Xiaomi 12S ProvsXiaomi Redmi K50

Xiaomi 12S Pro

Xiaomi Redmi K50

Xiaomi 12S Pro

The Xiaomi 12S Pro is an excellent all-round phone that may fly under the radar due to its lesser-known status compared to the newly released Xiaomi 12S Ultra. Despite this, it offers significant upgrades and impressive features, making it a compelling option for those in China or willing to import it internationally. One of the standout aspects of the 12S Pro is its new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus chip, which delivers seamless performance and power efficiency. The phone also boasts an excellent Leica camera system, with a Sony IMX 707 sensor that produces high-quality photos. The authentic mode can result in overly processed images, but the vibrant mode strikes a great balance between stylization and reality. The display is another highlight of the device, featuring a crisp 1080p resolution (521 pixels per inch) and impressive brightness levels (500 nits). The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate creates a smooth and seamless experience. Battery life is also commendable, with users able to reach the end of the day without worrying about running out. However, the speaker system falls short of expectations, being weak despite the branding partnership with Harman and Carden. In conclusion, the Xiaomi 12S Pro offers an impressive array of features and performance capabilities that make it a great option for those seeking an excellent smartphone experience. While minor flaws exist in the form of a weak speaker and unnecessary pre-installed screen protector scratches easily, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall value proposition of this device. Rating: 4/5 stars.

Xiaomi Redmi K50

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Xiaomi Redmi K50, and unfortunately, my experience was underwhelming. Despite its impressive specs on paper, this phone failed to deliver in several key areas. The camera performance was abysmal, especially in low-light conditions. The sensor size is decent, but it seems that the software is not optimized to extract the best from it. Daytime photos are okay, but nowhere near as good as what I've seen on other phones with similar cameras. The gaming experience was actually quite enjoyable, thanks to the phone's powerful processor and snappy performance. However, only a few games, like Asphalt 9, have adapted to take full advantage of the phone's high refresh rate capabilities. Battery life is decent for general use, but drops significantly when gaming or using resource-intensive apps. The display is nice, and the speakers are quite good, making it enjoyable to watch videos or listen to music on this phone. My biggest disappointment lies in the camera performance, which I believe is a software issue rather than a hardware one. For a phone priced around $500-$600, there are better options available that offer superior camera capabilities. If you're a gamer and don't mind a mediocre camera experience, then the Redmi K50 might be worth considering. However, if you prioritize taking good photos or have high expectations for your camera, I would suggest looking elsewhere. There are simply better phones on the market that offer more value for the price.