1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Poco M3 is wider and thicker, may feel bulkier; Nova 12i is slimmer, potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 198g | 199g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Nova 12i provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2388 | Both offer sharp visuals for daily use; differences in resolution are negligible. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Both screens have similar pixel density resulting in sharp and detailed images; difference is imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, resulting in similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nova 12i screen will appear smoother during scrolling, animations, and supported games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unknown, impacting outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nova 12i's newer, more efficient chip should provide faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 289,000 | Nova 12i offers significantly faster performance in benchmarks, indicating snappier app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones use the same GPU; actual gaming performance depends on chipset optimization. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM1, 0.80 µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67", Samsung HM6, 0.64 µm | Nova 12i captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting due to higher megapixel count and larger sensor; Poco M3 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Both offer similar selfie capabilities. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 12i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode with background blur. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 30fps | Poco M3 offers higher slow-motion frame rate which is better for capturing fast-moving objects; Both phones do not have video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Poco M3 offers better image stabilization; Nova 12i has faster focusing; both offer similar range of features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 likely has better battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Nova 12i charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can act as a power bank; Nova 12i does not include a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Unknown | Operating system version and features of Huawei are unknown, posing a limitation in software comparisons. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities for home and public networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nova 12i provides better Bluetooth codec support for high-fidelity audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both have similar GPS capabilities; Xiaomi Poco M3 additionally supports NavIC System, while Huawei nova 12i additionally supports QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Nova 12i offers more internal storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | Nova 12i will provide smoother multitasking and handling of more demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco M3 provides enhanced audio experience with Hi-Res Audio and immersive stereo speakers for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have same biometric security for fast unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Gravity | Huawei nova 12i additionally features gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides potentially better battery life, ideal for heavy users who are often away from power sources.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices, a handy feature in emergencies.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Superior audio quality for music and media consumption compared to Nova 12i.
- Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen scratch and impact protection.
- In-Box Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger included.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 680 offers better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Significantly higher benchmark scores confirm faster performance for gaming and everyday tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother screen animations with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging allows faster battery refills.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main sensor captures more detailed images in good lighting.
- Larger Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB variants offer more space for apps and media.
- More RAM: 8GB RAM will provide smoother multitasking and handle more demanding apps.
- Better Bluetooth Codec Support: Better Bluetooth codec support for high-fidelity audio.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Better background blur in portrait mode.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 prioritizes battery life and audio experience, while sacrificing performance compared to the Nova 12i.
- The Nova 12i offers superior performance and faster charging but has a smaller battery and lacks the Hi-Res Audio and screen protection found on the Poco M3.
- The Poco M3 comes with a charger in-box while Nova 12i does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a phone with great battery life, good audio and screen protection for everyday use.
- Heavy users: People who need a phone that can last all day without needing to charge, or needing to use the reverse charging feature.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize audio quality, music and video content.
Use cases:
- Long commutes and travel
- Streaming media content
- Casual gaming
Huawei nova 12i is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance: Wanting a fast and responsive device for daily tasks and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Seeking a phone with a high-resolution camera for detailed images, and the benefit of faster PDAF.
- Users needing fast charging: Those who value convenience and minimal downtime for charging.
- Multitaskers: Those who handle a lot of applications at once.
Use cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Photography and social media
- Everyday multitasking and productivity
Price-to-value ratio:
- The Poco M3 has an edge if the primary concern is battery life and in-box accessories at a budget.
- The Nova 12i offers better overall performance and features if the budget allows, but misses the in-box charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life vs Performance: Do you prioritize a longer-lasting battery or faster overall performance and app loading times?
- Multimedia Experience: Is better audio quality (Hi-Res and stereo speakers) more important than a slightly larger display with a higher refresh rate?
- Charging Time: How important is faster charging compared to the reverse charging capability of the Poco M3?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Long Battery Life is Key: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. Its larger battery will last longer between charges.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Speed Matters: Choose the Huawei nova 12i. Its faster processor and more RAM will handle apps and games much better.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User with a Limited Budget: The Xiaomi Poco M3 offers good general performance with a better battery and audio quality for a lower budget compared to the Huawei nova 12i.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption and Audio Quality is Key: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 for the combination of its stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and larger battery.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Huawei nova 12i. While the larger battery and Hi-Res audio of the Poco M3 are appealing, the significant performance boost offered by the Snapdragon 680 in the Nova 12i is more beneficial for my everyday use, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Also, the faster charging speed is a significant plus for me. I also value better camera performance and the larger storage, making it a more well-rounded choice for my needs, even if I need to buy a charger separately. While the Poco M3 excels in battery and audio, the general performance increase of the Nova 12i makes it a more useful option in my view.
