vivo S15 Pro vs Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity): A Detailed Performance and Feature Breakdown

Both the vivo S15 Pro and the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity variant) represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range flagship space. The S15 Pro focuses on a refined experience with rapid charging, while the 12 Pro leverages a more powerful chipset for demanding tasks. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balance of features and value, the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) is the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 9000+ chipset delivers noticeably superior performance, offsetting the slightly slower charging speed. However, the vivo S15 Pro remains a strong contender for those prioritizing charging speed and a potentially more refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S15 Pro Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, May 192022, July 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 27Available. Released 2022, July 13
Body
Dimensions158.9 x 73.5 x 8.6 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.34 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
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.20 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G710 MC10
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens50 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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakers (closed type)Yes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 70% in 18 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, BlackGray, Blue
ModelsV2207A2207122MC
PriceAbout 480 EURAbout 570 EUR

vivo S15 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 80W wired charging
  • Sleek and modern design (assumed)
  • Potentially more efficient Dimensity 8100 chip

  • Less powerful processor than the Xiaomi 12 Pro
  • May lack some flagship features found in the 12 Pro

Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)

  • Significantly more powerful Dimensity 9000+ chipset
  • Likely superior camera hardware and image processing
  • Flagship-level performance for demanding tasks

  • Slower 67W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Xiaomi 12 Pro, being a flagship, likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially a more sophisticated color calibration. The S15 Pro, while still excellent, may prioritize power efficiency in its display tuning. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume the 12 Pro offers a slightly more visually impressive experience, particularly in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Xiaomi’s flagship history suggests a greater emphasis on camera hardware and computational photography. The 12 Pro likely features a larger main sensor and more advanced image stabilization (OIS) than the S15 Pro. While the S15 Pro likely delivers excellent image quality, the 12 Pro’s superior processing power allows for more complex image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. We can assume both phones will have capable main sensors, but the Xiaomi likely has an edge in overall image quality.

Performance

The Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) holds a significant advantage in raw processing power thanks to its Dimensity 9000+ (4nm) chipset. This chip features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.20 GHz, compared to the S15 Pro’s Dimensity 8100 (5nm) with its Cortex-A78 cores peaking at 2.85 GHz. The 9000+’s more advanced architecture and smaller 4nm process node translate to better sustained performance and thermal efficiency. The 12 Pro also benefits from a more modern CPU core arrangement (1+3+4) versus the S15 Pro’s (4+4), further enhancing multi-tasking capabilities. The S15 Pro is still a capable performer, but the 12 Pro is demonstrably faster.

Battery Life

The vivo S15 Pro’s 80W wired charging is a standout feature, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 18 minutes. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 67W charging, while still fast, is comparatively slower. However, the 12 Pro’s more efficient Dimensity 9000+ chipset may offset this difference in real-world usage. Without knowing the battery capacities of each device, it’s hard to say which offers better overall battery life. The S15 Pro prioritizes *speed* of charging, while the 12 Pro aims for a balance of speed and efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S15 Pro if you need exceptionally fast 80W charging and prioritize a sleek design with a focus on everyday usability. Buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) if you prefer a more powerful processor for gaming, demanding applications, and future-proofing, and are willing to trade a bit of charging speed for that extra performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9000+ in the Xiaomi 12 Pro get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 8100 in the vivo S15 Pro?
While the Dimensity 9000+ is more powerful, its 4nm process node is more efficient than the 5nm node of the Dimensity 8100. This means the 12 Pro is *less* likely to throttle under sustained load, despite the higher performance. Xiaomi also typically employs robust cooling solutions in their Pro models, further mitigating heat buildup.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 80W and 67W truly noticeable in everyday use with the vivo S15 Pro and Xiaomi 12 Pro?
Yes, the 13W difference is significant. The S15 Pro's 80W charging can add a substantial amount of battery life in just a few minutes, making it ideal for users who frequently need a quick top-up. While 67W is still fast, the S15 Pro offers a more convenient charging experience.
❓ How does the software experience differ between vivo's Funtouch OS and Xiaomi's MIUI on these devices?
Funtouch OS is generally considered to be more refined and less cluttered than MIUI, though both have improved significantly over time. MIUI offers greater customization options, while Funtouch OS prioritizes simplicity and smoothness. Preference is subjective, but users seeking a cleaner interface may prefer the S15 Pro.