Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Samsung Galaxy A12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, while A12 is a bit taller. Overall, Poco M3 is more voluminous, but the difference is not significant. |
| Weight | 198g | 205g | Poco M3 is 7g lighter, which might feel slightly better during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Negligible size difference; both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Poco M3 has significantly sharper display with more detail (Full HD+ vs HD+). Text and images will look crisper. |
| PPI | 395 | 270 | Poco M3 will have noticeably sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than PLS LCD, though practical differences can be minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard refresh rates; no difference in smoothness of animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but no specific info to compare daily outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Helio P35 (12nm) | Snapdragon 662 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 103,000 | Poco M3 scores roughly 80% higher, indicating a vastly superior performance in daily tasks and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 is more capable, resulting in better graphics performance, especially noticeable in gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life and less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Poco M3 charges faster, reducing time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W in-box | Non-removable | Poco M3 can charge other devices and ships with a faster charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM1 | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2 | Poco M3's wider aperture might offer better low-light performance. Sensor models are different, but real-world image quality depends on software. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown sensor | Poco M3's wider aperture might offer better low-light selfies. Sensor details are missing for the A12, making a direct comparison difficult. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto lens, useful for optical zoom. Poco M3 has no telephoto. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy A12 features a wide-angle lens, useful for capturing expansive scenes. Poco M3 has no wide-angle option. |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A12 provides a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. Poco M3 has no depth sensor. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both record 1080p, but the Poco M3's slow-motion mode is smoother due to a higher frame rate. |
| Features | Digital zoom, triple camera, DIS, manual focus | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera | Galaxy A12 has more camera sensors. Poco M3 has digital image stabilization and manual focus. |
| DXOMark | N/A | main score: 90 | Only Samsung has camera test results. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 (Upgradeable to 12) | Galaxy A12 is upgradeable to Android 12, offering newer features and security patches. Poco M3 remains on Android 10. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11n, Dual band | Poco M3 supports the newer 802.11ac standard for potentially faster WiFi. Both support Dual-band for less crowded bandwidth. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | Galaxy A12 supports many additional Bluetooth protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Poco M3 offers more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards and simultaneous standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Both come with a 128 GB max storage option. Poco M3 is available with 64GB and 128GB internal storage, while A12 is also available with 32GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Both offer 6 GB RAM for more demanding tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco M3 offers higher audio quality for listening to music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have the same basic biometric security features. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has a more scratch resistant screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Poco M3 offers additional sensors that are useful in everyday applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu scores lead to significantly better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking compared to the Helio P35.
- Sharper Display: Full HD+ resolution and higher PPI provide a much crisper viewing experience, making text and images appear more detailed.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers longer battery life, and 18W charging is slightly faster than the A12's 15W.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers provide a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience, good for music lovers.
- More advanced sensors: Offers compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Faster WiFi: Newer WiFi standard can lead to faster internet speeds on compatible networks.
- More durable screen: Equipped with gorilla glass 3 protection
- Reverse charging and faster in-box charger: Offers reverse charging, and ships with a 22.5W charger.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More versatile Camera system: Inclusion of telephoto, wide-angle and depth sensors provides more photographic options.
- Software Support: Upgradeable to Android 12, potentially offering newer features and extended software support, while the Poco M3 is limited to Android 10.
- Wider Bluetooth compatibility: supports more Bluetooth protocols.
- DXOMARK Camera test results: Has an official benchmark score for its camera performance.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices versatile camera options (telephoto, wide-angle, depth) for superior performance, display, and audio.
- The Galaxy A12 offers more camera versatility and potentially longer software support but at the cost of significantly lower performance, a lower-resolution screen, and lesser audio quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize smooth performance for daily tasks, gaming, and media consumption.
- Media consumers: Users who watch videos, movies, and listen to music often, will appreciate the better display and audio.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: Users seeking the best performance and display for their money without a need for a versatile camera system.
- Long-lasting battery: Users who prefer a long battery life and less frequent charging.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use, web browsing, and running productivity apps.
- Casual gaming and video streaming.
- Listening to music or podcasts.
- Users who require a long lasting battery.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prefer versatile camera setups and enjoy capturing photos with different focal lengths and perspective.
- Brand conscious users: Samsung users who prefer to stick within the ecosystem of Samsung devices.
- Users seeking longer software support: Those who prefer a phone that can be upgraded to newer versions of Android.
Use Cases:
- Taking pictures and videos with different perspectives.
- Users seeking a smartphone with the potential for more software support.
- Basic web browsing and light social media.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco M3 generally offers a better price-to-value ratio for most users due to its superior performance, display, and battery life.
- The Galaxy A12 is more appealing for camera-centric users or Samsung fans, but users should weigh that benefit against its weaker performance and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? (Do you need a smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps?)
- How critical is a versatile camera system? (Do you often need telephoto or wide-angle options, or is the standard camera enough?)
- How important is software upgrade potential for you? (Do you prefer having the most recent Android version or are you ok with potentially staying on Android 10?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize smooth performance, better display, and long battery life, choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
- If you need a more versatile camera system with a wide angle, telephoto lens, or prefer longer software support, choose the Samsung Galaxy A12.
- If you are on a strict budget and value battery life and performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is a better choice.
- If you are brand conscious and are looking for a samsung device with good battery life and a versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M3. While the Galaxy A12 offers a more versatile camera and better software support, the Poco M3's superior performance, sharper display, significantly better battery life, and higher audio quality make it a more compelling overall package for my needs. As someone who uses a phone for media consumption, multitasking and gaming, I would prefer the user experience of the Poco M3 and would be ok with a less versatile camera system. I would trade the camera variety for the superior overall performance.
