In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to make an informed decision. Today, we’ll take an in-depth look at two impressive contenders in the smartphone arena: the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G and the Nothing Phone 2. We’ll compare these devices across various critical parameters, including battery life, storage, connectivity, software, camera capabilities, pricing, design, and other features. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these two smartphones stack up against each other and which one might be the right choice for you.
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G vs Nothing Phone 2: Overview
Before we dive into the detailed comparison, let’s get an overview of these smartphones.
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G
- Price: ₹39,998
- Release Date: April 27, 2022
Nothing Phone 2
- Price: ₹44,999
- Release Date: July 11, 2023
Now, let’s break down the comparison into various categories to see how these two phones fare against each other.
Battery Life
The battery life of a smartphone is a crucial factor, especially for users who are always on the go and rely heavily on their devices. Here’s how Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G and Nothing Phone 2 compare in terms of battery capacity:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
Battery Capacity: 4600 mAh, Li-Po Battery
Nothing Phone 2:
Battery Capacity: 4700 mAh, Li-Po Battery
Winner: In this category, the Nothing Phone 2 takes the lead with a slightly larger battery capacity. However, real-world performance may vary based on usage and optimization.
Storage
Having ample storage on your smartphone is essential for storing photos, videos, apps, and more. Let’s compare the storage options of these two devices:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- Internal Memory: 256 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
Nothing Phone 2:
- Internal Memory: 128 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
Winner: Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G wins this round with double the internal storage capacity compared to Nothing Phone 2. However, if you rely on cloud storage or don’t need extensive space, this might not be a significant factor.
Connectivity
Both these smartphones offer a wide range of connectivity options, including support for 5G networks. Let’s see how they compare in connectivity features:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- 5G Bands: n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n12/n20/n25/n28/n30/n38/n40/n41/n66/n71/n75/n77/n78
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz | 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Yes, v5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- USB: Yes, USB-C v2.0
- IR Blaster: Yes
Nothing Phone 2:
- 5G Bands: FDD N1/N3/N5/N7/N8/N20/N28, TDD N38/N40/N41/N66/N77/N78/N79
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) 5GHz, MIMO
- Bluetooth: Yes, v5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC
- USB: Yes, USB-C v2.0
- IR Blaster: No
Winner: Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G offers a wider range of 5G bands, making it potentially compatible with more networks worldwide. Additionally, it features an IR Blaster, which can be handy for controlling various electronic devices.
Software
The software experience on a smartphone can greatly impact user satisfaction. Let’s compare the software aspects of these two devices:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- Operating System: Android v12
- Custom UI: MIUI
Nothing Phone 2:
- Operating System: Android v13
- Custom UI: Nothing OS 2
Winner: Nothing Phone 2 boasts the latest Android version, which could potentially offer more advanced features and security updates. However, the choice between MIUI and Nothing OS comes down to personal preference.
Camera Capabilities
Smartphone photography has become increasingly important, and users expect high-quality camera systems. Here’s how the camera setups of these phones compare:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- Rear Camera:
- 50 MP f/1.9 (Wide Angle)
- 50 MP f/1.9 (Telephoto)
- 50 MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide) with autofocus
Nothing Phone 2:
- Rear Camera:
- 50 MP 24mm, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS f/1.9 (Wide Angle)
- 50 MP 114˚, 1/2.76″, 0.64µm, AF f/2.2 (Ultra Wide) with autofocus
Winner: Both phones have similar camera configurations in terms of megapixels, but Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G offers a dedicated telephoto lens, which can be advantageous for zoomed-in shots. However, camera performance depends on various factors beyond specs, such as software optimization.
Price
Price is often a deciding factor for many smartphone buyers. Let’s revisit the pricing of these two devices:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G: ₹39,998
Nothing Phone 2: ₹44,999
Winner: Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G is the more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Design
Aesthetics and build quality play a significant role in the overall smartphone experience. Let’s compare the design aspects:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- Dimensions: 74.6 x 163.6 x 8.16 mm
- Weight: 205 g
- Colors: White, Dark Gray
Nothing Phone 2:
- Dimensions: 76.4 x 162.1 x 8.6 mm
- Weight: 201.2 g
- Colors: Couture Blue, Opera Mauve, Noir Black
Winner: Design is subjective, but the Nothing Phone 2 offers a sleek and slightly slimmer profile with unique color options, potentially appealing to those looking for a distinct design.
Other Features
Let’s take a look at some additional features that set these phones apart:
Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G:
- Unique Features: No
- Water Resistance: No
- IP Rating: IP 53 (splash-proof)
Nothing Phone 2:
- Unique Features: “Spectrum” design with translucent back
- Water Resistance: No
- IP Rating: Not specified
Winner: The Nothing Phone 2 stands out with its “Spectrum” design, which offers a distinctive and unique look. However, neither phone has official water resistance ratings.
Conclusion
Both the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G and the Nothing Phone 2 are compelling smartphones with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Your choice between these two phones will ultimately depend on your priorities and preferences. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with ample storage and a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value the latest Android version, a unique design, and are willing to pay a bit more for these features, the Nothing Phone 2 could be the right pick for you.
Before making your final decision, it’s essential to consider what aspects of a smartphone are most important to you and how they align with your usage and needs.
