Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. These two phones represent different tiers within Xiaomi's lineup, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, comparing them side-by-side with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm, 204g | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm, 200g | The Poco M4 5G is slightly larger and thicker but only negligibly lighter. Both are generally manageable sizes. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.58" | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | The 12 Pro's higher resolution results in a much sharper, crisper image. |
| Pixel Density | 521 ppi | 401 ppi | The 12 Pro provides significantly clearer text and images due to a much higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The AMOLED on the 12 Pro has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy compared to the IPS LCD on the Poco M4 5G, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 12 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The 12 Pro has dramatically higher brightness for much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight; The Poco M4 5G brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | The 12 Pro's Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 381,300 | The 12 Pro's benchmark score is substantially higher, reflecting significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 730 in the 12 Pro provides much better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2, sensor model not specified | The 12 Pro's camera has higher resolution, a larger sensor and wider aperture for much better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2 | The 12 Pro's selfie camera has much higher resolution for sharper, detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | Not Available | The 12 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for versatile photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | The 12 Pro's portrait lens has much higher resolution and wider aperture for better portrait shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 24fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | The 12 Pro supports much higher video resolution (8K) with advanced stabilization features; The Poco M4 5G lacks support for 4K and advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark | 129 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | Not Tested | The 12 Pro has been thoroughly tested by DxOMark, reflecting its superior camera capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Extensive - OIS, Ultra Stable Video, RAW, etc. | Basic features, no OIS | The 12 Pro has a much more extensive feature set, including Optical Image Stabilization for better image stability. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Poco M4 5G has slightly more battery capacity, but real-world battery life is also impacted by the processor and screen usage. |
| Charging | 120W fast charging, 50W Wireless | 18W fast charging | The 12 Pro offers significantly faster wired charging and also supports wireless charging, resulting in much faster charging times overall. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging, Surge P1 chip | Reverse charging | The 12 Pro boasts advanced charging features and tech, including faster wired, wireless charging and Xiaomi’s custom P1 charging chip which manages power draw. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run on the Android 12 platform. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The 12 Pro supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | 5.1, EDR, HID | The 12 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version with higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | Advanced system with L1/L5 | Basic A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for superior location accuracy. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | The 12 Pro offers more internal storage options; both do not have expandable storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB | The 12 Pro offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking, especially during heavy usage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The 12 Pro provides a much more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side mounted finger print sensor is more advanced and practical. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12 Pro uses a more durable screen protection from Corning. |
| Sensors | Advanced suite, including Barometer, RGB | Basic set | The 12 Pro includes additional sensors that cater to gaming and advanced functions. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: A flagship experience with superior display quality, processor performance, camera system, and charging speeds. The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade and the overall user experience is very premium.
- Competitive Advantages: 120Hz AMOLED display, the power of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, top-tier camera capabilities, and super-fast 120W charging with wireless options. It also has a much higher brightness rating which makes it suitable for viewing outdoors.
- Trade-offs: Higher cost, heavier than Poco M4 5G. The smaller battery can be a point of concern although the fast charging mitigates some of that.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Strengths: Affordable price point with 5G connectivity and large battery. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch.
- Competitive Advantages: Lower price, decent battery life, and 5G support. A solid choice for budget-conscious users needing the latest connectivity without breaking the bank.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less powerful processor, lower-quality IPS LCD display, a basic camera system, and slower charging. The lack of brightness may be concerning for people who use their phone outdoors often.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Power users, mobile gamers, photographers, content creators, and those who prioritize premium experiences and performance, while having a larger budget.
- Use Cases: High-performance gaming, professional-grade photography, video editing, smooth multitasking, and an overall luxurious smartphone experience. Ideal for people who spend a lot of time on their phones.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users, individuals seeking essential smartphone features, everyday users, and those who prioritize long battery life and connectivity.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, messaging, light gaming, streaming, and those who value 5G connectivity without requiring top-tier performance or a high-end camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget?
- If you are on a tight budget, the Poco M4 5G is the clear choice. If you can spend a little more the 12 Pro offers a lot more premium features.
- How much do you value performance?
- If you need the best possible performance and enjoy high-end gaming, the 12 Pro is a much better choice. For basic needs, the Poco M4 5G will suffice.
- How important are camera quality and display?
- If you take a lot of photos and videos, or you value a vibrant, sharp display, the 12 Pro is far superior. If you just need a camera for basic functions, the M4 5G is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A student on a budget needing a phone for schoolwork, social media, and basic media consumption. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 5G.
- Scenario 2: A mobile gamer who wants top performance, the best graphics, and a responsive display. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Scenario 3: A photographer who wants high quality photos, video, and a versatile camera setup. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Scenario 4: A professional who uses their phone for work, often multitask between apps and require good performance, a smooth display and great battery life. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Scenario 5: A user who is looking for a phone to stay connected, browse the internet and make phone calls with an occasional photo with a focus on cost. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 5G.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I'd personally go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Poco M4 5G is a respectable budget phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s advanced features, especially its incredible display, flagship performance, and superior camera system align better with my needs and are worth the extra cost. As a tech journalist, I value a device that can keep up with my demanding workflows, and the 12 Pro’s power and capabilities are hard to ignore. The vastly superior display, significantly better camera system, faster charging, and advanced feature set are all key for someone like me who needs a workhorse of a phone. While the Poco M4 5G is a good budget option, it simply doesn't offer the premium experience that I am looking for.
