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Best redmi note 5 pro/ai midrange phone upgrade not more than ~$230

Ok, Whyred is a solid midrange, great dev community, tons of custom Roms & kernels, no notch and LED notification light... :laugh:
But there will always come the time where you'll have to move on. Redmi Note 6 didn't cut it for me, Note 7 didn't bring much difference in my own opinion but the Redmi Note 8 Series has caught my attention.
I am still not comfortable with the pro version with MTK processor.
Then there is the K20 and the K20 pro, Mi 9 and Mi 9t but I am not planning to spend more than $230 on midrange phone for now.
The thing I will look out for is screen - preferably AMOLED
Good CPU?GPU that is dev friendly and way better than whyred.
Battery 4000mah and above.
I am looking at Note 8pro but want to wait a bit to see more reviews and Dev community response.
Until then, my whyred is still kicking fine with Havoc OS and Kangaroo X OC kernel and GCAM 6.3 working perfectly.
Want to hear your own view.
WHAT'S YOUR NEXT PHONE AFTER WHYRED?

A Xiaomi for sure. Which one? I don't know. As long as my RN5 is in good shape and fit my needs, I'll keep it. I really need the call recording function, and with EMUI you have it, thus no android one for me. And I want to stay with Redmi phisolophy : good feature, good hardware and good price. Perhaps redmi note 9. [emoji4]
Envoyé de mon Redmi Note 5 en utilisant Tapatalk

Well there is a phone suggestion thread to ask whats your next phone
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
Right now happy with Redmi Note 5 Pro and will not buy any phone till 2020 (or 2021) My next phone will be from Xiaomi only, Maybe i will consider buying Mi A4 or Redmi Note 9 (If it comes with 5G)

I use my phone over 8 months now, Headphone Jack, no Notch, long lasting battery and a big screen, with very decent performant hardware. I will use my phone at least 2 years before I buy a new one. And hopefully when I buy a new one, there will be a mid range phone in the same price range as the Note 5 without any Notch. (I didn't like any types of Notches)
Sent from my Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 using XDA Labs

My note 5 is an amazing device and does everything I need it to to I doubt it will be replaced for a long while unless something special catches my eye
I recently purchased a note 7 and although it is a slight upgrade to the note 5 it's extra speed is hardly noticeable at all in day to day use I do like the 7's screen a little more even though I hate the notch.

Personally I'm planning to import a Redmi K20 Pro from China on 11.11 (big sales at that day), costs $300 right now

renoxtv said:
Personally I'm planning to import a Redmi K20 Pro from China on 11.11 (big sales at that day), costs $300 right now
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Click to collapse
HOW can you and I be thinking the same thing?
I watched Jerryrig durability test on K20 pro right now and realised it doesn't have micro SD card slot
But 128Gb is nice. I am still not planning on spending $300 on a midrange phone since my whyred still serves me faithfully.

I will buy a new phone after 5 years or until I can no longer get the latest android version through custom ROMs.

I bought my Rn5pro 3 months ago and while the Rn6 and Rn7 are available but I choose it and really like it, no plan to buy another one for 2 or 3 years :laugh:

hameedf said:
I bought my Rn5pro 3 months ago and while the Rn6 and Rn7 are available but I choose it and really like it, no plan to buy another one for 2 or 3 years :laugh:
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Click to collapse
Personally, the upgrade provided by Redmi not 6 and 7 are not worth it. Even the Redmi note 8 (non pro) version is not a worthy upgrade.
The Redmi Note 8pro is a no for me because of MTK chipset could have been a good upgrade.
So, I'll still have to wait for poco F2 or Redmi Note 9 series

A substantial upgrade isn't really in order in that price point yet. It'll be a minor upgrade at best. Go with Note 7 pro. Has good dev support, got USB-C and processor is a decent bump too.

bhargavbuddy said:
A substantial upgrade isn't really in order in that price point yet. It'll be a minor upgrade at best. Go with Note 7 pro. Has good dev support, got USB-C and processor is a decent bump too.
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SD675 is not a decent processor but high-class processor in midrange

