1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly thicker by 0.2mm, hardly noticeable. |
| Weight | 196g | 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size on both devices. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical screen sharpness, crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | Poco F3 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 | Poco F3 offers more powerful performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 573,200 | Poco F3 is notably faster in benchmarks, translates to snappier app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Poco F3's GPU is better for graphically intensive games and tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor and slightly better resolution, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 0.8µm | 16MP, | Poco F3 has higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers an extra wide-angle lens for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, various 1080p options, up to 960fps slow-motion | 4K@30fps, various 1080p options, up to 960fps slow-motion | Similar video quality, Redmi Note 12 Pro features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Main Score: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a better-rated camera system, specifically in photo capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, 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), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more advanced camera features, including OIS, RAW capture, and Night Mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro ships with a more recent Android OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support fast Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 supports more satellite systems and therefore has better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a 12GB RAM option, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 has slightly better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco F3 has Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Redmi Note 12 Pro has Proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly higher performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and a more responsive user experience.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness offers significantly better outdoor visibility compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro, crucial for using the phone under direct sunlight.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio capabilities with Hi-Res Audio, appealing for audio enthusiasts.
- More accurate GPS: More satellite system support translates to better location accuracy.
- Faster Charging Protocol Support: Supports QC3+/PD3.0 charging protocols for compatibility with other devices.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Improved Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, OIS, and additional wide-angle and macro lenses offer more versatile and higher-quality photography, especially in low light.
- Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery capacity means a bit more time between charges.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer Android version out of the box, ensuring a more modern software experience.
- More RAM Option: 12GB RAM variant allows for smoother multitasking, especially for demanding users.
- More advanced camera features: Including OIS, RAW capture and Night Mode.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3 users sacrifice camera versatility for better performance and outdoor visibility.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro users sacrifice top-tier performance for improved camera capabilities and battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 is ideal for:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 870 and Adreno 650 GPU provide a superior gaming experience.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize fast app loading and smooth multitasking over camera features.
- Outdoor Users: The significantly brighter display ensures good visibility in bright sunlight.
- Audio Enthusiasts: With Hi-Res audio, this phone offers a slightly better audio experience.
- Users needing highly accurate GPS: The additional satellite system support makes this device ideal for navigation and location-based apps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The improved camera system with OIS and extra lenses offers versatility and better image quality.
- Everyday Users: Those seeking a balanced experience with a focus on battery life and reliable performance.
- Multitaskers: The 12GB RAM option offers a smoother experience when running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Users needing fast charging: The 67W charging significantly reduces downtime spent charging the device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F3 typically offers better value for gamers and performance users, provided they can compromise on the camera.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides better value for users who prioritize a more modern, well-rounded experience with an improved camera and battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is gaming and performance to you? If it is a priority, the Poco F3 is the better choice due to the better chipset and GPU.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and versatility? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's superior camera features make it a better pick.
- How important is battery and charging? If you value longer battery life and faster charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the preferred option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming & Outdoor Use: If you need a phone for graphically intensive games and often use it in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual Photography & All-Day Use: If you take lots of pictures and want an all-day battery, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User Experience: If you seek a combination of performance, battery, and a good camera, consider the price difference when making a final decision.
What I would choose
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. My reasoning is primarily driven by my use case, which includes a significant amount of mobile gaming and outdoor use. The Snapdragon 870 chipset is a huge draw for me as a gamer, as it provides a performance boost that the Redmi Note 12 Pro simply can't match. Additionally, the much brighter display of the Poco F3 is a practical advantage when using the phone outdoors for navigation or simply browsing the web. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a better camera system, my photography needs are not as demanding, and the Poco F3's camera is still more than adequate for my casual use. The slightly better audio and additional GPS support are nice bonuses as well. I am willing to make a trade-off on the better camera and battery of the Note 12 Pro for the performance and bright display.
