Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Poco F6. These two phones, while both from Xiaomi, cater to different needs and preferences, and I'm excited to break down what that means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-05-23 | The Poco F6 is significantly newer (by about 2.5 years) which will mean a newer software platform and likely more support from the manufacturer. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | The Poco F6 is noticeably larger, which may be a factor in handling and pocketability. |
| Weight | 176g | 179g | Both phones are similarly lightweight, making them comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Poco F6 offers a larger screen, which is great for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The Poco F6 has a crisper display with higher resolution, leading to sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 446 | The Poco F6's higher pixel density results in slightly sharper visuals, though the difference may not be noticeable for many users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones feature vibrant and deep blacks from an AMOLED display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations at 120Hz. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 2400 | The Poco F6's significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | The Poco F6 boasts a newer, more efficient chipset, likely offering better performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 1,530,662 | The Poco F6 has significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating better overall speed for applications and demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 735 | The Poco F6 has a more modern GPU, which provides better graphics rendering for gaming and visually intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both have a 50MP main camera. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.88 | f/1.6 | The Poco F6 has a wider aperture, potentially capturing more light and performing slightly better in low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/2" | The Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor, which typically means better light gathering and potentially better image quality in various conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX766 | Sony IMX882 | Both use Sony sensors, but the IMX882 in the Poco F6 is the more modern sensor. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 0.70 µm | The Xiaomi 12X's larger pixel size can capture more light per pixel, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 20MP | The Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution selfie camera that will capture more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | The Poco F6's wider aperture may lead to better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | The Xiaomi 12X has a higher resolution for its wide angle lens, allowing for more detail in landscape photography. |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The Poco F6's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, potentially improving low-light performance in wide-angle photography. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.8" | The Poco F6 has the larger sensor of the two wide angle lenses which can result in more detail and better low light performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | The Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, whereas the Poco F6 does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Xiaomi 12X is capable of shooting in a higher resolution at 8K while the Poco F6 is limited to 4k, however both are very capable video recording devices. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco F6 has a larger battery, which should translate to longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 67W | 90W | The Poco F6 has faster charging, so you can get back on the go quicker. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Poco F6 comes with a much newer version of Android, meaning more current software and features as well as more support by Google. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | The Poco F6 uses the most current version of bluetooth, which should mean more stability and better efficiency when compared to older versions. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple + Galileo | Both phones have a plethora of GPS standards and methods, while the Xiaomi 12X has more specific options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both devices use dual nano sim cards for two sim slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | The Poco F6 offers more internal storage, better suited for users who store large libraries of media. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both devices offer the same RAM options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The Poco F6 has more microphones, which will likely lead to better voice quality during calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer standard fingerprint security measures. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer top tier screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths: A more compact design, a higher-resolution selfie camera, larger main camera sensor, and more video recording resolutions. These make it a strong option if you prioritize photography and videography, or smaller form factors.
- Competitive Advantages: The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens and 8K video capability gives it an edge in creative photography.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset and operating system, smaller battery and slower charging, and a smaller display than its counterpart.
Xiaomi Poco F6:
- Strengths: A newer, more powerful chipset, a larger, brighter display, larger battery with faster charging, and a newer operating system. These make it a clear winner in performance, battery life and display quality.
- Competitive Advantages: The extremely bright display and vastly superior chipset will mean a much better overall user experience.
- Trade-offs: Slightly larger size, lower-resolution selfie camera, and the lack of a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X: Best suited for users who prefer smaller phones, are heavy photographers/videographers, or those who want more granular controls with video resolution. This device excels in creative photography and videography, while still being a very capable phone for daily tasks.
- Xiaomi Poco F6: Ideal for gamers, media consumers, and users who prioritize performance, a bigger screen, better battery life and a brighter display. This phone is a powerhouse for daily tasks and demanding games.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize a larger screen and long-lasting battery or a more compact size?
- If you want a large screen and better battery life, go with the Poco F6. If a more compact size is key, consider the Xiaomi 12X.
Do you need the most cutting-edge performance for gaming and demanding tasks?
- If yes, the Poco F6 with its superior processor and GPU is the clear winner.
Is creative photography and videography a main use case?
- If yes, the Xiaomi 12X offers an edge due to its Macro Lens and 8K video recording, but if video is just a once in a while thing, then the Poco F6 is still a very good option with the trade-offs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Buff: If you watch movies and play games on your phone, the Poco F6 is the better option with it's bigger screen, brighter display, and faster performance.
- The Power User: The Poco F6's newer and more powerful chip, combined with a larger battery and faster charging, makes it ideal for those who push their devices to their limit on a daily basis.
- The Photographer: If you are looking to specifically use the macro lens or 8k video functions, then you may benefit from the Xiaomi 12X, otherwise, the Poco F6 still has a good photo and video experience.
- The Casual User: If you simply need a good daily phone with a responsive experience, either phone will do you well, but the Poco F6 will do it better.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the Xiaomi Poco F6. While the Xiaomi 12X has some compelling camera features, the Poco F6’s superior chipset, larger and brighter display, more efficient battery, and updated software make it a more future-proof and overall better daily driver. The massive improvement in overall performance with the newer generation chip and its impressive benchmark results, really helps sell it. The ability to take advantage of all these new technologies, along with an easier time with multitasking and gaming, make the Poco F6 an easy choice for me.
