1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M3 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is taller and thinner, potentially feeling less bulky in hand, while Poco M3 is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 198g | 192g | Redmi 12C is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C offers a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1650 | Poco M3 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. The Redmi 12C’s lower resolution might look less crisp. |
| PPI | 395 | 268 | Poco M3’s higher pixel density leads to a noticeably sharper picture quality. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use LCD; similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate; motion will appear similar on both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare peak brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | Redmi 12C's chipset benchmarks higher; it will likely offer slightly better app loading and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 225,154 | Redmi 12C demonstrates better performance in benchmarks, indicating a smoother experience with everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12C's GPU, despite being older, scores higher in benchmarks, which could translate to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has a higher megapixel count but a slightly smaller aperture. The Poco M3's wider aperture could provide better low light performance but the Redmi 12C’s higher megapixel may result in slightly more detailed shots in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP | Poco M3 has a higher-resolution selfie camera, which means potentially clearer and more detailed selfies. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12C includes a dedicated macro lens, allowing for close-up photography, which is absent in Poco M3. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 30fps | Both offer 1080p at 30fps. Poco M3 offers smoother slow motion with 120fps, while Redmi 12C offers 30 fps slow motion, resulting in choppier slow-motion video. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main: 45 (Photo: 50, Video: 43) | Redmi 12C has a camera benchmark score, giving an idea of its photo and video quality, which Poco M3 lacks. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Manual Focus, Continuous shooting | Dual Camera, Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) | Poco M3 offers more control over camera settings and multiple lenses, while the Redmi 12C offers faster autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3’s larger battery offers potentially significantly longer battery life, requiring less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 10W Charging | Poco M3 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W in-box charger | None | Poco M3 can be used as a power bank to charge other devices and includes a faster charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C ships with a newer version of Android, potentially with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Redmi 12C has a newer Bluetooth version, which might offer slightly better range and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro SIM + Nano SIM | Poco M3 is more convenient for most users supporting two Nano SIM cards. Redmi 12C might require users to use an older Micro SIM or acquire a new Nano SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both offer same maximum storage of 128GB. Redmi 12C comes with 32GB variant which can be very limiting. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations for everyday multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage option for both phones. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Poco M3 provides better audio quality with stereo speakers, which is beneficial for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted sensor of the Poco M3 is considered more convenient and faster for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has better screen protection against scratches and damages. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Poco M3 offers additional sensor (Compass), providing better features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI result in a much clearer and more detailed viewing experience, which is critical for reading text, watching videos, and viewing images.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging which is good for users on the move.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging and a 22.5W charger included in box means less time plugged in.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience which is ideal for media consumption.
- Better screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers more protection against scratches than the unknown screen protection of the Redmi 12C
- More sensors: The presence of a compass and light sensor adds functionality.
- Better selfie camera: Better camera quality on the front camera
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Helio G85 chipset benchmarks higher, offering somewhat smoother operation.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, offering potentially more features and security.
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens allows users to take detailed close-up photos.
- Slightly Lighter: Being slightly lighter can be beneficial during extended use.
- Slightly Bigger screen For those who like bigger screens, the 12C has the advantage here.
- Camera Benchmark: The presence of a camera benchmark provides a concrete idea of its photo and video quality, which is absent for the Poco M3.
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: The slightly wider main camera could provide slightly better low light performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices slightly better performance and a macro lens for superior battery life, a sharper display, better audio, a more premium build and faster charging
- Redmi 12C: Compromises on display sharpness, battery life, audio quality and charging speed for slightly better performance, macro lens, and newer Android version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Media Consumer: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse images, and play games. The sharper display and better audio make it ideal for media consumption.
- Heavy Users: Those who require extended battery life and don't have frequent access to charging, such as travellers.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a phone with excellent value that does not compromise heavily on important specs like display or battery life.
- Users who want more premium feel: The M3 offers a better screen protection.
Specific Use Cases (Poco M3):
- Long commutes: Enjoying music or watching shows with longer battery life and good audio quality.
- Travel: Capture photos and videos and longer battery life for travel without worrying about frequent charging.
- E-Book Readers: Benefit from the sharp, easy-to-read display for reading books.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal User:
- Casual Gamers: Users who play games occasionally. The Redmi 12C's chipset offers slightly better performance for a smoother gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Macro Focus): Those who enjoy taking macro shots. The dedicated macro lens is useful for close-up photography.
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who want a device with the newest Android version.
- Budget Users: For those who are willing to compromise on a few features for cost savings.
Specific Use Cases (Redmi 12C):
- Social Media: Taking general photos and sharing content on social media.
- Creative Projects: Capturing close-up macro photos of objects and textures.
- Daily Tasks: For everyday tasks like browsing, emails, and light gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco M3: Generally offers better overall value if display quality, battery life, and audio are top priorities. The higher-quality display and audio might make it feel like a better long term investment, particularly considering that it is only slightly older than the Redmi 12C.
- Redmi 12C: Offers a good alternative if the slight performance gain, macro lens, and newer OS are more important, especially if price is the biggest consideration.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the primary use case for the phone? (Media consumption, gaming, photography, daily tasks)
- Is battery life or performance more critical?
- How important is screen quality and Audio Quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Long-lasting battery life & excellent display
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M3. Its superior battery life, display, and audio make it perfect for extended use and entertainment.
- Scenario 2: Better performance with a macro lens and newest OS
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12C. The slightly better performance and macro lens make it suitable for photography and casual gaming.
- Scenario 3: Budget is the biggest priority
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12C. The Redmi 12C might be cheaper depending on the retailer, although you are making a few compromises.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M3. Here's why:
- Priorities: My priority lies with having a good screen for media consumption, a long-lasting battery, and an immersive audio experience. The Poco M3 excels in these areas.
- Long-Term Value: Even though the Poco M3 is slightly older, the superior display, battery life and audio quality make it feel like a better long-term investment for my use case. The slight performance difference in benchmarks between the two phones is not enough to outweigh the Poco M3’s advantages.
- Practical Use: The Poco M3’s sharper display, combined with its significantly longer battery life and better audio, makes it the perfect device for on-the-go media consumption, which aligns with my day-to-day usage patterns.
- Features that stand out: The fast charging, a charger included in the box, a better build and better selfie camera. The addition of a light sensor and compass would also be useful for me.
While the Redmi 12C offers a slightly better performing chip, a macro lens, and a newer version of Android, these features don't outweigh the advantages the Poco M3 offers for my specific needs. I would prefer the crisper display and more premium feel, especially since the Poco M3 has better screen protection and audio.
