Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Poco F6
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | The Poco F6 is smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold. The M12 is noticeably bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 179g | The Poco F6 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | The Poco F6 has superior screen protection, making it more durable and resistant to scratches and cracks. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Poco F6 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1220x2712 | The Poco F6 has significantly sharper visuals, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 446 | The Poco F6’s higher pixel density results in a much crisper display, with finer details visible. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Poco F6’s AMOLED screen provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the M12’s LCD panel, resulting in a much better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Poco F6 offers smoother scrolling and animations compared to the M12, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as resolution or panel technology. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2400 nits | The Poco F6 is drastically brighter, offering significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight compared to the M12 which will struggle in these conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Poco F6’s modern chipset results in dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,530,662 | The Poco F6's benchmark score indicates that it is capable of running more demanding applications with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 735 | The Poco F6's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing much better than the M12. |
| RAM | 3 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB | The Poco F6 has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and running more apps simultaneously without slowdowns. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | The Poco F6's slightly higher megapixel count and wider aperture may allow for better low-light performance and more detail in photos, but the differences may be subtle in practical use, while the sensor size is the same, the pixel size is slightly different. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.0 | The Poco F6's front-facing camera is much higher resolution and has a wider aperture, suggesting much better quality selfies especially in low-light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Poco F6 offers a higher resolution for wide-angle shots, but both have the same aperture. The larger pixel size on the Poco F6 might provide better low-light performance, and a bigger sensor would provide a better overall image. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which the Poco F6 does not have, but can likely achieve similar results with software. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The M12 has a dedicated macro lens which is not included in the Poco F6. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps (with EIS) | The Poco F6 can record much higher resolution video and features better video stabilization, making it a better choice for video recording. |
| Video Features | No Stabilization, No Slow-motion | EIS stabilization, Slow-motion 240fps | The Poco F6 has video stabilization and slow-motion capture for higher quality and diverse video capturing experience. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, but real-world battery life will vary based on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 90W Fast Charging | The Poco F6 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and enhancing the overall user experience. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Poco F6 has a much newer OS with the likelihood of more OS updates and better feature support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Poco F6 features newer Wi-Fi standards allowing for much faster download and upload speeds as well as better handling of crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | The Poco F6 has a newer Bluetooth version which usually offers better power management and connectivity range. |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 256GB, 512GB | The Poco F6 offers much more internal storage which is beneficial for storing more videos, photos and apps. |
| Audio | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The Poco F6 has much better audio quality for listening to music, watching videos and during calls. |
| Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | The M12 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which has proven to be more reliable compared to on screen sensors. |
| Expandable Storage | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone offers microSD card support, which could be limiting for those who need to store lots of media. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers flexibility in camera use with dedicated lenses that the Poco F6 lacks.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more reliable physical sensor that is easier to access.
- Potentially Cheaper: As an older device, the M12 may be available at a lower price point.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset provides vastly superior processing power, making it faster and more responsive for all tasks.
- Superior Display Quality: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, higher pixel density and higher brightness offer a much better viewing experience.
- Much Better Camera: Higher resolution on front and wide angle cameras, with better low light performance.
- Faster Charging: 90W charging replenishes the battery much faster, reducing downtime.
- Modern Features: Newer OS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth versions, along with a better audio setup.
- More Internal Storage: Comes with at least double the internal storage capacity.
- Modern Video: Higher quality and stabilization in video capture.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F6 lacks dedicated depth and macro cameras. It also has a basic fingerprint sensor.
- M12 has much slower performance and a lower quality display, making it a less enjoyable experience for demanding users, and an overall slower and older phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who primarily need basic smartphone functionality and do not require high performance or cutting-edge features. This could be less technically inclined older individuals who would find the M12 easier to use and be sufficient for its intended use.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, calls and texts. Casual photography is okay, but is not this phone's strong suit.
- Price-to-Value: If purchased used at a deep discount this phone may offer some value, but as new, this phone struggles to compete with modern budget devices.
Xiaomi Poco F6:
- Ideal User: Users who demand high performance, a great display, excellent camera capabilities, and fast charging speeds. This phone is for individuals who appreciate cutting-edge technology.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, photography, consuming streaming content, and power-user multitasking. This phone would also be good for travelling due to its camera, fast charging and battery.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its performance and features, making it a very compelling choice for the money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (e.g., basic communication, gaming, photography, etc.)
- What is your budget? (Are you seeking the cheapest option or are you willing to pay for better features?)
- How important are display quality and performance to you? (Do you prioritize a vibrant screen and smooth operation, or are you okay with a basic display and less powerful performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If your budget is extremely tight and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may suffice, especially if bought used at a significant discount.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Visuals Matter: If you prioritize a high-quality display and smooth performance for gaming and media consumption, the Xiaomi Poco F6 is the obvious choice due to its superior screen, processing power and camera.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you need a phone that provides a solid performance boost over the M12, the Xiaomi Poco F6 is the only real option here.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F6 without hesitation. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed is too significant to ignore. The M12 is simply too outdated to be a viable option in 2024, even if budget is a concern. While the M12 is likely cheaper, the user experience would be so much worse than the F6. I value performance, great visuals, a decent camera and fast charging, all of which the Poco F6 delivers exceptionally well. While it lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras, the overall experience and superior image quality in other areas make up for this omission. The Poco F6 is a much better option, and a well rounded phone that would fulfill my needs.