SunilSuni said:
SD675 is not a decent processor but high-class processor in midrange
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Click to collapse
I still don't feel the substantial need to upgrade
To another SD 6** series bc whyred with OC Kernels is doing just fine in performance dept.
Would have gone for Mi 9t but lack of SD card and the Cost of 128Gb type puts me off. Not to talk about missing IR and front facing flash. But I love the Amoled screen but that won't be enough bc I don't like pop up camera. There is also poor development for Mi 9t & K20 here on Xda..
Redmi note 8 would have been the best upgrade if not for MTK Soc. If I sell my whyred, I might be forced to get 7pro while waiting for Redmi note 9 series to drop prices

Having done plenty of research and fully analyzed what I needed for my next midrange upgrade I will place my top priority for the next below and the next option.
#1 Pricey - Value for money is another reason why it will be Xiaomi but Realme is giving them a go in the midrange value for money. I still feel $250 range of phone should be fine for most purpose even strong gaming nowadays.
#2 Display - as a long time Samsung Galaxy Note user (Note 2 & Note 4) whyred screen didn't just cut it for me plus me noticing ghost image on the 3rd day of usage. The next phone has to be a clear upgrade on my Redmi note 5 ai
#3 Camera - decent camera is sure banker. Thanks to Gcam won't be a big problem.
#4 4000mah battery + Quick charge
#5 Not a pop up camera - I hate notches too but tear drop is fair in my eyes.. Dot is worse, Apple/pixel 3 type is worst. I don't like pin hole too. Seriously fell in love with Meizu screen design.
#6 sufficient LTE bands - band 3,7 and 28 are great but can live without (28)
Here are the top 3 I considered since Redmi note 8pro ruled itself out thanks to MTK processor. Mi 9t was close but outside my budget of $250, no SD card and that pop up camera... Redmi note 7 pro could have won the race if not for LCD screen
TOP 3 Considerations
#3 Realme 3 Pro - got almost everything I needed apart from the screen is still not an upgrade to my whyred. Still a good upgrade.
#2 Meizu 16XS - That Amoled screen and design is what I needed right now.
#1 Mi A3 - this one got my attention after all considerations. Super AMOLED, global LTE bands triple camera and stock android? Oh yeah! Bring it on... Till I say 720p screen. It is still not easy to say if it's an upgrade on whyred considering it's AMOLED but that resolution made me restless and led me to my final decision...
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!
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Xiaomi Mi CC9 is my next upgrade!
It has it's draw backs (like China Rom and less Int'l LTE bands) it fits my bill and ticks all my boxes.
The Good news is - CC9 global version is launching next week (16th September 2019) in Spain but rebranded as MI 9 lite.
Even without the global version, I'll still get CC9. But I'll have to wait a little to see how the Sept 16 goes. Yeah I did a lot of considerations, and research to get here.
I hope this could help someone analyze better or make a better decision for their next phone.
Except something dramatic happens (which I'll let you know if it did) Mi CC9 with ($250 (deal on Aliexpress) is my best decision for now

I am done with miui.... Moreover stock android 10 now comes with dark mode and miui like gestures... So thinking to go with a stock android phone next.... I was eagerly waiting for A3, but then the 720p thing happened... For time being am waiting for a worthy stock android phone below 14k... Not sure, but Nokia 8.1 may b the nxt one... Let see how its priced during big billion days and Great Indian festival...

rashied said:
I am done with miui.... Moreover stock android 10 now comes with dark mode and miui like gestures... So thinking to go with a stock android phone next.... I was eagerly waiting for A3, but then the 720p thing happened... For time being am waiting for a worthy stock android phone below 14k... Not sure, but Nokia 8.1 may b the nxt one... Let see how its priced during big billion days and Great Indian festival...
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I think Its better to wait for a phone launching with Android 10

k20 Pro or simple. Most probably I would go for simple 9T. But I will wait for dev community and see for which phone out of these two(s) their love will go.

