Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12S is more compact and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. Poco M3 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding and use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.43" | Poco M3 has a slightly larger screen, potentially offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. The difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar resolutions and sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Both have very similar pixel density, so sharpness will be practically indistinguishable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has an AMOLED display, providing better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours and improved power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12S offers smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable when navigating menus and playing games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 12S offers a significantly better performance in benchmarks, meaning it will perform better in multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S has significantly higher performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 12S's GPU is more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics in demanding apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Redmi Note 12S has a higher resolution camera with a larger sensor, typically resulting in more detailed images, especially in good light conditions |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially resulting in clearer self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12S has a Wide Angle lens, providing the ability to capture a broader view of a scene for landscape or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S has a dedicated Macro Lens, allowing for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at 1080p@30fps, good enough for social media but lack high-resolution video recording options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but this can be affected by other factors. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime spent charging the phone. |
| Charger | 22.5W fast charger in-box | No charger specification | Poco M3 includes a charger in the box. The spec of Redmi Note 12S is not provided. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S has a newer Android OS, which may offer better features, security updates and improved user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones have the same wifi generations. The Redmi note 12S has the added functionality of Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12S has a newer bluetooth version with increased features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location services in places where there may be signal issues. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi Note 12S provides more storage options, especially the 256GB variant. If you need a lot of storage the Redmi Note 12S is better. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi Note 12S provides more RAM, resulting in better multitasking and smooth running of applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have good audio quality with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer side mounted fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have the same screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12S has an additional Gyroscope, good for gaming and some specific apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate offers significantly better visuals compared to the Poco M3's IPS LCD with 60Hz.
- Higher Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in faster performance and smoother gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the inclusion of wide angle and macro lenses for greater versatility.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets you back to full power much quicker than the Poco M3's 18W.
- Newer OS: Android 13 offers newer features and security patches compared to Android 10 on Poco M3.
- More RAM: Options for 6GB or 8GB RAM improve multitasking capabilities.
- More internal storage: Options for up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Wi-Fi MiMO Support: Better Wi-Fi for faster download speeds and reliability.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers increased functionality compared to Bluetooth 5.0.
- Gyroscope: The inclusion of a gyroscope allows for better gaming performance and compatibility with other applications.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 12S is overall a more well rounded device with better image quality, more features, a more responsive experience and newer technology.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery should offer longer battery life, which may be ideal for users prioritising battery longevity.
- NavIC System GPS: The inclusion of the NavIC system should offer a more accurate GPS in supported areas.
- Included Charger: A 22.5W charger is included in the box.
- Slightly larger screen: The 6.53" screen is slightly larger than the 6.43" display on the Redmi note 12S.
Practical Implications: The Poco M3 is better suited to those who prioritise battery life above all other factors and are looking for an older, cheaper device.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12S sacrifices some battery capacity for superior performance, camera and display quality.
- The Poco M3 has better battery life but has a less powerful chipset, a lower-quality display, and less versatile camera setup.
- Neither phones support expendable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and enjoy vibrant visuals will benefit from the AMOLED screen.
- Casual Gamers: The more powerful processor and GPU allows for smoother performance in games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera options and better image quality will appreciate the Redmi Note 12S's 108MP main camera and the additional wide angle and macro lenses.
- Users needing more performance: Those who value the performance improvements over battery capacity.
- Users who want a newer device: Those who want the newest features of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- Enjoying HDR videos with deep blacks and vibrant colours
- Playing mobile games with smooth graphics and minimal lag.
- Taking photos with multiple lenses in diverse shooting conditions.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks
- Multitasking between multiple apps.
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for:
- Heavy Battery Users: Those who need long-lasting battery life without frequent charging.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who want a functional phone with decent performance at a lower price.
- Users prioritising location accuracy: Users that frequently need GPS and require greater accuracy.
Specific Use Cases:
- Users who need the device to last for long periods without access to a charger.
- Users who rely heavily on GPS and require the best location accuracy.
- Users who want a solid device at a lower price point.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Redmi Note 12S offers a much better price-to-value ratio because of its significant performance increase and better display, while the Poco M3 is suitable only for those with very specific needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., gaming, media consumption, everyday use, battery life)
- What is my budget? (Consider the price difference and your priorities.)
- What features are most important? (e.g., display quality, camera performance, battery life, speed)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Multimedia: If you frequently play games or consume a lot of video content, choose the Redmi Note 12S for its superior display, faster performance, and better speakers.
- Scenario 2: Maximum Battery Life: If you prioritize battery life and don't want to worry about charging your phone frequently, the Poco M3 is better option due to its larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If your main goal is saving money, the Poco M3 may be a good choice but bear in mind the Redmi Note 12S provides a better experience at a reasonable price.
- Scenario 4: Everyday Use and Photography: For most users, the Redmi Note 12S is the better option because it is much more well rounded with a much better display, camera and performance.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. While the Poco M3's battery life is tempting, the Redmi Note 12S's improvements in display technology, processing power, camera versatility, and charging speed are too significant to ignore. The faster 90Hz AMOLED display alone makes a huge difference in daily use, and the enhanced camera capabilities make the device more versatile. The increase in RAM also provides a smoother experience, and faster charging speed is a big plus. The lack of expendable storage on both devices is unfortunate, but the 256GB option on the Redmi Note 12S compensates. While there may be some situations where the Poco M3's battery life and GPS may be preferrable, the advantages offered by the Redmi Note 12S provide a much better everyday experience.
