Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders vs Xiaomi 12 Pro: A Flagship Face-Off

The Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders and the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The Asus prioritizes raw Qualcomm power, while the Xiaomi leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000+ for efficiency and performance. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device best suits demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power management, the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) emerges as the stronger contender. Its 4nm Dimensity 9000+ chipset offers a more refined experience than the 5nm Snapdragon 888, particularly in demanding tasks, despite the Asus's focus on Snapdragon optimization.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, July 082022, July 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 31Available. Released 2022, July 13
Body
Dimensions173.2 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.82 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.20 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G710 MC10
OSAndroid 11Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 112˚, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 Snapdragon Sound Technology 32-bit/384kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Illuminated Snapdragon fireball icon on the back-
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 50 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight blueGray, Blue
ModelsI007D2207122MC
PriceAbout 1270 EURAbout 570 EUR

Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders

  • Direct access to Snapdragon optimizations.
  • Potentially unique Snapdragon-powered features.
  • Fast 65W wired charging.

  • Snapdragon 888 prone to thermal throttling.
  • 5nm process less efficient than 4nm.
  • May not offer the best battery life.

Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)

  • More efficient Dimensity 9000+ chipset.
  • Superior multi-core performance.
  • Faster charging and potentially better battery life.

  • Relies on MediaTek’s software support.
  • May lack some Snapdragon-specific features.
  • Potential for software bloat (typical of Xiaomi).

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays (data not provided), the core difference lies in the underlying chipsets impacting display driving efficiency. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s Dimensity 9000+ benefits from a more modern 4nm process, potentially leading to slightly better power efficiency when rendering visuals. The Asus, while capable, may experience more heat generation during prolonged use, potentially impacting sustained brightness levels. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Dimensity's efficiency is a key advantage.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both phones will feature capable camera systems. The Xiaomi 12 Pro, given its flagship status, likely incorporates a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Asus, while potentially offering unique Snapdragon-powered camera features, may not match the Xiaomi’s overall image quality. The absence of information on OIS and lens apertures prevents a more granular analysis, but the Xiaomi’s likely sensor size advantage is a key differentiator.

Performance

The chipset battle is central here. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s Dimensity 9000+ (4nm) boasts a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.20 GHz, exceeding the Snapdragon 888’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-X1. This, combined with the more efficient 4nm process, translates to superior multi-core performance and improved thermal management. The Snapdragon 888, while still powerful, is known to throttle under sustained load. The Xiaomi’s Cortex-A710 cores (2.85 GHz) also offer an architectural advantage over the Snapdragon’s A78 cores (2.42 GHz). This means faster app launches and smoother multitasking for the Xiaomi.

Battery Life

Both devices offer fast charging – 67W for the Xiaomi and 65W for the Asus. While seemingly similar, the Xiaomi’s Dimensity 9000+ chipset is more power-efficient, meaning it can deliver comparable battery life with potentially a smaller battery capacity (data not provided). The Xiaomi’s QC4 support is also slightly more versatile than the Asus’s QC5. Both achieve a full charge in under an hour, but the Xiaomi’s efficiency gives it an edge in real-world usage scenarios.

Buying Guide

Buy the Asus Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders if you are a dedicated Snapdragon enthusiast who values direct access to Qualcomm’s latest technologies and are willing to potentially manage thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. Buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) if you prioritize a balanced experience with excellent performance, efficient power consumption, and faster charging speeds, making it ideal for everyday use and demanding mobile gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the Asus phone overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While Asus may have implemented cooling solutions, throttling is likely to occur during prolonged gaming, potentially impacting frame rates and performance. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s Dimensity 9000+ is significantly more efficient and less prone to overheating.
❓ Does the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) support high frame rate gaming like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 9000+ is more than capable of handling high frame rate gaming. It should comfortably support 60fps in most titles, and likely achieve 90fps or higher in optimized games like PUBG Mobile with appropriate settings. The improved thermal management of the Dimensity chip ensures sustained performance during long gaming sessions.
❓ What are the benefits of the 4nm process in the Xiaomi 12 Pro's Dimensity 9000+?
The 4nm process allows for a higher transistor density and reduced power consumption compared to the 5nm process used in the Snapdragon 888. This translates to improved performance, better battery life, and reduced heat generation, resulting in a more efficient and enjoyable user experience.