Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Poco M5s. I'll break down the specs, translate the tech jargon, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
Xiaomi 12 vs. Xiaomi Poco M5s: A Deep Dive
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 179g | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm, 178.8g | The Poco M5s is slightly larger and a hair lighter. The 12 is more compact, ideal for one-handed use. Both feel very similar in the hand. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | The 12 has a more premium build, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus. The M5s might be slightly more prone to scratches and cracks with the Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28 inches | 6.43 inches | The Poco M5s has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals at the same resolution, but the 12 has a higher PPI due to smaller size. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The 12’s 120Hz display is noticeably smoother for scrolling, gaming, and overall usage, while the M5s is a more standard, smooth 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Excellent visibility outdoors, even in bright sunlight on both phones. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | MediaTek Helio G95 (12 nm) | The 12 has a flagship-level processor, meaning it's significantly faster for demanding tasks. The M5s is okay for day to day, but is significantly less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 418,627 | The 12 is more than twice as fast as the M5s in benchmarks, and this translates to a huge difference in real-world speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G76 MC4 | The 12 has a more powerful GPU, meaning better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" sensor | While the Poco M5s has a higher resolution, the 12’s larger sensor and wider aperture will likely result in superior low-light performance, and better dynamic range. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" sensor | The 12 has a higher resolution front camera, but the M5s has a slightly larger sensor, which may result in more light sensitivity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The 12 offers more resolution in wide shots, but the M5s has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The 12 has a higher resolution macro lens, which gives more detail in macro photography. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | 4K@30fps | The 12 supports higher resolution videos with HDR, and better image stabilization. |
| DXOMark | 113 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | Not Tested | The 12 has been tested and shows good overall camera quality, whereas the M5s doesn't have any official score to compare. |
| Features | OIS, Ultra stable video, 8K video, Triple Camera, RAW | Quadruple Camera, Depth sensor | Xiaomi 12 has a triple camera with OIS, RAW capabilities and better quality modes such as 8K video whereas Xiaomi Poco M5s provides a depth sensor, and a quad camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M5s has a larger battery which likely results in better battery life, but it will also depend on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 33W Fast Charging | The 12 charges much faster, with both wired and wireless options. |
| Features | 50W Wireless charging | None | The 12 also boasts wireless and reverse charging which the M5s does not have |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run on Android, but the underlying experience may differ based on MIUI versions and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The 12 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more stable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | The 12 offers a slightly newer version for improved connectivity and lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The 12 provides better positioning due to a higher level of satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer ample internal storage, but the base storage for the M5s is lower. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The 12 offers more RAM, for better multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12 has a slight edge in audio quality, offering a better sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Poco M5s has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Protection | |||
| Screen | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12's screen is more resistant to scratches and shatters. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The 12 adds an RGB sensor for a better range of sensing capabilities and more accurate readings. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: This is the performance powerhouse. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, coupled with 8/12GB of RAM, means it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it with ease and speed. The 120Hz display adds to the smooth experience, and the higher-end camera components mean better photos, especially in challenging lighting situations. The inclusion of 50W wireless charging is a great benefit.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: The M5s is the budget-friendly all-rounder. While it lacks the raw power of the Xiaomi 12, it provides a solid, reliable performance for everyday tasks and media consumption. The larger battery is a key advantage, while its higher resolution main camera produces decent shots. It also features a convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, professional content creators, users who want the best performance and camera.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video editing, photography, heavy multitasking, smooth web browsing and scrolling
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, casual photographers, and users who need a solid phone for daily tasks, media consumption, and occasional gaming
- Use Cases: Social media, streaming, casual gaming, daily communication, mobile photography and video for personal use
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you make a decision:
- How important is top-tier performance? If you need the absolute best performance, the Xiaomi 12 is the only choice of these two. If basic tasks and the occasional game are enough, the Poco M5s should suffice.
- How important is battery life? If you are constantly on the move and prioritize battery life, the M5s would be better suited to your needs.
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi 12 will likely cost significantly more than the Poco M5s. If you’re looking for the best value per dollar, the M5s makes more sense.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Go for the Xiaomi 12. Its superior chipset and 120Hz display will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
- The Photographer: The Xiaomi 12 will provide better quality pictures, better video capabilities, more advanced features and overall better performance.
- The Daily Driver: For general day-to-day use, the Poco M5s will likely get the job done while saving money.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Poco M5s is the clear winner here, offering solid all-around performance without breaking the bank.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself as someone who likes to do a bit of everything, I would choose the Xiaomi 12.
Here's why:
While I appreciate the M5s' long-lasting battery and affordability, the sheer performance difference is significant. As a tech journalist, I often push my phone with multitasking, capturing high-quality photos/videos, and the occasional mobile gaming. The Xiaomi 12's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, combined with the 120Hz display, would give me a much better overall experience, providing a much smoother experience in comparison.
I would happily trade some battery life for this performance and superior camera experience. The enhanced camera capabilities of the 12 would allow me to capture better quality images and videos for content creation. While it is more expensive, I believe the Xiaomi 12 provides a better overall experience for my specific use case.
