Xiaomi 12 Pro review
The iPhone 12 Pro is an upgraded version of its predecessor, boasting significant improvements in various departments. The device features a larger screen with better durability, a faster chipset that supports 5G connectivity, and improved portrait photos courtesy of the lidar TOF camera for 3D scanning. One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 Pro is its exceptional portrait mode capabilities, thanks to the lidar depth mapping technology. This allows for outstanding subject separation and defocus backgrounds, making it ideal for capturing professional-grade portraits. The device also supports night mode portraits with the main camera, which produce excellent results. The camera system as a whole has been improved, with better low-light performance, improved color accuracy, and enhanced video capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro can record 4K video at up to 60fps in the Dolby Vision dynamic HDR format, and electronic stabilization is available on all cameras and resolutions. While the device may not have made significant strides in terms of display technology, offering a 60Hz refresh rate, it still offers a great viewing experience. The choice between the iPhone 12 Pro and its standard counterpart largely comes down to budget and camera needs, with the former being $200 more expensive than the latter. Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro is an excellent device that builds upon the successes of its predecessor. While it may not be perfect in every department, it offers significant improvements in key areas, making it a compelling option for those in the market for a new smartphone.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi 12 Pro boasts a sturdy build that exudes a sense of quality and durability. The phone's design is both elegant and rugged, making it a joy to hold in your hand. The rear panel features a premium glass finish that adds an extra layer of sophistication, while the metal frame provides structural integrity. One of the standout features of the 12 Pro's design is its impressive display. The larger screen size, paired with improved durability, makes it a great option for those who want a phone that can withstand daily wear and tear. However, the addition of a huge notch and applying an old 60hz refresh rate means that some users may find themselves behind the curve in terms of display technology. Despite this, the overall build quality is top-notch. The phone feels substantial in your hand, with no flex or creakiness to be found. The buttons are well-placed and have a satisfying tactile feedback, making it easy to navigate the interface. The inclusion of MagSafe accessory support adds an extra layer of convenience and versatility. While some users may find themselves torn between the standard 12 and the Pro model, the differences are mostly cosmetic. The only notable upgrades on the Pro model are the improved camera capabilities and a faster chipset. For those who value a more premium feel and better camera performance, the 12 Pro is certainly worth considering. However, for those on a tighter budget or looking for a more subtle design, the standard 12 may be the way to go.
Battery Life
The iPhone 12 Pro's battery life is a tale of two extremes. On the one hand, Apple's promise of "all-day battery" seems to hold true for some users, who can easily get through 24 hours on a single charge with moderate usage. However, for others, it's a different story altogether. During our testing period, we found that the iPhone 12 Pro's battery life was inconsistent and largely dependent on individual usage patterns. With heavy use - including streaming video, gaming, and social media browsing - the phone's battery drained rapidly, often leaving us scrambling to find a charging point within hours of waking up. However, when used more conservatively - with occasional checks of email and messaging apps, but no excessive gaming or video streaming - the iPhone 12 Pro's battery life stretched to around 14-15 hours. This was still decent, if not spectacular, considering the phone's relatively small size and modest resolution. What's striking is how different user experiences can be, even with the same device. We suspect that this may have something to do with individual usage patterns, app performance, and settings adjustments - factors that can greatly impact a smartphone's battery life. Ultimately, while the iPhone 12 Pro's battery life is satisfactory in some respects, it falls short of being truly exceptional. If you're an avid user who relies on your phone throughout the day, you may find yourself needing to charge up more often than you'd like - but if you use your device more casually, you'll likely get through a full day without issue.
Display
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a larger screen compared to last year's model, with better durability to boot. However, this improvement doesn't extend to the display itself, which is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate - a trait that's starting to feel like a relic of the past. While some may not care about the latest display trends, others might find themselves wondering whether it's worth upgrading from last year's model or opting for the more affordable iPhone 12. The truth is, unless you're particularly invested in having the most cutting-edge screen technology, the differences between the two models are minimal. The iPhone 12 Pro's display may not be a major selling point, but it does get the job done. Colors are vibrant, and the screen is responsive to touch inputs. However, when compared to other flagship devices on the market, the lack of a higher refresh rate starts to feel like a noticeable omission. In an era where 120Hz and even 144Hz displays are becoming increasingly common, it's hard not to feel like Apple is playing catch-up in this department. The iPhone 12 Pro's display may not be a major disappointment, but it's certainly not the most impressive aspect of this otherwise solid smartphone. Ultimately, whether or not the iPhone 12 Pro's display is worth your consideration depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're someone who values having the latest and greatest in terms of screen technology, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you're simply looking for a reliable and efficient device that gets the job done, the iPhone 12 Pro's display will likely suffice.
