1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Similar size; the Realme is slightly narrower and thicker (0.1mm). Differences are negligible in hand |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Realme 12+ is 6g lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; no difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution for sharpness; both deliver similar visual clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density for similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display type for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Identical refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ screen is significantly brighter, providing superior visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xiaomi Poco F3 has a higher performing chip, offering better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 601,000 | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi Poco F3's GPU is more powerful, better for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | Realme 12+ has slightly higher resolution; Xiaomi Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture, better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi Poco F3 has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ offers wide angle shots, while the Poco F3 doesn't. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ offers macro shots, while the Poco F3 doesn't |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS, up to 960fps slow motion | 4K@30fps, EIS, up to 120fps slow motion | Both offer 4K recording. Xiaomi Poco F3 has better slow-motion video capture (960 fps vs 120fps) |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme 12+ has OIS for stable video, and PDAF. The Xiaomi Poco F3 supports manual focus and continuous shooting. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ offers a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi standards; Xiaomi Poco F3 additionally offers MiMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2, LE, EDR, HID | Realme 12+ has a newer Bluetooth version. Xiaomi Poco F3 has higher audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Poco F3 has more GPS systems for accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512 GB | Realme 12+ offers larger storage options for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Realme 12+ has more RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ provides more advanced audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco F3 provides a slightly more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco F3 has confirmed screen protection, Realme 12+ has unknown. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Poco F3 has additional Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual sensor. Realme 12+ offers a Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides much better performance than the Dimensity 7050, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading and a better gaming experience, backed by a much higher AnTuTu score.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Supports more satellite navigation systems, offering better location accuracy, especially in urban canyons or dense foliage.
- Better Selfie Camera: Features a higher-resolution (20MP vs 16MP) front camera, capturing more detailed selfies.
- Higher Slow Motion Video 960fps vs 120 fps.
- Audio Codec Support: supports aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC.
- Screen Protection confirmed Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor for more efficient screen waking.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits display is much brighter than the Poco F3's 1300 nits, resulting in better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers a slightly larger 5000mAh battery and significantly faster 67W charging, resulting in longer battery life and less downtime.
- Newer Android Version: Runs on Android 14, providing the latest software features, updates and security patches, and can be upgraded further.
- Additional Cameras: Includes a dedicated wide-angle and macro camera offering more versatile photography options.
- More RAM and Storage Options: offers 12GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage for heavy users.
- OIS and PDAF for better video stability and faster focusing.
- Enhanced Audio: Has a noise cancelling microphone, providing enhanced audio, and is dual microphone ready.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: 5.2 vs 5.1 for a more modern connection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Battery & Display: The Poco F3 prioritizes raw power while the Realme 12+ offers better battery and outdoor display visibility.
- Camera Versatility vs. Selfie Quality: Realme 12+ offers more versatile cameras, but the Poco F3 has a better front camera.
- Build Quality: Realme 12+ screen protection is not known.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
- Users who value location accuracy: Those needing precise GPS for navigation, outdoor activities, or travel.
- Selfie lovers: Users who value a higher resolution selfie camera
Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games run smoother due to the powerful Snapdragon 870.
- Heavy Multitasking: Handles multiple apps and processes simultaneously without lag.
- Video editing and processing: The extra CPU and GPU power will allow for smoother operation.
- GPS intensive tasks: Navigation, hiking, travel, or other tasks where accurate positioning is key.
Ideal User for Realme 12+:
- Everyday Users: Those who value a well-rounded smartphone with good battery life and a great display.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need excellent outdoor visibility and reliable battery life.
- Mobile photographers: Users who value versatile cameras
- Long term users: People who appreciate longer software update support.
Use Cases for Realme 12+:
- Outdoor Use: The brighter display makes it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Long Days Away From a Charger: The larger battery and fast charging minimize battery anxiety.
- Versatile Photography: The additional wide and macro lenses, OIS, and PDAF provide greater camera options.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F3, being an older model, may offer better value for its performance, depending on current pricing.
- The Realme 12+ offers more modern features and enhanced convenience, which may justify a slightly higher price point depending on the user needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use, etc.)
- How important is screen brightness for outdoor visibility?
- Do I prioritize raw performance, or battery life and modern features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers & Power Users: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. The performance difference will be very noticeable, and the better GPS is a plus.
- For Everyday Users, Outdoor Lovers, and Photographers: Choose the Realme 12+. The brighter screen, extra cameras, faster charging, and newer Android version makes it a well-rounded choice for general use.
- For Long Term Users: The Realme 12+ with Android 14 is likely to have better support.
Personal Choice and Why
My Choice: Realme 12+
If I had to choose between the two, I would personally pick the Realme 12+. Here's why:
- Practicality: While the Poco F3's performance is impressive, the Realme 12+'s brighter display and better battery life are more beneficial to my everyday usage patterns. I often find myself outdoors where screen visibility is critical, and being able to quickly top up the battery with 67W charging is a huge convenience.
- Versatility: Having the additional wide angle and macro lenses allows me to be more creative with photography, and OIS and PDAF will be useful for better video.
- Longevity: The newer Android version and planned updates will provide me a more modern phone for longer.
- Audio: The dual noise cancelling microphone setup is preferable to having no cancellation.
While the Poco F3's raw processing power is tempting, the Realme 12+ strikes a better balance between essential features for the average user. The minor performance difference in everyday use is a trade-off I'm willing to make for better screen, battery, and cameras. Although the Poco F3 has the better front camera, this is not a primary concern for me.