SunilSuni said:
I think Its better to wait for a phone launching with Android 10
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Click to collapse
That's a great advice but the reason I joined xda is to get the latest android version (custom ROMs) and never depended on OEMs. But some OEMs are now great with software updates.
I usually go for SD processor not more than 1 year old with great dev community that way you might be getting updates for 2+ years after the OEM drops the device. I usually don't use phone more than 1 year or at most 2 years after which I resell (because I take good care of my phones) add some money and buy a better one.
The mi 9 lite (rebranded) Mi CC9 was launched today in Spain for €319 6/64G that will buy me a mi 9t (with better processor) and left with some change.
The way Xiaomi prices there device can be confusing.

Awais Malik said:
k20 Pro or simple. Most probably I would go for simple 9T. But I will wait for dev community and see for which phone out of these two(s) their love will go.
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Great idea!
9t is a great choice if not one of the best for midrangers but I feel K20 Pro is somehow in
Flagship range even though it has midrange price.
Either way, your choice is great and availability of funds will be the deciding factor.
Both devices have great dev community too

Bolumstar said:
Ok, Whyred is a solid midrange, great dev community, tons of custom Roms & kernels, no notch and LED notification light... :laugh:
But there will always come the time where you'll have to move on. Redmi Note 6 didn't cut it for me, Note 7 didn't bring much difference in my own opinion but the Redmi Note 8 Series has caught my attention.
I am still not comfortable with the pro version with MTK processor.
Then there is the K20 and the K20 pro, Mi 9 and Mi 9t but I am not planning to spend more than $230 on midrange phone for now.
The thing I will look out for is screen - preferably AMOLED
Good CPU?GPU that is dev friendly and way better than whyred.
Battery 4000mah and above.
I am looking at Note 8pro but want to wait a bit to see more reviews and Dev community response.
Until then, my whyred is still kicking fine with Havoc OS and Kangaroo X OC kernel and GCAM 6.3 working perfectly.
Want to hear your own view.
WHAT'S YOUR NEXT PHONE AFTER WHYRED?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for mi a3

Mi Note 10 - Is it still worth buying now?

Hi guys,
Just checking with you, is this still worth it to buy as of April 2020?
Mi 10 has been released here but the pricing is too much 2599 AED which is almost near the Samsung flagships and iPhone 11. iPhone SE 2020 has been released as well with identical pricing to mi note 10 pro
What bothers me is the software update which is the usual complaints about Xiaomi phones. I don't think there's an official Android 10 now.
Please let me know of your thoughts and advise if I should buy this or not, or if you have other recommendations, it is welcome too.
Thanks guys.

I advise you not to buy mi note 10 great phone but not support from xiaomi

REDOTHELLO said:
I advise you not to buy mi note 10 great phone but not support from xiaomi
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Click to collapse
is there anything you can suggest for the same price point?
Thanks for your reply. Mi 10 is released here but the pricing is too high

It still offers the best allround camera performance at the pricepoint it has now, which for me is the most important aspect.
But it is very slow at getting android 10, xiaomi in general is slow at updating to new android versions.
I would still buy it again, or wait for a global redmi k30 pro.
Mi 10/pro is just way too expensive.

OC-Freak said:
It still offers the best allround camera performance at the pricepoint it has now, which for me is the most important aspect.
But it is very slow at getting android 10, xiaomi in general is slow at updating to new android versions.
I would still buy it again, or wait for a global redmi k30 pro.
Mi 10/pro is just way too expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you. now I am deciding for mi note 10, real me x2 pro and Samsung note 10 (not the plus).
Still unsure but more on mi note 10 and x2 pro

Mi Note 10 is still worth for its main camera and 5x optical zoom. These two have OIS!
It is almost the cheapest phone with such camera, and the best thing is Unlockable Bootloader. Huawei and Oppo currently don't offer bootloader unlocking
Bad thing with Mi Note 10 is, the poor firmware development. No official Android10 yet, right?
Anyway Xiaomi lists it in MIUI12 update list so there should be soon.
Whatsmore, we are lacking kernel source or device tree to make custom roms or kernel.
Yesterday, Mi 10 Youth Edition (Mi 10 Lite Zoom Edition) with OIS 5x zoom camera was announced.
If Mi 10 Youth Edition get better firmware development, it will be a better choice than Mi Note 10.

