Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. I'll break down the tech specs, explain what they mean in real life, and help you figure out which phone best fits your needs. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what really matters for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably more compact, easier for one-handed use; the M4 Pro is taller and slightly wider. |
| Weight | 179g | 179.5g | Both are virtually the same weight. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12's screen is much more scratch and shatter-resistant than the M4 Pro. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.43" | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, but the difference is relatively minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp and crisp for everyday use. |
| PPI | 419 | 409 | Both screens have very similar pixel density, meaning similar detail levels. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 has smoother animations; scrolling and gaming will feel a little more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is drastically brighter, much better visibility in sunlight (The M4 Pro brightness is not specified, but we can assume it's much lower). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon in the Xiaomi 12 is a much more powerful chip - expect significantly faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 438,700 | The Xiaomi 12 has a much higher benchmark score. The Poco M4 Pro will feel considerably slower in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 730 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both have 50MP sensors, but they're very different. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX766 (1/1.56") | Samsung S5KJN1 (1/2.76") | Xiaomi 12’s larger sensor captures more light, leading to better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.88 | f/1.8 | Both have wide apertures for good low-light performance, but the M4 Pro is slightly wider, letting in a tiny bit more light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 12 has larger pixels on the sensor, which means more light is captured, leading to better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Xiaomi 12 captures more detail and is better for vlogging and video calls. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Samsung JD1 (1/3.14") | Omnivision OV16A10 (1/3.06") | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has a slightly larger sensor size for better selfies. |
| Selfie Pixel Size | 0.70 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has larger pixels on the sensor, which means more light is captured, leading to better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi 12 has slightly higher resolution, while the M4 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | The Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens, which the M4 Pro lacks. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 offers much better video recording quality, with 8K resolution support. |
| OIS | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12’s optical image stabilization results in smoother video and sharper photos, particularly in low light. |
| DXOMark | Mobile 113 | Not tested | Xiaomi 12 has a high score in mobile camera tests, indicating better photo and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The M4 Pro has a larger battery, which typically translates to longer battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12 charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | None | The Xiaomi 12 supports very fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes (10W) | None | You can use Xiaomi 12 to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12 is on a newer OS version, providing more up-to-date features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Xiaomi 12 has newer, faster WiFi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi 12 is on a newer Bluetooth Version. |
| GPS | Comprehensive Support | Basic Support | Xiaomi 12 provides much better location accuracy. |
| Other | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | Not specified | The Xiaomi 12 is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | Not specified | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly more RAM, improving multitasking. |
| Storage Expansion | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both devices offer good audio experiences. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive Sensor Suite | Basic Sensor Suite | The Xiaomi 12 has more sensors, which can be useful for some advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: The Premium Performer
- Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is a beast, making this phone incredibly fast and responsive for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Display: The 120Hz AMOLED panel with 1100 nits is a joy to look at, offering smooth animations and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Camera: Larger main camera sensor, OIS, and 8K video recording capabilities place the Xiaomi 12 in a different league for photography and videography.
- Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging mean you're never waiting long to get back in the game.
- Trade-offs:
- Battery: The 4500 mAh battery is smaller than the M4 Pro's, potentially leading to shorter battery life.
- Price: It comes at a premium cost compared to the M4 Pro.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: The Budget Champion
- Strengths:
- Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life on paper, great for users who prioritize endurance.
- Price: Significantly more affordable, providing great value for its price point.
- Slightly Larger Display: Good for media consumption and those who like larger screens.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: A more convenient unlocking option.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: The MediaTek Helio G96 is less powerful and will struggle with demanding tasks.
- Display: The 90Hz display is a little less smooth than the Xiaomi 12's, and lacks specified brightness for outdoor use.
- Camera: The camera system is not as advanced as the Xiaomi 12's, with a smaller sensor and no OIS.
- Charging: Slower 33W fast charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Target User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and anyone who prioritizes top-tier performance, excellent display, and a capable camera system.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Capturing high-quality photos and 8K videos.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity tasks.
- Enjoying vibrant media consumption in bright environments.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Target User: Budget-conscious consumers, students, and everyday users who want a reliable phone with long battery life and a decent display for media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and general usage.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users who want to prioritize price and endurance.
- Everyday photography and video.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you make the best choice, consider the following:
How much do you value performance?
- If you’re a gamer or a power user, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- If you are an average user who just checks social media or watches videos, the M4 Pro will be just fine.
How important is camera quality?
- If photography is important, and you want high quality photos and video, the Xiaomi 12 will not disappoint.
- The M4 Pro will still take nice pictures for basic use, but don't expect anything amazing.
What's your budget?
- If you're on a tight budget, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is the value pick.
- If money is not a problem, the Xiaomi 12 offers a premium experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Power User: You use your phone for gaming and demanding apps; you need the best performance. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12, without a doubt.
- Scenario 2: The Budget Buyer: You need a reliable daily driver with good battery life, and you are not too worried about top performance. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro.
- Scenario 3: The Content Creator: You need a high-quality camera with video recording and editing. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12.
- Scenario 4: The Everyday User: You primarily browse, communicate, and occasionally use basic apps. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for the budget, Xiaomi 12 if money is not a problem.
What Would I Choose and Why?
Personally, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12. While I appreciate the M4 Pro's larger battery and budget-friendly nature, my needs lean towards performance, screen quality, and advanced camera capabilities. I frequently edit videos and photos on the go, and the Xiaomi 12's superior processing power and image quality would make my workflow much smoother and efficient. While I’d likely need to carry a power bank at times because of the smaller battery, the other upgrades are more beneficial to my use case. The dramatically better screen in bright environments is also a very big factor for me, since I often use my phone outdoors.
Ultimately, it boils down to your specific needs and budget. The Xiaomi 12 is a power-packed device, while the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is a great budget option. Both are good phones, it just depends on which one is the best fit for you.
