1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially making it easier to handle, particularly for people with smaller hands. The Poco M3 is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is slightly lighter, which may improve comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro offers a marginally larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption, gaming and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer similar FHD+ sharpness, so the difference is minimal for most users. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Both offer similar pixel density which will appear equally sharp to the human eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED display offers much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making media look more vibrant. It also provides better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, animations, and gaming appear significantly smoother and more responsive than the Poco M3's 60Hz display. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro’s significantly higher brightness makes it much easier to see the screen outdoors in bright sunlight. The Poco M3 has no brightness specification, which suggests it won't perform well in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro's newer and more powerful chipset offers significantly faster performance for app loading, multitasking, and gaming. The 4 nm architecture makes it more efficient as well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro provides a dramatically superior performance, making it significantly smoother for demanding tasks and future-proof. The Poco M3 will struggle with newer apps/games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro's GPU is much more powerful which will result in better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger battery, which could result in longer battery life but this also depends on the processor efficiency and software optimization. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged into a power outlet. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None specified | Poco M3 can be used to charge other devices. It also comes with a faster charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Both capture high-resolution images, but the Realme 12 Pro sensor is slightly better. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi Poco M3's wider aperture may allow slightly better low-light performance, but image quality depends on the sensor as well. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | Both share the same sensor size in the main camera |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Xiaomi Poco M3 may perform slightly better in low-light conditions due to its slightly larger pixel size |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Realme 12 Pro's higher resolution front camera will capture more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Xiaomi Poco M3's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light, allowing more light in, but depends on sensor as well. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP | Realme 12 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature completely absent on the Poco M3, providing much better zooming capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP | Realme 12 Pro features an additional wide angle camera for more diverse photo options and macro shots, adding versatility compared to the Poco M3 |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro can capture much higher resolution, higher quality video and offers multiple framerates including slow-motion options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS) | Realme 12 Pro offers electronic image stabilization which will help reduce shakiness in videos. The Poco M3 has no video stabilization. |
| 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, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme 12 Pro offers OIS and PDAF which will improve image quality and focus speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro runs on a much newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12 Pro has WiFi 6 for faster internet speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro uses a more recent Bluetooth standard which is more efficient and faster. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both offer similar GPS functionality, but Realme 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones offer dual-SIM support, allowing users to have two active numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro provides much more internal storage which will be useful for users who take lots of photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the phones offer the ability to expand storage through microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro provides a more immersive and high-fidelity sound experience, which also offers noise cancellation for phone calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco M3's side-mounted sensor may be considered faster and more convenient by some users than the basic sensor of the Realme 12 Pro. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco M3's screen is more likely to resist scratches and impacts from falls. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both offer a comprehensive suite of sensors but they each offer some that the other does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery could provide longer battery life than the Realme 12 Pro.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may prefer this placement.
- Screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen from scratches and damage
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers a vastly superior visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset provides a much smoother and more responsive experience for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Cameras: The addition of a telephoto and wide-angle camera greatly enhances its versatility. It also provides better image quality and more features.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charge time.
- More Internal Storage and RAM: Provides more space for media and smoother multitasking performance.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features and security updates.
- Better Audio Offers better spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and clearer calls due to the noise cancellation microphone.
- Better Connectivity: Features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 12 Pro has a smaller battery, so users may need to charge it more frequently despite its faster charging capability.
- The Xiaomi Poco M3 has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 whereas the Realme 12 Pro has no stated protection.
- The Realme 12 Pro has no listed in-box charger unlike the Poco M3 which comes with a 22.5W fast charger.
- The Xiaomi Poco M3 does not have any optical zoom capabilities or ultrawide camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a phone with a large battery and good basic functionality at a low price point.
- Users needing a backup phone: Useful as a secondary device with a long battery life.
- Users with basic needs: Those who primarily use a phone for calls, messages, social media, and basic browsing.
- Users who don't require advanced camera capabilities The phone can take standard photos and videos.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who consume lots of video, games and other media content that will be better due to the AMOLED screen.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with optical zoom and advanced video features.
- Gamers and power users: Those who require a fast and responsive phone for smooth performance.
- Users who want the latest technology: Those looking for a phone with the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users who prioritize speed and fluidity: Those who value a smooth and seamless overall user experience.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Perfect for long trips where access to charging is limited, or as a reliable secondary phone for basic tasks.
- Realme 12 Pro: Ideal for content creation (photos and videos), gaming, and general use for someone who wants a high-end smartphone experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Xiaomi Poco M3 will be much cheaper.
- How important is display quality and performance to me? If the answer is "very," the Realme 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- How important is the camera and taking photos/videos? The Realme 12 Pro is better in every aspect when comparing cameras
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Tight Budget - If the budget is extremely tight, and the user only needs a basic phone for calls, messages, and occasional browsing, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is a viable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Features Focused User - If the user wants good performance, a great display, and excellent camera capabilities and is willing to pay a premium for these features, the Realme 12 Pro is highly recommended.
- Scenario 3: Long Battery Life Above All - If battery life is the number one concern, then the Xiaomi Poco M3 might be the better choice even though it's performance is significantly worse.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro.
Here's why:
The Realme 12 Pro offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every significant aspect. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate alone makes a huge difference in daily use. The significantly better performance, much-improved camera system with optical zoom, faster charging, and more storage are all compelling reasons to pick it over the Poco M3. While the Poco M3 has the advantage of a larger battery, the performance difference and better features of the Realme 12 Pro more than make up for it. Additionally, the newer software and improved connectivity mean the Realme 12 Pro will remain a solid performer for longer. While it might cost more, the overall value and performance of the Realme 12 Pro justify its premium, it's a more modern smartphone that provides a premium experience.
