Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. Here's a structured look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the real-world implications of their technical specifications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specifications, along with what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is slightly taller and thinner, while the Poco M5 is a bit thicker; the Redmi 12 may feel slightly sleeker. |
| Weight | 201g | 198.5g | Both are similarly weighted; negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2460 | Both are very similar, providing sharp visuals for day to day usage. |
| PPI | 401 | 396 | Very similar pixel density, images will be equally sharp on both. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display tech; good color accuracy and viewing angles for both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; suitable for casual gaming. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G99 (6nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | Poco M5's G99 is significantly faster; better for gaming and heavy multitasking. Redmi 12's G88 is less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 249,400 | Poco M5 is much more capable for intensive tasks; smoother experience with demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Poco M5 has better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Comparable main cameras; similar image quality in daylight conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Redmi 12 has a higher resolution selfie cam, slightly better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi 12 has more versatile photography options with an ultra-wide lens; useful for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 has a dedicated portrait lens for improved bokeh effects in portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lenses for both; not a significant factor for most users. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Basic video recording; suitable for casual use, same quality on both |
| Slow-motion | No | 120 fps | Redmi 12 has slow motion video recording for capturing fast actions. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide all-day battery life for average use; very similar endurance. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Identical charging; not the fastest, but standard for this price point. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 12 allows for reverse charging of other devices using its battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Redmi 12 comes with a newer Android version; better out of the box software experience, both have same maximum version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi; Poco M5 additionally supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, EDR, HID | 5.3, APT-x | Both have Bluetooth 5.3; Poco M5 supports EDR, HID whereas Redmi 12 supports APT-x, slightly different usage scenarios. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 offers more internal storage options; better for storing a lot of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi 12 has more RAM options; better multitasking and smooth experience when running multiple apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer similar audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint scanners; quick and reliable access |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass | Poco M5 has Proximity Sensor, Redmi 12 has a Gyroscope which is better for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Mediatek Helio G99 chipset provides significantly better performance, making it ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Better Benchmarks: AnTuTu score of 414,500 indicates faster app loading and smoother multitasking compared to the Redmi 12.
- Dedicated Portrait Lens: Includes a 2MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait photos.
- MiMO WiFi: Offers better wifi connection speeds and stability, due to MiMO Technology.
- Proximity Sensor: Physical sensor, as opposed to Virtual.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Larger Display: A 6.79" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: Includes an 8MP wide-angle camera for greater versatility in photography.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Cam: Offers an 8MP front-facing camera for better selfie quality.
- More RAM Options: Offers up to 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Provides up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Gyroscope: Physical sensor, good for better gaming experience.
- Slow-motion video: Can record videos with 120fps slow-motion.
- APT-x Bluetooth: Supports high quality audio codec for better listening experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5 has better performance and a portrait lens, but lacks a wide-angle camera and has a smaller display, less storage options and has less ram capacity.
- The Redmi 12 has a larger display and a wide-angle lens, and more storage and RAM options, but it’s significantly less powerful than the Poco M5 and doesn't have a portrait lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For Gamers and Power Users (Poco M5): This phone is the clear winner for those who need a fast processor for gaming and heavy multitasking. The better chipset and higher benchmark scores make a real difference.
- For Casual Users and Media Consumers (Redmi 12): This phone shines for general use, thanks to its larger display and more versatile camera with a wide-angle lens. It's also ideal for those who need more internal storage and RAM.
- For Photographers (Redmi 12): The Redmi 12 has a wide angle lens and a higher res selfie cam.
- For Budget Conscious (Both): Both phones have nearly identical battery life and similar pricing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself when deciding between these phones:
- How important is gaming and performance to you?
- If gaming and demanding apps are a priority, the Poco M5 is the clear choice. If you use social media and basic apps then the Redmi 12 will be more than enough.
- Do you prefer a larger screen or better camera versatility?
- If you prefer immersive viewing and want a wide-angle lens, go with the Redmi 12. If you are more interested in having a dedicated portrait mode, go with the Poco M5
- How much storage and RAM do you need?
- If you store a lot of media or use multiple apps, the Redmi 12 offers 256GB internal storage and 8GB of RAM options that are ideal.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M5. While the Redmi 12 has a larger screen, more storage, and more ram, the raw performance of the Poco M5 is just too compelling for my usage patterns. As a tech journalist and analyst I am constantly multitasking and running demanding apps, so the improved processing power is really noticeable and outweighs the benefits of a bigger screen and storage. The ability to game smoothly is also a plus. While I love to take the occasional wide-angle photo and having the option to record slow-motion videos, those are not things that I need daily. The performance increase of the Poco M5 is much more useful in the long term.
