Xiaomi Mix 4 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive smartphones, and the Mix 4 and 12 Pro are prime examples. Both offer premium features and performance, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the perfect device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 12 Pro edges out the Mix 4 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, brighter display, and slightly more refined software experience. While the Mix 4 boasts incredibly fast charging, the 12 Pro's overall package makes it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mix 4 Xiaomi 12 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, August 102021, December 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 16Available. Released 2021, December 31
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions162.6 x 75.4 x 8 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.31 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
Weight225 g (7.94 oz)204 g or 205 g (7.20 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (HBM)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12.5Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm, under display32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/4.1, 120mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, 48mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@24fps (HDR), 4K@30/60fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm, under display32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR10+
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), 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-C 2.0USB 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 or 6e (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportVirtual Proximity Sensing
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 15 min 50W wireless, 100% in 28 min120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 18 min 50W wireless, 100% in 42 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4600 mAh
Misc
ColorsCeramic Black, Ceramic White, Shadow GrayGray, Blue, Purple, Green
Models2106118C2201122C, 2201122G
PriceAbout 660 EUR€ 317.40 / $ 349.99 / £ 364.66 / ₹ 41,999
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.60 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 74h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -29.5 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 985226 (v9) GeekBench: 3682 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mix 4

  • Incredibly fast 120W wired charging
  • Unique under-display camera
  • Premium design
  • High refresh rate display

  • Under-display camera image quality can be inconsistent
  • Snapdragon 888+ is slightly older
  • Wireless charging is slower than some competitors

Xiaomi 12 Pro

  • Superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Refined software experience
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Charging speeds slightly slower than Mix 4
  • Potential thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Design less distinctive than Mix 4

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 12 Pro takes the display crown with its measured 1050 nits peak brightness, offering significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. While the Mix 4 has a good display, it lacks the same level of brightness. The 12 Pro's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests excellent black levels and vibrant colors, further enhancing the viewing experience. Both phones feature high refresh rates for smooth scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro likely has a slight advantage due to software optimizations and potentially better image processing. The Mix 4's under-display camera is a unique feature, but image quality often suffers compared to traditional front-facing cameras. Detailed camera specs are missing, but the 12 Pro's reputation suggests a more consistent and higher-quality photography experience.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro generally outperforms the Snapdragon 888+ in the Mix 4, offering slightly better efficiency and sustained performance. While both are powerful chips capable of handling demanding tasks, the 12 Pro's newer architecture provides a noticeable edge in intensive gaming and multitasking. Thermals are a consideration for both, but the 12 Pro's improvements are generally better.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive battery life, with an endurance rating of 74 hours. However, the Xiaomi Mix 4's 120W wired charging is significantly faster than the 12 Pro's 120W, allowing for incredibly quick top-ups. The 12 Pro's 50W wireless charging is slower than the Mix 4's, and it also includes 10W reverse wireless charging, a feature absent on the Mix 4.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mix 4 is ideal for users prioritizing blazing-fast charging speeds and a unique under-display camera experience. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is better suited for those seeking top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a more polished overall experience, especially if photography is a key consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the under-display camera on the Mix 4 any good?
The under-display camera is a novelty, but image quality isn't as good as a traditional front-facing camera. It's functional, but not a standout feature.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi 12 Pro, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, generally offers better sustained performance for gaming, although both are capable.