ZTE nubia Z30 Pro vs Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity): A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) emerges as the stronger choice. The Dimensity 9000+’s 4nm process provides superior efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Snapdragon 888’s 5nm node, mitigating throttling during demanding tasks. While the nubia Z30 Pro boasts faster 120W charging, the Dimensity chip’s overall balance makes it the more refined flagship.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Z30 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 20 | 2022, July 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 25 | Available. Released 2022, July 13 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+ | LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MC10 |
| OS | Android 11, nubia UI 9 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/1.9, 35mm (standard), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/3.4, 123mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 64 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm | - |
| Single | 16 MP | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm |
| Triple | - | 50 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 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 100% in 15 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black, Black/Gold | Gray, Blue |
| Models | NX667J | 2207122MC |
| Price | About 640 EUR | About 570 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z30 Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
- Snapdragon 888 still offers strong peak performance
- Snapdragon 888 prone to thermal throttling
- Less power efficient than Dimensity 9000+
- Unknown display and camera specifications
Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)
- Superior power efficiency with Dimensity 9000+
- Sustained performance under load
- Likely better display quality and image processing
- Slower 67W charging
- Potentially higher price point
- MediaTek chipsets sometimes face software optimization challenges
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels, the provided data doesn't allow for a direct comparison of display characteristics. However, given Xiaomi’s history with flagship displays, the 12 Pro likely boasts higher peak brightness and potentially more accurate color calibration. The nubia Z30 Pro’s display specifications are unknown, but its focus on gaming suggests a high refresh rate is probable. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones aim for a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely feature capable camera systems. The Xiaomi 12 Pro, being a flagship, likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The nubia Z30 Pro’s camera performance will heavily rely on its sensor size and lens quality, which are currently unknown. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on both devices is probable, contributing to sharper images and smoother video recording. We can assume both phones will offer a variety of shooting modes, but the Dimensity 9000+'s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer faster processing speeds.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ (4nm) utilizes a more advanced fabrication process than the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm). This translates to improved thermal efficiency and sustained performance. The Dimensity 9000+’s Cortex-X2 core, clocked at 3.20 GHz, offers a slight clock speed advantage over the Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 (2.84 GHz). Furthermore, the Dimensity 9000+’s Cortex-A710 cores are architecturally superior to the Snapdragon 888’s A78 cores, resulting in better multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 888 is known to throttle under sustained load, a problem the Dimensity 9000+ largely avoids.
Battery Life
The ZTE nubia Z30 Pro’s 120W wired charging is a significant advantage, promising a full charge in just 15 minutes. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 67W charging, while still fast, is considerably slower. However, the Dimensity 9000+’s superior power efficiency means the Xiaomi 12 Pro will likely offer longer real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar or slightly smaller battery capacity. The Xiaomi 12 Pro also supports PD3.0 and QC4 charging standards, offering broader compatibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds available and are comfortable with potentially more aggressive thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. Buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) if you value sustained performance, better power efficiency, and a more balanced overall experience, even if it means slightly slower charging.