Last evening, Xiaomi held a conference in China for the Xiaomi 12S series launch. Ahead of the event, it was rumored that the company will introduce a variant of the Xiaomi 12S Pro with a Mediatek chipset.
But in reality, the said device turned out to be a version of the Xiaomi 12 Pro instead, dubbed as Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition. It comes with some differences, and for that reason, it is priced lower.
Here in this article, let’s check out how the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition differs from the Xiaomi 12 Pro. At the same time, let’s try to draw a conclusion about whether it is a better deal purely based on on-paper specs.
Same Look, Limited Colors
In terms of design and dimensions (163.6 x 74.6 x 8.16 mm), the Xiaomi 12S Pro is identical to the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The only difference is that it weighs slightly lower at 201g as compared to 205g.
Since the device’s availability is limited, Xiaomi is offering it in only two colors (black, and blue). Whereas, the original comes in four colors (black, blue, purple, and green).
Dimensity replaces Snapdragon
As the name suggests, the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition is powered by a Mediatek chipset. To be precise, it is run by a Dimensity 9000 Plus SoC.
Thus, Xiaomi has become the first OEM to utilize both Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 (Xiaomi 12S series) and Dimensity 9000 Plus chips on smartphones.
The Mediatek Dimensity 9000 Plus inside the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition is a more stable chipset than the Qualcomm Snapdragon Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 housed in the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
The new chip is not only more power-efficient but also provides better thermal performance. Hence, the device should offer an overall better experience in the above factors.
Downgraded Camera System
The main highlight of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is its cameras. That’s not the case with the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition as it comes with a watered-down camera system.
The Dimensity variant retains the OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX707 primary sensor and the 32MP selfie camera from the Snapdragon model. However, the remaining two sensors are a weaker 13MP ultra-wide unit and a 5MP telemacro snapper instead of two different 50MP sensors for ultra-wide and 2x optical zoom.
The camera setup on the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition is identical to the one found on the compact Xiaomi 12S sans Leica image processing.
Bigger Battery, Slower Charging
The Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition is fueled by a 5,160mAh battery. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 12 Pro uses a smaller 4,600mAh battery.
But the Snapdragon version carries support for 120W wired charging, while the Dimensity model is limited to 67W wired charging.
Additionally, Xiaomi has dropped support for wireless charging on the Dimensity version. For the unaware, the Snapdragon variant carries support for 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Cheaper Pricing, Limited Availability
The Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition comes in 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB memory configurations priced at ¥3,999 ($597) and ¥4,499 ($671), respectively. It will be sold exclusively in China, and even there, it will be made available in limited quantities.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is sold in almost all the markets where Xiaomi has its presence. In China, it is priced at ¥4,699 ($701), ¥4,999 ($746), and ¥5,399 ($805) for 8GB + 128GB, 8GB +256GB, and 12GB + 256GB memory variants, respectively.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition is ¥700 cheaper than the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Therefore, it sounds like a good deal at first sight as the phones look identical.
But based on the above comparison, one can clearly say that the Dimensity model lacks so many features for the lower price tag. At the same time, we cannot deny the performance, thermal, and battery issue with the Snapdragon version.
Hence, if the improvements on the Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition are of more value to you than the overall feature set of the Xiaomi 12 Pro, then the newer model is likely a better option for you.
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