sanoayyk said:
Mi Note 10 is still worth for its main camera and 5x optical zoom. These two have OIS!
It is almost the cheapest phone with such camera, and the best thing is Unlockable Bootloader. Huawei and Oppo currently don't offer bootloader unlocking
Bad thing with Mi Note 10 is, the poor firmware development. No official Android10 yet, right?
Anyway Xiaomi lists it in MIUI12 update list so there should be soon.
Whatsmore, we are lacking kernel source or device tree to make custom roms or kernel.
Yesterday, Mi 10 Youth Edition (Mi 10 Lite Zoom Edition) with OIS 5x zoom camera was announced.
If Mi 10 Youth Edition get better firmware development, it will be a better choice than Mi Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read today that that Stable Android 10 for CC9 Pro (Chinese Mi Note 10) was just released (V11.1.1.0.QFDCNXM). I think only a few days, then there will be a global stable...

This is the best for my budget but I am thinking due to the software updates. Realme got his own UI now. modified color OS so I am thinking this mi note 10 or the realme x2 pro

sanoayyk said:
Mi Note 10 is still worth for its main camera and 5x optical zoom. These two have OIS!
It is almost the cheapest phone with such camera, and the best thing is Unlockable Bootloader. Huawei and Oppo currently don't offer bootloader unlocking
Bad thing with Mi Note 10 is, the poor firmware development. No official Android10 yet, right?
Anyway Xiaomi lists it in MIUI12 update list so there should be soon.
Whatsmore, we are lacking kernel source or device tree to make custom roms or kernel.
Yesterday, Mi 10 Youth Edition (Mi 10 Lite Zoom Edition) with OIS 5x zoom camera was announced.
If Mi 10 Youth Edition get better firmware development, it will be a better choice than Mi Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5x might be too much, I usually use less than it, like there should be step between

the software and the CPU is the one that worries me here.

engineer000 said:
the software and the CPU is the one that worries me here.
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Click to collapse
The CPU is not an issue at all for my purposes. It's a gaming chip, so even if you play games it should be fine for most titles.
The software is another matter. I actually like MIUI, it's very iOS-like. It's the first Android I use with the stock launcher. But Xiaomi really sucks with the updates. They need to support their products better.
As pinni83 posted earlier, it looks like Android 10 is coming to us soon:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Stabl...fers-hope-for-Mi-Note-10-owners.463021.0.html
Just in time for the official release of Android 11 by Google.....

MacGuy2006 said:
The CPU is not an issue at all for my purposes. It's a gaming chip, so even if you play games it should be fine for most titles.
The software is another matter. I actually like MIUI, it's very iOS-like. It's the first Android I use with the stock launcher. But Xiaomi really sucks with the updates. They need to support their products better.
As pinni83 posted earlier, it looks like Android 10 is coming to us soon:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Stabl...fers-hope-for-Mi-Note-10-owners.463021.0.html
Just in time for the official release of Android 11 by Google.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it will be long waiting for the Android 11, yeah? I think I'm gonna go with realme. They are pushing their new UI that looks like color OS with Android 10 already so android 11 can be delivered earlier than xiaomi delivers in Mi note 10

Well, I did bought the MI note 10, and returned it... Decided to buy the realme x2 pro. Honestly, the cameras of the x2 pro are good enough, but the most impressive it's the difference of speed! 500€ for a phone with the snapdragon 730G it's just nonsense. Palm rejection is awful if you plan to play cod os fortnite, at least in my experience. FP super slow compared to the x2, even though the one in the X2 it's from the first generation of on-screen FP, but it's way more accurate then the one in the note 10. The MI note 10 it's a beautiful phone, screams premium, but compared to the X2 pro, for me, it does not stand a chance. We are all here because we like to experiment with our phones, searching for the best speed/functionality, or just to play around. In the X2 pro xda section, there is not alot of custom rooms, but in the last two weeks 3 new custom fw just appeared, so I think it will be a better phone to customize. I'm a Xiaomi fan, but for now, realme is going very strong and very cheap compared to others with inferior hardware.