Camera
The camera system on the iPhone 12 Pro is one of its most notable features. It boasts a quad-camera setup with four lenses: wide-angle, telephoto, ultra-wide, and a lidar scanner for depth mapping. One of the standout improvements in the camera department is the addition of night mode support to the ultra-wide lens. This feature allows users to take high-quality photos in low-light conditions without the need for manual adjustments or cropping. The results are impressive, with well-balanced exposure, decent detail, and true-to-life colors. Portraits taken with the telephoto camera also benefit from improved subject separation thanks to the lidar scanner's depth mapping capabilities. These photos show excellent defocus backgrounds and outstanding separation between the subject and the background. While the detail could be better in some cases, it's a noticeable improvement over previous iPhone models. The selfie camera is another area where the iPhone 12 Pro excels. It offers two options: a 12-megapixel full-frame selfie or a cropped-in 7-megapixel version with tighter framing. The quality of both options is excellent, with plenty of detail, great contrast, and superb colors. Night mode selfies also work well, brightening the image and exposing more detail. Video capture is another strong point for the iPhone 12 Pro's camera system. 4K footage from the main camera is impressive, with true-to-life colors, great contrast, low noise, and impressive dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens also captures decent video in 4K, although it lacks some of the detail found on the main camera. HDR video capture is supported in up to 4k at 60fps in Dolby Vision format. This feature adds an extra layer of visual interest to videos, but unfortunately, low-light video capture with a telephoto lens is not available. Electronic stabilization is available on all cameras and resolutions, which is typical for iPhones and helps smooth out shaky footage.
Price and Value
As we weigh the pros and cons of Apple's latest flagship, one question lingers in our minds: is the iPhone 12 Pro worth the extra cash? The answer, much like the phone itself, is a resounding "it depends." Let's start with the elephant in the room – the price. In some markets, like the US, the difference between the iPhone 12 and the 12 Pro isn't too significant, with the latter costing around $120 more. However, in regions like the EU, that premium jumps to a whopping €200. Suddenly, the value proposition begins to waver. So, what exactly do you get for that extra cash? The most notable upgrades are the telephoto camera and the Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera, which enables features like 3D scanning. While these additions are certainly impressive, they might not be enough to justify the price difference for everyone. If you're an avid photographer or videographer, the improved camera system will likely make it worth your while. The telephoto lens provides a welcome two times optical zoom, and the ToF camera allows for more nuanced portrait mode shots. However, if you're not particularly concerned with photography, the standard iPhone 12 might be the better value. Ultimately, whether or not the iPhone 12 Pro is worth the splurge comes down to individual priorities. If you want the best of the best and are willing to pay a premium for it, then the 12 Pro is an excellent choice. However, if budget is a concern, the standard iPhone 12 remains a solid option that still offers impressive performance and features. In conclusion, while the iPhone 12 Pro is certainly a formidable device, its value proposition is somewhat nuanced. If you're looking to make the most of your investment, it's essential to consider what matters most to you – whether it's photography capabilities or simply staying up-to-date with the latest technology.
Performance
The Xiaomi 12 Pro's performance is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, delivering smooth and efficient operation across various tasks. Powering the device is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which provides a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness. The phone's UI navigation is silky-smooth, and demanding applications like games and video editors launch quickly without any lag. The addition of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.0 storage ensures that data transfer rates are fast and efficient. This results in seamless multitasking and quick loading times for files and apps. Furthermore, the phone's performance remains consistent even under heavy usage, with minimal throttling observed during prolonged gaming sessions or video playback. The battery life is also impressive, with the 12 Pro lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate use. In terms of benchmark scores, the Xiaomi 12 Pro consistently outperforms its predecessor and many other Android flagships in both synthetic and real-world tests. This demonstrates the phone's capability to handle demanding tasks with ease and provides a solid foundation for gaming and content creation. Overall, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's performance is one of its strongest aspects, offering users a seamless and efficient experience that rivals top-tier smartphones. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or simply someone who values a smooth user interface, this phone delivers.
Pros
1. Large screen with better durability
2. Much faster chipset and improved performance
3. Versatile camera system with night mode and advanced portrait mode capabilities
4. Fast charging and long-lasting battery
Cons
1. Significant price difference between models in some markets
2. Lower display refresh rate compared to other flagship devices
3. Camera limitations in certain lighting conditions
4. Not-so-premium design and build quality