Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro. This is going to be fun, breaking down the tech and seeing which one comes out on top for different types of users.
Xiaomi 12 vs. Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro: A Deep Dive
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 160.9 × 75 × 8.2 mm | The Poco F6 Pro is larger, which might feel less comfortable in hand for some but offers a bigger display. |
| Weight | 179g | 209g | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more convenient for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | Poco F6 Pro provides more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3200 | Poco F6 Pro offers a significantly sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 526 ppi | The Poco F6 Pro will have crisper text and images, a clear advantage for visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; the difference is not in the panel type but in its calibration and features. |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 4000 nits | The Poco F6 Pro is dramatically better in bright sunlight, a must for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | The Poco F6 Pro has a newer, more powerful processor for smoother performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,642,770 | The Poco F6 Pro benchmarks much higher, promising a faster and more fluid user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 in the Poco F6 Pro allows for more robust graphics capabilities for gaming and resource intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.6, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50E) | Both have good image quality; the F6 Pro's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP (1/3.14", Samsung JD1) | 16MP (1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q) | Xiaomi 12 might have more detailed selfies in well lit conditions, but the Poco F6 Pro has larger pixel size improving low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355) | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution wide angle, but the Poco F6 Pro has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1) | The Xiaomi 12 has a better macro resolution, but in reality, most are not using macro often. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 113 (Photo: 118, Video: 121) | Not tested | Only Xiaomi 12 has been tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, HDR, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, HDR, Night Mode, Flicker sensor, Noise reduction | Both are packed with similar camera features, with the F6 Pro adding a flicker sensor for better capture in artificial lighting, and noise reduction algorithms. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco F6 Pro has a larger battery for potentially longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast, Wireless 50W | 120W Fast | The Poco F6 Pro charges much faster, a great advantage for busy lifestyles. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse charging | Xiaomi P2 fast charging chip, Xiaomi G1 battery management chip | Both feature reverse charging, but the 12 has wireless charging and the F6 Pro has faster wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Poco F6 Pro comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | The Poco F6 Pro is equipped with the latest WiFi standard that improves connection speed and latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Poco F6 Pro has a more recent version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Poco F6 Pro supports more satellite systems for potentially improved GPS accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | The Poco F6 Pro offers much more storage capacity, which is great for storing lots of photos, videos, and large files. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12/16GB | The Poco F6 Pro offers more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has a slight edge due to dual microphones that allow for better noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 offers better scratch resistance with a better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor which can be more reliable and the F6 Pro has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: It's designed for those who prefer smaller, easier-to-handle devices without compromising on performance.
- Slightly Better Audio: Dual microphones offer clearer audio during calls and recordings, an advantage for people who need good audio.
- 50W Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is useful for those who like charging without the need to plug in.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a significant performance boost, excelling in gaming and resource intensive apps.
- Higher Resolution Display: The sharper and brighter display is ideal for media consumption and detail oriented tasks.
- Bigger Battery and Faster Charging: A larger battery combined with 120W charging means you'll be spending more time using it and less time waiting for it to charge.
- Modern Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer future-proof connectivity features that might be required in the coming years.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Older chipset, smaller display, less impressive brightness in sunlight, slower charging speeds.
- Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro: Larger and heavier, may not appeal to users who prefer compact phones, missing some sensor data.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Users who value portability: If you prefer a smaller, lightweight phone that's easy to carry around and use with one hand, the Xiaomi 12 is a great option.
- Those who need good audio: For users who frequently use their phone for calls or voice recording, the dual microphones can be beneficial.
- Users who want a premium compact: This phone is good for those who prioritize a balanced and compact design with still very capable features.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro:
- Power users and gamers: If you prioritize top-tier performance, the Poco F6 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is perfect for gaming and demanding applications.
- Media enthusiasts: The sharper, brighter display is fantastic for watching videos, and the bigger display size offers a great viewing experience.
- Users on the go: The larger battery and 120W charging mean you’ll experience minimal downtime and get through a full day of use with less power anxiety.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help decide:
Size and Comfort: Do you prefer a compact and lightweight phone for easier handling, or are you comfortable with a larger device for an enhanced visual experience?
Performance and Battery: Is top-tier performance and rapid charging a priority, or are you willing to compromise for a more balanced overall design?
Display Quality: Is a high-resolution and brighter display essential for your use case, or is the display on the Xiaomi 12 acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Tech Enthusiast: Choose the Poco F6 Pro. It’s the more powerful and feature-rich device with faster charging, a higher resolution display, and the latest chipset.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi 12 is a solid choice. It's more affordable, compact, and still capable of handling everyday tasks without issues.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The Poco F6 Pro is recommended for its larger battery, rapid charging, and superior performance, as it will help you get through a busy day.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro. While I appreciate the compact design of the Xiaomi 12, my needs lean more towards the raw power and superior display offered by the Poco F6 Pro. As a tech journalist, I am often multitasking with various applications, consuming media, and playing games, all of which would benefit from the enhanced performance, screen, and battery capabilities of the Poco F6 Pro. The faster charging is also a big plus for a busy person like myself. The trade-off in size and weight is acceptable to me given the overall benefits of the F6 Pro.
This has been a blast. Let me know what else you need.