luisarriaga said:
Well, I did bought the MI note 10, and returned it... Decided to buy the realme x2 pro. Honestly, the cameras of the x2 pro are good enough, but the most impressive it's the difference of speed! 500€ for a phone with the snapdragon 730G it's just nonsense. Palm rejection is awful if you plan to play cod os fortnite, at least in my experience. FP super slow compared to the x2, even though the one in the X2 it's from the first generation of on-screen FP, but it's way more accurate then the one in the note 10. The MI note 10 it's a beautiful phone, screams premium, but compared to the X2 pro, for me, it does not stand a chance. We are all here because we like to experiment with our phones, searching for the best speed/functionality, or just to play around. In the X2 pro xda section, there is not alot of custom rooms, but in the last two weeks 3 new custom fw just appeared, so I think it will be a better phone to customize. I'm a Xiaomi fan, but for now, realme is going very strong and very cheap compared to others with inferior hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your feedback. I'm checking where I can buy realme with local warranty here in UAE and will decide based on that. oneplus 8 here is a Chinese version flashed with oxygen OS so I doubt about 5G. I can buy realme here but it is import from India. I will check and let you know

ond96 said:
5x might be too much, I usually use less than it, like there should be step between
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 500 steps between from 1 to 50X (not really usable) in 0,1 steps. Best results are up to 5x, but good results also to 10 and 15 times. Look here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BzQBUmv0N-fBJfbLPyFKIMJS4D2qD2I6/view?usp=sharing
engineer000 said:
the software and the CPU is the one that worries me here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My last Xiaomi, Mi Mix 3 with Snapdragon 845, was not really faster, in some cases Note 10 is a little bit slower, but in most, especially networking, it´s much faster and smoother. But i´m not a gamer, for my usage the Note 10/ Pro is fast enough for all apps. In next month we will get Android 10/ MiUI 12, this will also be a big step forward.

Neo XL said:
There are 500 steps between from 1 to 50X (not really usable) in 0,1 steps. Best results are up to 5x, but good results also to 10 and 15 times. Look here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BzQBUmv0N-fBJfbLPyFKIMJS4D2qD2I6/view?usp=sharing
My last Xiaomi, Mi Mix 3 with Snapdragon 845, was not really faster, in some cases Note 10 is a little bit slower, but in most, especially networking, it´s much faster and smoother. But i´m not a gamer, for my usage the Note 10/ Pro is fast enough for all apps. In next month we will get Android 10/ MiUI 12, this will also be a big step forward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I am thinking about this too. MIUI 12 previews in youtube are very cool with the features I am missing in my former MIUI devices.

REDOTHELLO said:
I advise you not to buy mi note 10 great phone but not support from xiaomi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you say the phone is not supported by Xiaomi? MIUI 12 will be released for the Mi Note 10 sometime in June.

I was about to purchase the Mi9T and was bothered by the camera.
The Mi Note 10 seem to be the best for me.
I still did not purchase it. why?
The main difference from the 9T is the camera, and if that amazing camera lacks performance I'm not sure it worth that difference in price...
would appreciate your suggestions.

I currently have the Mi 9 SE. For me personally the performance is fine (snapdragon 712), battery is fine too (3070mah), camera is great but only with gcam (currently gcam mods have problems support all lenses) also very easy to debloat. I do mostly two things on my phone; browsing and tinkering with the camera. So naturally Mi 10 Note is perfect. I just worry about the size and weight. Is it easy to get use to it?

I'm mostly worried that adding 100$+ for the cameras (comparing to 9T) simply doesn't worth it.
The Note 10 has the exact same specifications in terms for cpu and graphics with the 9T.
The main difference are the cameras.
If the 730 does not stand up with the required performance for such great lens power, there's no use to it.
So here I am puzzled between 9T and Note 10...

Features missing?

