Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. I'm going to break it down as if I'm chatting with a friend, someone who wants to understand these phones beyond just the spec sheets.
Xiaomi 12X vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
First, let's get our hands dirty with the raw specs, but more importantly, let’s understand what they mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 12X is more compact, the M4 Pro is taller and wider, so more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 176g | 179.5g | Both phones are very lightweight, negligibly different in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.43" | M4 Pro offers a slightly bigger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp images, no practical difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 409 PPI | Similar sharpness; most won't notice the slight difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 12X provides smoother scrolling and animations (perceivably). |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | 12X has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight than the Poco M4 Pro. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Helio G96 | 12X offers significantly faster processing for apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 438,700 | 12X is nearly twice as powerful, handles demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 12X has a much better graphics card for gaming, video editing, etc. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | M4 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 12X charges much faster, getting you back up and running much quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP | 50MP | Both have similar megapixel count, but real-world performance is in the sensor size. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/2.76" | 12X main sensor captures more light, resulting in higher image quality, especially in low light. |
| Main Aperture | f/1.88 | f/1.8 | Both phones have a wide aperture, however the aperture difference is negligible |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 16MP | 12X takes more detailed selfie photos. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/3" | 1/3.06" | 12X captures more light, resulting in higher quality selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 13MP | 8MP | 12X captures more details in wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Poco M4 Pro has a wider aperture, however the aperture difference is negligible. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.8" | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in higher image quality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | 12X offers more versatility for capturing macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | 12X records higher-quality videos, offers more recording options. |
| OIS | Yes | No | 12X video is more stable and professional-looking. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones feature a similar software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | 12X has faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| GPS | More Systems | Fewer Systems | 12X is more accurate and reliable with GPS positioning. |
| Other | |||
| Storage Variants | 128GB/256 GB | Not specified | 12X has more internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB/12 GB | Not specified | 12X has more memory (RAM) which helps with multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic In-Display | Side-Mounted | M4 Pro has more practical side-mounted fingerprint reader |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | 12X provides better protection from scratches and drops. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X: This phone is the clear winner for power users. Its Snapdragon 870 chip is a beast, making it incredibly responsive, perfect for gaming, heavy multitasking, and resource-intensive apps. The 120Hz display provides a visibly smoother experience. The camera system, backed by a larger sensor, captures higher-quality photos, and the 8K video recording with OIS is a massive plus for anyone interested in video. It also has better WiFi 6, GPS and screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: This phone takes a more budget-conscious approach but is no slouch. It has a larger battery which might get you through the day, and its AMOLED display is still vibrant and pleasing to the eye. The camera, while not as advanced as the 12X, gets the job done for everyday use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch for security. The Achilles Heel for this phone is the extremely low screen brightness of 0 nits.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Tech Enthusiast & Gamer: The Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice. The powerful Snapdragon 870, combined with a 120Hz display and better graphics, offers a superior experience for gaming and demanding applications. The higher-quality camera system and video recording capabilities also appeal to content creators and photography enthusiasts.
For the Everyday User & Budget Conscious: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is more suitable if you're looking for a reliable device with a great display for everyday tasks. Its larger battery is a good asset, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides convenient security. However, the extremely low screen brightness can make the phone extremely unusable outdoors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance and gaming capability? If you demand peak performance, the 12X is the only viable option. If you're okay with good performance for basic tasks, the M4 Pro will suffice.
- How important is camera quality and video recording? If you want top-notch photography and video features, the 12X is the superior choice. If your camera needs are more casual, the M4 Pro will meet your needs.
- How much does screen visibility and battery life matter? If visibility outdoors is essential, the 12X is the only phone worth buying due to it's 1100 nits of brightness. If battery life is a top priority, the Poco M4 Pro might be better (depending on the usage).
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Go with the Xiaomi 12X without any doubts. It's more responsive, smoother, and has a much better GPU for gaming.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: The 12X again is the better choice due to its significantly better selfie camera and higher quality sensor.
- Scenario 3: On-The-Go Professional: The 12X provides much better outdoor visibility with its high screen brightness and better performance for the multitasking required in the workspace.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Minded User: The Poco M4 Pro, if you absolutely need to save money, but make sure to note that it has an extremely low screen brightness which might affect usability.
My Choice
Personally, if I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12X without a second thought. The boost in performance with the Snapdragon 870, the smoother 120Hz display, superior camera system with OIS, and the vastly superior screen brightness makes it the better phone by far. I tend to use my phone heavily for various tasks, including gaming, photography, video editing, and professional applications; having that extra horsepower and superior screen quality is crucial for me. While I appreciate the larger battery of the Poco M4 Pro, I find the faster charging capabilities of the 12X to be a decent trade-off. Additionally, it is crucial that my phone is usable outdoors and with a screen brightness of 0 nits, the Poco M4 Pro is not an option.
The Xiaomi 12X is simply a more versatile and powerful device that offers a noticeable improvement across the board, making it the clear winner in my book.
