Okay, let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Poco F4 GT. I'll be looking at this not just from the spec sheet, but from the perspective of a user, like you or me, trying to figure out which device fits best into our lives.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 162.5 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while the Poco F4 GT is larger, feeling more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 210g | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry in your pocket or bag. |
| Build | Glass front & back, metal frame | Glass front & back, metal frame | Both devices offer a premium build quality with glass and metal, but the weight difference is noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Poco F4 GT has a larger display, which is great for media consumption and gaming. The Xiaomi 12's smaller screen makes it more compact and user-friendly for those with smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed images for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 395 ppi | While both are sharp, the Xiaomi 12 is negligibly sharper, making small text and images look a bit more crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both, great for watching videos and displaying photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in games and fast-paced social media feeds. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12's significantly higher brightness makes it much more visible under direct sunlight, whereas the Poco F4 GT is not rated for brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Both provide top-tier performance, capable of handling intensive gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,178,365 | Expect smooth and responsive performance across all applications and tasks, with a very slight edge to the Poco F4 GT. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both deliver exceptional graphics performance for gaming and visually demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 64MP, f/1.73, 1/1.7" Sony IMX686 Exmor RS | The Xiaomi 12 has a physically larger sensor, which should provide better low-light performance, while the Poco F4 GT has a higher resolution sensor for slightly more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" Sony IMX596 | The Xiaomi 12 offers a higher resolution, while the Poco F4 GT has a larger sensor. This could lead to different strengths in terms of clarity vs light sensitivity. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" OmniVision OV8856 | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 24 fps | Up to 4K @ 60 fps | The Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution video recording, making it suitable for those needing professional-grade video content. Both record crisp, stable footage. |
| DxoMark | 113 (Mobile) | N/A | The Xiaomi 12 shows a camera rating (which the Poco F4 GT doesn't). |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K video, PDAF, RAW | Gimbal, Laser Autofocus (LAF) | Both have a suite of great options, the Xiaomi 12 has OIS for stable shooting and the Poco F4 GT has a gimbal for very stable shots and LAF. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh | The Poco F4 GT has a slightly larger battery, which should give you a bit of extra battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 120W Fast Charging | The Poco F4 GT charges dramatically faster. The Xiaomi 12 has wireless charging options. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | The Xiaomi 12 has the advantage of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Both run Android, but the F4 GT is upgradeable to Android 13 giving the advantage in long term support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the latest standards, providing fast and stable internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with aptX | 5.2 | Both have latest version Bluetooth, with the Xiaomi 12 supporting aptX. |
| GPS | L1+L5, NavIC, QZSS | L1+L5 | The Xiaomi 12 offers more options for GPS signals, providing better accuracy in some areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both provide ample storage for apps, photos, videos and more, but there is no expandable option on either device. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both devices offer plenty of RAM to handle multitasking with no problem. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, so pick the internal storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 mics | Both offer high-quality audio, but the Poco F4 GT may offer slightly better voice capture (3 Mics vs 2) and slightly better spacial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | The Poco F4 GT has a slightly more user friendly placement of the fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer high level protection from damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both offer a comprehensive set of sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: The Xiaomi 12 excels with its compact form, higher display brightness, larger sensor camera, wider video capabilities, wireless charging, and more robust GPS support. It's the more refined, pocket-friendly option. The camera has been tested and rated with DxOMark giving an extra confirmation of its quality.
- Poco F4 GT: The Poco F4 GT shines with its larger display, slightly better performance score, and blazing-fast 120W charging, and gimbal for stable shots, making it more suitable for gamers and media lovers.
User Experience Differences:
- Handling: The Xiaomi 12 is easier to use one-handed and carry around; the Poco F4 GT is bulkier and heavier.
- Display: The Poco F4 GT offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen; the Xiaomi 12 is better outdoors with its higher brightness.
- Performance: Both perform exceptionally well, with very slight gains on the Poco F4 GT.
- Camera: The Xiaomi 12 provides overall better camera performance based on tests and specs.
- Battery: While the Poco F4 GT has a larger battery, it's the faster charging that makes a big difference and no wireless charging.
- Audio: Both offer great quality, but the Poco F4 GT has an edge with its 3 microphone array and potentially better spatial audio.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller screen and battery, but the wireless charging can be a deal maker for some.
- Poco F4 GT: Larger size and heavier build makes it less comfortable for extended use and pocketability, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a premium, compact phone with a great camera, excellent display brightness, and wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, photography enthusiasts, frequent travelers, those who value portability and wireless charging, and professional level video.
- Poco F4 GT:
- Best for: Gamers and media enthusiasts who crave a large display, the fastest charging speeds and don't need wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, watching videos, heavy multitasking, users on the go who need rapid charging, users who do not need wireless charging or professional-level video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- What size and weight are you comfortable with? If you prefer a pocketable device, the Xiaomi 12 is a better fit; If you want a larger screen and more substantial feel, the Poco F4 GT is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and professional level video, or do you prioritize gaming and fast charging? The Xiaomi 12 is best for photos/videos and wireless charging; The Poco F4 GT is tailored for gaming and rapid charging.
- Is wireless charging important to you? If wireless charging is a must-have, the Xiaomi 12 is the only option between these two. If not, then both are comparable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Commuter/Traveler: If you prioritize a lightweight and compact device with a great camera, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner for easy pocketability, great camera and wireless charging.
- Scenario 2: The Gamer: The Poco F4 GT is optimized for performance and a more immersive experience, also for the faster charging times.
- Scenario 3: The Professional Creator: The Xiaomi 12 for its higher video resolution and OIS making it the best option for this use case.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi 12. While the Poco F4 GT's fast charging and larger display are tempting, the compact design, great display brightness, amazing cameras, professional video recording, and wireless charging of the Xiaomi 12 better align with my priorities. I value a phone that is easy to handle and carry around, and the camera is a big factor, especially the video. The slight performance difference is negligible for my use case, and the wireless charging is a definite plus.
I hope this detailed analysis has been helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions!
