The Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G: A Productivity Powerhouse with Some Caveats
Xiaomi has been steadily expanding its presence in the Indian laptop market, focusing on premium models designed for those who value performance and sleek aesthetics. The latest offering, the Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G, aims to stand out with its impressive 120Hz display and capable hardware, but is it worth the premium price tag? This in-depth review dives into the design, features, performance, and battery life of the Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Design and Features: Sleek Minimalism with a Few Trade-offs
The Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G exudes a minimalist aesthetic, embracing a clean, angular design with rounded corners. The dark grey aluminium body is adorned with a subtle sandblasted finish, adding a touch of sophistication. While the design isn’t particularly eye-catching, it delivers a professional and understated look.
Weighing 1.4kg, the Notebook Pro 120G isn’t a featherweight, positioning it more toward a desktop-focused experience rather than a super portable one. The narrow screen borders allow for a compact footprint, making it easy to carry around the office or classroom. A high-quality matte screen minimizes reflections, enhancing productivity and reducing eye strain.
The keyboard offers a practical layout with white backlighting, but the key travel feels mushy, which might take some time to adjust to. The large trackpad lacks a premium feel, and its texture could be improved for smoother gestures. The integrated fingerprint sensor within the power button offers a convenient and secure way to log in.
However, the port selection is a bit disappointing. While one Thunderbolt 4 port provides versatility for external displays and peripherals, the lack of an SD card slot and additional USB ports will likely frustrate some users, especially those who rely on external storage media.
Performance: Strong Core Hardware with Room for Improvement
The Notebook Pro 120G boasts a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor, equipped with four performance cores and four efficient cores, delivering a potent blend of power and efficiency. This makes it suitable for demanding tasks like multitasking, video editing, and light gaming.
The 120Hz refresh rate and stunning 2560×1600 resolution of the 16:10 display are undoubtedly its standout features. The high resolution offers a significant amount of screen real estate, ideal for spreadsheets and multitasking. However, the lack of HDR support and a specific mention of brightness levels might put off discerning multimedia enthusiasts.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics might struggle with heavier games, but for casual gaming or basic graphical tasks, it should suffice. The optional Nvidia GeForce MX550 GPU offers a noticeable boost in performance for games and creative tasks but comes at a higher price point.
Battery Life: A Disappointing Achilles’ Heel
While the Notebook Pro 120G promises “all-day” battery life, it falls short of this ambition. In real-world testing, battery life averaged around six hours with mixed usage. This is relatively short compared to some competitors, especially considering the high-resolution display.
The quick charging capability is commendable, allowing for a 50% charge within 35 minutes, which can be a lifesaver in a pinch. However, the overall battery performance is a significant drawback, especially for users who depend on portability and all-day productivity.
Verdict: A Powerful Productivity Tool with Some Trade-offs
The Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G is a capable laptop built for productivity with an impressive high-resolution display and fast processor. However, its shortcomings in keyboard comfort, trackpad quality, limited port selection, and underwhelming battery life might lead some users to reconsider.
At Rs. 76,999 for the version with the GeForce MX550 GPU, the Xiaomi Notebook Pro 120G faces stiff competition from other laptops in its price range. It might be a good choice for users who prioritize a spacious display and strong performance for work-related applications but require a more portable device for daily usage. Ultimately, the final decision hinges on individual preferences and priorities, as the Notebook Pro 120G offers a unique blend of features and might not be the perfect fit for everyone.