I just bought a Xiaomi mi note 10 pro which seems to differ from the ones reviewed on you tube as mi10 pro.
It has no 8 k and the screen refresh speed is not selectable and it only has speaker at one end.
Are the first two a software issue that can be fixed? It’s on MIUI GLOBAL 11.1.2 and Android 10 qkq1.190825.002?

adwb49 said:
I just bought a Xiaomi mi note 10 pro which seems to differ from the ones reviewed on you tube as mi10 pro.
It has no 8 k and the screen refresh speed is not selectable and it only has speaker at one end.
Are the first two a software issue that can be fixed? It’s on MIUI GLOBAL 11.1.2 and Android 10 qkq1.190825.002?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought mi note 10 pro (device code tucana) which is a completely different device from mi 10 pro (device code cmi)

ted presley said:
You bought mi note 10 pro (device code tucana) which is a completely different device from mi 10 pro (device code cmi)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that explains that, I did not spot the difference in name and thought it was the full mi10 pro.
Not much I can do now it opened and used already.

Where to buy?

Anyone here know which site that have the cheapest price on F2 Pro?
Any site that is stored in EU in order to avoid custom costs.

@Peterrrrr said:
Anyone here know which site that have the cheapest price on F2 Pro?
Any site that is stored in EU in order to avoid custom costs.
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Click to collapse
Amazon....ebay from uk....eglobal....
Alliexpress is best bet tho..... Pay dhl delivery and get it tax free.... But if i am you....or if i can change..i would get xiaomi redmi note 10 pro. Everything better but processor

Hunteres said:
Amazon....ebay from uk....eglobal....
Alliexpress is best bet tho..... Pay dhl delivery and get it tax free.... But if i am you....or if i can change..i would get xiaomi redmi note 10 pro. Everything better but processor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
redmi note 10 pro doesnt have 5G...

Hunteres said:
redmi note 10 pro
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Click to collapse
Note 10 dosen't have 4K 60fps, 8K, hidden frontcamera...

Redmi has micro sd card....redmi has 120hz screen... Redmi has the looks...and its half the price

half price and half performance

NOSS8 said:
half price and half performance
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Click to collapse
Look bro...i have poco f2....i done 3 factory ressets after updates.... Its full of buggs.... I mean mine is bone stock...yet still failing to deliver....
Yes its superb phone....but again my father has redmi note 10 pro and its a beast

Question Xiaomi 12 vs Samsung galaxy s22

Hello!
If you are here I bet you like your xiaomi phones or you are like me and like have a powerful phone that is small... Ish.
(I've posted a similar post for the Galaxy side)
I am coming from an amazing old Zuk z2 pro... Which is a similar size as the galaxy s22 but is missing all those new cool things...
So it is time to change and update (I think).
I am getting ahead of myself (as the xiaomi 12 has not been announced outside of China... Not that it would stop me...) but :
Which one would you prefer and why?
Thanks!

How about Xiaomi 12X ?
Very similar than Xiaomi 12 but without wireless charging and prosessor is Snapdragon 870

Dayuser said:
How about Xiaomi 12X ?
Very similar than Xiaomi 12 but without wireless charging and prosessor is Snapdragon 870
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well news seem to say that it will not come out from China...
But you are right it should be added to the comparison.

emilic said:
Well news seem to say that it will not come out from China...
But you are right it should be added to the comparison.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah right.. I forgot that news. They really should global launch that too.

I'd say go with Xiaomi 12 pro. Comes with snapdragon 8 gen 1 processor and 120 W charger.

mujtaba93 said:
I'd say go with Xiaomi 12 pro. Comes with snapdragon 8 gen 1 processor and 120 W charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my main reason to compare the Xiaomi 12 and Galaxy S22 is their size... Going to the Xiaomi 12 pro I get a full 1cm more of awkward handling phone for taste and pockets...
Even when comparing the Xiaomi 12 and Galaxy S22, I have a 6mm difference in height... which I am willing to take (i guess) as long as I put a really really thin protection case (or none) on the Xiaomi 12.
But for the sake of this comparison, anything bigger than the Xiaomi 12 is out of scope ^^ (includes the Xiaomi 12 pro and the Galasy S22 +