1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 198g | 208.4g | Poco M3 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are very similar, differences are negligible to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have the same sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has superior display technology with better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly faster, leading to snappier performance, faster app loading and better gaming |
| Antutu Score | 185,028 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has over 200% higher performance, suitable for more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better graphics performance, smoother gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 200MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures significantly more detailed images and offers greater flexibility for cropping and editing. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.65 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ performs slightly better in low light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures more light, potentially better in low light conditions |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has higher resolution, better selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Poco M3 has slightly better low light performance on selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ allows for wider perspective shots, helpful in group photos and landscape. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ records higher quality videos with more frame rate options for more dynamic filming. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has smoother video due to stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a much better camera performance |
| Additional Camera Features | Basic Features | 4K Video, OIS, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more features suitable for advanced photography |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially lasting longer. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can charge other devices, with 22.5W charger included. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer OS with more features and updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has newer Bluetooth with more codecs. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos, providing more immersive experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has better screen protection from scratches and damage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has additional sensors such as gyroscope and proximity |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance over raw performance.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Included 22.5W Charger: While slower than the Redmi, the faster charger is still included in the box.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers a much better visual experience, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smoother animations.
- Much Faster Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Significantly Better Camera: The 200MP camera with OIS and 4K video recording capabilities offers superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging allows for quick power-ups.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers more internal storage and RAM options.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: Newer Android version with guaranteed updates and faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Additional Camera Features: OIS, 4K Video, ultra-stable video, RAW capture, Night mode.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a smaller battery than the Poco M3, which could mean shorter battery life for some users. However, the much faster charging makes up for this.
- The Poco M3 has less powerful performance capabilities, which could be problematic for power users or heavy gamers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a phone that gets the basic job done without the frills of more expensive devices.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone to last a long time between charges.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily browse the internet, check email, social media, and occasionally take photos.
- Light Gamers: Users who engage in less graphically intense games.
Use Cases:
- Long trips where battery life is essential.
- Daily driver for basic communication and casual media consumption.
- Secondary phone for emergency use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ - Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who demand snappy performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Camera-Centric Users: Individuals who value high-quality photos and videos.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: Those who appreciate vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
- Users Who Need Fast Charging: Those who are always on the go and need to quickly charge their phones.
- Users Seeking Future-Proof Devices: Those who want a device that will receive software updates and remain relevant for a longer period.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Photography and videography for social media or work.
- Video streaming or watching movies.
- Professional work that requires fast processing and multitasking.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco M3 is very good value for its budget category.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers excellent value considering its high-end features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Poco M3 is a more budget-friendly option, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly more expensive.
- What do I primarily use my phone for? If it's mostly for basic tasks and battery life is paramount, the Poco M3 might be sufficient. If gaming, photography, and display quality are crucial, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear choice.
- How important is performance? If you run demanding applications or play graphically intensive games, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is needed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major concern, and basic functionality is enough: Go with the Xiaomi Poco M3. It offers solid performance for basic use and excellent battery life.
- Scenario 2: I want a good camera, good screen and fast phone but budget is slightly restricted: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Its screen, camera and overall performance is far superior than the Poco M3.
- Scenario 3: I need a phone that is extremely good for gaming and photography: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. It is the better option for these use cases, thanks to its powerful processor and advanced camera features.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While the Poco M3 has a larger battery, the overall experience offered by the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly better, making it worth the higher price. The OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, much better performance, superior camera, and fast charging make for a much more enjoyable and future-proof device. The Poco M3 is a decent budget option, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a premium experience that caters better to my usage needs. The camera is important to me and so is the screen quality and the fast charging. These are features the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers on and that makes the extra cost worth it.
