-suited for one-handed use and users who prefer a smaller device. The Xiaomi 12T Pro's expansive AMOLED screen is designed for an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and gaming.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer camera systems capable of capturing moments, but they differ significantly in their hardware and photographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12-megapixel wide camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), which performs well in good lighting conditions, producing images with good color balance and detail. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can result in darker and grainier photos in low-light environments. The Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a versatile triple camera setup, highlighted by a 200-megapixel main sensor with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The main camera excels in capturing detailed images, even in low light, and offers features like 2x optical zoom by cropping the high-resolution sensor.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday photography, the iPhone SE 2022 delivers consistent results, benefiting from its advanced image processing. The Xiaomi 12T Pro's main camera captures sharp, detailed photos with good dynamic range, though its ultrawide and macro cameras are considered less capable.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with good stabilization. The Xiaomi 12T Pro can record video up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, with effective stabilization. Both devices offer stereo speaker output, with the Xiaomi 12T Pro featuring tuning by Harman Kardon and Dolby Atmos support for an enhanced audio experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone SE 2022 does not have a headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone SE 2022 retains the physical home button with Touch ID for fingerprint recognition. The Xiaomi 12T Pro incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and also offers 2D face unlock. The Xiaomi 12T Pro also includes an infrared blaster, a feature not found on the iPhone SE 2022.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2022 is a compact and lightweight device, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 144 grams, making it easy for one-handed use. It features an aluminum frame with glass on the front and back. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is a larger and heavier device at 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm and 205 grams, with a plastic rear and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front.

Weight

144 g

204 g

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2022 often praises its compact size, powerful processor, and the familiarity of the iOS ecosystem, particularly for those upgrading from older iPhone models. Common criticisms include its dated design with large bezels, the smaller display, and battery life that, while improved over its predecessor, can still be a concern for heavy users. The lack of Night Mode in the camera is also a frequent point of contention.

The Xiaomi 12T Pro receives commendation for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, its powerful processor, and its exceptionally fast charging capabilities. The 200-megapixel main camera is often highlighted for its detail in good lighting and respectable low-light performance. However, some users note that the secondary cameras (ultrawide and macro) are less impressive, and the IP53 rating offers less water protection compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a compact device, long-term software support, and the Apple ecosystem will find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. It is a practical choice for those who value a familiar interface and robust core performance in a smaller form factor. Conversely, users who prioritize a large, high-quality display, rapid charging, and a versatile main camera system may lean towards the Xiaomi 12T Pro. Its larger battery and higher refresh rate screen make it appealing for media consumption and gaming. Both devices offer quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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