Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. I'm going to break down these specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 176g | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm, 200g | 12X is smaller, lighter, and more pocketable; M4 5G is larger and a bit bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both have standard non-foldable designs |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.58" | M4 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area; 12X is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Both have sharp displays; minimal real-world difference. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 401 PPI | Both are sharp; the 12X has slightly sharper details |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | 12X: Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast, better for dark themes; M4 5G: Good, but with less contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 12X: Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming; M4 5G: Still smooth, but not as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | 12X: Excellent visibility outdoors in direct sunlight; M4 5G: Will struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | 12X: Significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming; M4 5G: Good for basic tasks, some light gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 381,300 | 12X: Flagship-level performance; M4 5G: Mid-range performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 12X: Better graphics rendering, especially for gaming. M4 5G: Okay for casual gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88), Sony IMX766 | 13MP (f/2.2) | 12X: Higher resolution, better low-light, and overall quality; M4 5G: Decent for everyday photos |
| Front Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45), Omnivision OV32B | 5MP (f/2.2) | 12X: Significantly higher detail for selfies and video calls; M4 5G: Basic quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4), Omnivision OV13B10 | N/A | 12X: Ability to capture wider shots; M4 5G: Limited to the main camera |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | M4 5G: Dedicated sensor for depth effects; 12X: Relies on software for portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | N/A | 12X: Ability to capture close-up shots; M4 5G: Limited to the main camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS; Slow-motion 960 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion 30 fps | 12X: Professional-grade video quality; M4 5G: Basic HD video quality |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | M4 5G: Slightly longer battery life on a single charge; 12X: Will still last a full day of use. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 12X: Much faster charging times; M4 5G: Slow charging by comparison. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | M4 5G can charge other devices; 12X can't |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | M4 5G has the newer OS |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | 12X: Supports faster WiFi speeds, and more efficient connections. M4 5G: Good connectivity but slightly older standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 with EDR, HID | 12X: More advanced audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | Galileo | 12X: More accurate positioning thanks to dual-band GPS |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | 12X: More storage options; Both phones do not support expandable storage |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | 12X: Better multitasking, and can handle more demanding tasks |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | 12X: Superior audio quality, spatial audio; M4 5G: Basic quality. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M4 5G has slightly more convenient side fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 12X: Superior screen protection for better resistance to scratches and drops |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers a significantly better viewing experience than the M4 5G’s IPS LCD.
- Flagship-Level Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial boost in speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for heavy users and gamers.
- Advanced Camera System: The 50MP main sensor, coupled with a high-resolution selfie camera and versatile lenses, results in much better photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging gets you back up and running in no time.
- Superior Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, better WiFi and GPS, make it more robust and versatile in every sense.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh offers slightly better endurance, meaning you can go longer between charges.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices in a pinch
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- More Affordable: Generally positioned as a budget-friendly device, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Faster and more convenient unlocking.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12X sacrifices a larger battery for a more premium experience, while the M4 5G compromises on performance, display, and camera quality to achieve a lower price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, anyone who values a high-quality display and top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Gaming, professional photography, video editing, immersive multimedia consumption, users who need their device to keep up with their demanding usage.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, casual users, those who prioritize battery life over top performance, and those who don't have intensive photography needs.
- Use Cases: Daily social media usage, browsing the web, watching videos, taking occasional snapshots, basic productivity tasks, people who need a phone that lasts all day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding:
- What is my primary use case? Gaming and high-performance apps vs. basic daily use?
- How important is display quality? Do I need vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility?
- What is my budget? Can I afford the extra cost of the Xiaomi 12X?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User: If you need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice. Its processor, RAM, and display will give you the best experience.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious Buyer: If price is your top concern, the Poco M4 5G is a solid option, providing a good balance of features for the money.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12X offers a significantly superior camera system with higher-resolution sensors, advanced features, and better low-light performance, making it ideal for capturing memorable moments.
- Scenario 4: The Long-lasting Phone User: If the main use case is making calls, sending messages, browsing social media, and all day battery, then Poco M4 5G will be a great pick due to its superior battery capacity.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi 12X. As someone who appreciates top-tier performance, a great display, and high-quality photography, the 12X is the obvious choice. The difference in screen quality alone is enough for me to pick the 12X. I use my phone for everything from reading articles, watching videos, to editing photos and playing some games in my down time. I need the screen to be sharp, bright and vibrant, and I need the phone to keep up without any stuttering. While the Poco M4 5G has a larger battery, the 12X will still get me through the day, and its much faster charging will make sure I am never too long out of juice. I understand that the 12X is more expensive, but for my personal usage, the superior experience is worth the extra investment. It's about optimizing the features that matter most to me, and for me, that is premium performance, a crisp display, and versatile photography capabilities.
