Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 8 mm | Poco M6 Pro is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. M12 is taller and thicker, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 179g | Poco M6 Pro is significantly lighter, easier to hold for longer periods and more portable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco M6 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Poco M6 Pro provides sharper text, images and videos, enhancing the overall visual experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Poco M6 Pro delivers a visibly clearer and more detailed display, better for reading and viewing photos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Poco M6 Pro has significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Poco M6 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations which can be noticeably nicer when navigating the UI or playing games that support the refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1800 nits | Poco M6 Pro offers vastly superior outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight. The M12's brightness is not specified, suggesting poor visibility outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra | Poco M6 Pro is significantly faster overall, better for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 450,000 | Poco M6 Pro's higher score indicates much better performance, feeling snappier and more responsive in everyday use and for demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M6 Pro has a more powerful GPU, offering better gaming performance, smoother graphics and lower loading times. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | Poco M6 Pro captures more detailed photos with the higher megapixel count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.79 | Poco M6 Pro captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Poco M6 Pro produces higher quality selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | M12 can capture wider scenes and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Similar functionality for creating bokeh effects, but sensor quality differences aren't specified. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | M12 can capture close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | Poco M6 Pro has a combined wide angle and macro lens with a higher resolution than the separate lenses of the M12. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | Poco M6 Pro offers smoother video with the 60 fps capture and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for less shaky footage. |
| Slow-Motion Video | No, 30fps | Yes, 240fps | Poco M6 Pro offers true slow-motion capture for more creative video options. |
| Additional Features | Digital zoom, Quad camera | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, OIS | Poco M6 Pro offers 4K video recording, optical image stabilization and better overall quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, expected to provide a full day of average use. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W | Poco M6 Pro charges significantly faster, getting you back to full power in a fraction of the time. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | Poco M6 Pro is running a more current version of Android, possibly offering more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Poco M6 Pro supports a faster Wi-Fi standard (802.11ac) offering higher speeds and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Poco M6 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version, offering enhanced connectivity and possibly better battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco M6 Pro supports more satellite systems for better accuracy and reliability in navigation. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Poco M6 Pro offers higher storage options, allowing for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Poco M6 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M6 Pro provides a significantly richer, clearer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Both provide biometric security but, M12's side-mounted design may be more convenient depending on user preference. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco M6 Pro offers significantly better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco M6 Pro has additional motion sensors (Compass, Gravity) which can enhance gaming and applications using those sensors. M12 has a Hall sensor which is not present on the Poco M6 Pro. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Offers separate lenses for ultrawide and macro photography, providing more flexibility for specific photo scenarios.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may prefer the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
- Hall Sensor: The M12 has a Hall Sensor, which is not present in the Poco M6 Pro.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate and brightness offers a dramatically better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra chipset and higher RAM options lead to significantly improved app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging reduces time spent waiting for your phone to charge.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, coupled with a wider aperture on the main lens, capture better quality photos, especially in low light. Video recording is also improved with the addition of EIS, 60 fps capture and slow-motion options.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, providing access to more features and possibly better security.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio provide a far superior audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards, offering better speeds, as well as modern Bluetooth and GPS technology.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides improved protection from scratches and drops.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Trades performance, display quality, charging speed and camera technology for a slightly lower price point, a Hall sensor, dedicated wide and macro lenses.
- Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro: Sacrifices having separate wide and macro lenses and a Hall sensor for a huge improvement in almost every other aspect of the phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier features.
- Users who Prefer Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Individuals who enjoy macro and ultra-wide angle photography over raw image quality.
- Basic Smartphone Use: Users who primarily browse the internet, check social media, and use basic apps.
Specific use cases:
- Casual photography with a focus on versatility rather than absolute quality.
- Everyday tasks such as calls, messaging, and basic internet browsing.
- Users who prioritize long battery life at the expense of fast charging.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who want smooth performance, faster app loading, and better multitasking capabilities.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display for video streaming, gaming, and social media.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who need a better GPU and higher refresh rate display for smooth gameplay.
- Photo/Video Enthusiasts: Users who want better quality photos and video recording capabilities.
- Users who Value Fast Charging: Those who need to quickly top up their phone on the go.
Specific use cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Extensive multimedia consumption.
- High-quality photo and video capture.
- Power-user tasks that require seamless multitasking and smooth performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If price is your primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be more appealing.
- How important is display quality and performance? If a crisp, bright display, smooth performance and fast charging are essential, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is the better option.
- Which camera features are most important? If you prioritize versatility with dedicated wide and macro lenses, the M12 may be preferable, however, the M6 Pro has a better quality camera, better video features and an additional wide-angle + macro combination lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget - If the user is primarily concerned with affordability, using the phone for basic tasks, and does not mind sacrificing performance and display quality, the Samsung Galaxy M12 could be a viable option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Focused User - If the user is an avid gamer, enjoys streaming videos and needs a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and a crisp display, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Who Wants a Good Camera - If the user wants a good overall experience, with great performance, and wants high quality cameras with 4k video capabilities, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is the better pick.
My Choice
Given the specifications and practical implications, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a more budget friendly option, the Poco M6 Pro offers significantly better performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed. The AMOLED screen, faster processor, higher refresh rate, and superior camera make it a more enjoyable phone to use for everyday tasks, media consumption, and gaming. The advantages offered by the Poco M6 Pro far outweigh the disadvantages of losing the dedicated wide and macro lenses. For the most part, people are unlikely to use those lenses more than the main camera which the Poco M6 Pro outshines in.
