Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. I'll break down the specs, offer some real-world context, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key technical differences between the two phones:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-13 | 2022-11-01 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly newer, potentially benefiting from minor software refinements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable or special designs here. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly thinner and lighter, which may offer a more comfortable feel for prolonged use. |
| Weight | 201g | 187g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro's lighter weight can make a difference if you're constantly on the go or prefer a more comfortable grip. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.67" | The screens are nearly identical in size, and won’t make a huge difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Virtually the same clarity – both are sharp enough for everyday use and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 395 PPI | Similar sharpness – you're not going to see a difference with the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12 Pro’s AMOLED screen will display deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, making it great for multimedia and dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a smoother experience, especially noticeable during gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is much better for outdoor use; the Poco M5 will struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 | The Dimensity 1080 is significantly more powerful, which will translate to snappier app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 573,200 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro’s benchmarks indicate a notably smoother and faster experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU, which is beneficial for graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | While both are 50MP, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor that can capture more light and detail, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | The Redmi Note 12 Pro captures much higher detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/1.9 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers wider field of view, capturing more in a single frame. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | The Poco M5 includes a depth sensor for portrait mode, but may not be as good as software based implementations on the Note 12 Pro |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Both have a macro camera for close-up shots, although the Redmi Note 12 Pro’s larger pixels can improve clarity slightly. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, 720p@960fps | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers much more video flexibility and much higher quality, with 4K recording and multiple frame rate options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers digital stabilization, resulting in much smoother, shake free recordings. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 102 (Mobile) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro’s camera has been tested and performs well. No scores for the Poco M5 suggest it has not been rated by DxO. |
| Camera Features | Limited | OIS, more | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which significantly improves low light photos and videos. More professional features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery size, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | The Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster. It will be much more convenient if you are in a hurry. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 14) | Android 12 | The Poco M5 is guaranteed to get Android 14, but not confirmed on the Redmi Note 12 Pro. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | Both offer strong Bluetooth connectivity but, the Poco M5 supports a newer version. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more comprehensive GPS system, offering better accuracy in more situations. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more storage, especially with the 256GB option, which can be beneficial for storing large media files. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has more RAM options for smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12 Pro delivers a far superior audio experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor security for quick and easy access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has the superior protection for its screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Additional Sensors | No Gyroscope | Gyroscope | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a Gyroscope which is important for advanced features like gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths:
- Affordable Price: The Poco M5 is designed to be a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Good Daily Performance: Its MediaTek Helio G99 handles everyday tasks well, offering a smooth experience for basic use.
- Future Android Updates: The fact that it's guaranteed to receive Android 14 is a good long term consideration.
- Newer Bluetooth: The newer version of Bluetooth means potentially better connectivity with more modern devices.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger main sensor and added OIS, along with a higher-resolution selfie camera, result in better image quality and more features for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: With 67W charging, you can juice up the device quickly.
- Enhanced Audio: The Redmi Note 12 Pro features stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, improving the audio experience.
- Better Build: With the inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5, its display will be more resilient.
- Gyroscope: The gyroscope provides the sensor suite needed for advanced gaming, and more accuracy in some navigation situations.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5 has a less impressive display, significantly weaker performance, a weaker camera system, slower charging, and basic audio features.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro will most likely be more expensive, and comes with slightly older Bluetooth and no guarantee of an Android upgrade.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, students, or anyone who primarily uses a smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Use Cases: Great for everyday use, casual gaming, watching standard videos, and general productivity tasks. If you don’t need the latest games or want to spend a lot, this might be the phone for you.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Users who value a superior display, better performance, and higher-quality cameras. It’s suitable for content creators, gamers, and those who enjoy high-quality media consumption.
- Use Cases: Excellent for immersive gaming, high-definition media consumption, detailed photography, and fast charging needs. It is great for travel, social media, and professional users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is the display quality to you? If you want deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth visuals with high brightness for outdoor use, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice. If you only use your phone in well lit places and don’t consume a lot of media, the Poco M5 should be sufficient.
- What are your needs for performance and speed? If you often multitask, play graphics-heavy games, or require quick app loading, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a must have due to the greatly superior chipset. If you are ok with standard performance and aren’t pushing your phone, you can save some money with the Poco M5.
- How much do you value camera quality and fast charging? If you enjoy taking photos and videos, or rely on your camera regularly, or if you need a quick charge, the Redmi Note 12 Pro’s camera system and fast charging make a significant difference, as well as the optical image stabilisation. If you simply use your camera for snapshots, the Poco M5 is adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and just need a reliable phone for daily tasks, choose the Xiaomi Poco M5. It offers good value for its price.
- Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro’s AMOLED display and better speakers will enhance your experience.
- Photography Buff: For those who prioritize camera quality and features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro will deliver much better results.
- Power User: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and provide a smooth user experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is definitely the right choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While it's likely the more expensive of the two, the significant upgrades in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed make it a much more compelling device overall. As someone who values a smooth user experience, takes a lot of pictures, and enjoys consuming media, the Redmi Note 12 Pro aligns more closely with my daily needs and preferences. The inclusion of an AMOLED screen, a more powerful chipset, and the vastly superior camera system with OIS makes it well worth the extra cost in my opinion. The ability to charge the phone at 67W is also a huge convenience. I am more than happy to pay for quality.
