Alright, let's dive deep into the specs of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. I'm going to break down what all this tech means for you, the user, and help you figure out which phone fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what it all means in the real world:
| 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 a bit newer, potentially offering slightly more up-to-date software support. |
| Size | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Both are similarly sized; the Poco M5 is just a tad taller, but you won't notice it in everyday use. |
| Weight | 201g | 208.4g | The Poco M5 is slightly lighter, which can make a difference during extended use, especially with one-handed usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.67" | Practically identical display sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Almost identical sharpness; both will offer a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 401 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density; both displays will look sharp and clear. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Significant difference: OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will feel smoother when scrolling and gaming with its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Major difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more powerful, offering better performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 573,100 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers better graphics performance, enhancing gaming and video playback. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm | Huge difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution sensor with a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has higher resolution selfies, which offer more detail and slightly better dynamic range |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers an additional wide-angle camera, which is great for group photos or scenic shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both have a macro lens but the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly bigger pixels in the sensor |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Poco M5 has a depth camera to help achieve good portrait effect. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@960fps | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can record significantly higher resolution videos with additional slow motion capabilities, also it has digital and OIS image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not Tested | Main: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is tested and has good scores. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery sizes; both should provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Massive difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges incredibly faster, which is incredibly convenient. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Both are on Android 12 with possible upgrades to 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has newer Wi-Fi 6 offering faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.2 LE | Poco M5 has slightly newer version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | More accurate GPS | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more accurate GPS due to having better satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a larger storage option (256 GB), if storage is a primary concern. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Big difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has much better audio with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res and Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar technology. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has better screen protection for durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has additional Gyroscope which is better for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5:
Strengths:
- Slightly lighter and more affordable.
- Decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
- Good battery life with 5000 mAh capacity.
- Reasonable main camera sensor.
- Has a depth sensor and front flash which the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ doesn't.
Competitive Advantages:
- Its price point will attract budget-conscious consumers.
- Good performance for day-to-day users who are not focused on gaming.
Trade-offs:
- Basic IPS LCD screen.
- Lacks advanced features such as 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Has lower charging speed of 18W.
- Basic audio capabilities with single speaker.
- Standard video recording at 1080p@30fps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
Strengths:
- Superior OLED display with vibrant colors and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Much brighter display for great visibility even in sunlight
- Significantly faster performance due to the Dimensity 1080 chipset.
- Far superior 200MP main camera sensor with OIS.
- Excellent video recording capabilities up to 4k@30fps.
- Super-fast 120W charging.
- Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers.
- Has wide-angle camera lens.
- Better Wi-Fi 6 support.
- Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5.
- More RAM and Storage.
- Has gyroscope for gaming and 360 photo experiences.
Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier camera capabilities and features.
- A faster phone overall with the powerful chipset.
- Premium display and audio for enhanced multimedia experience.
- Very fast charging for a quick power-up.
Trade-offs:
- Higher price compared to the Poco M5.
- Slightly heavier than Poco M5, though not by much.
- Does not have a depth sensor or front flash.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for daily use.
- Casual users who browse the web, use social media, and do basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life over high-end performance and camera quality.
- People who might not need a lot of storage as the 64GB version should be enough for light users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is perfect for:
- Photography enthusiasts who want a high-resolution camera with advanced features.
- Gamers who demand smooth performance and high refresh rate displays.
- Multimedia consumers who value an excellent display, stereo speakers, and high audio quality.
- Power users who need fast charging and ample storage.
- Users who need a great phone for everyday use but also need quality for specific tasks such as recording a video blog, taking professional pictures or gaming for long hours.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- What's your budget?
- If you're on a tight budget and just need a reliable phone for basics, the Poco M5 is the more economical choice.
- If you're willing to invest more for better camera quality, faster performance, and a premium display, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is worth the upgrade.
- What are your primary use cases?
- If you mainly browse the internet, use social media, and watch some videos, the Poco M5 should be sufficient.
- If you enjoy mobile photography, gaming, or watching movies and videos, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much better experience.
- How much do you value camera quality, fast charging, and a great display?
- If these features are not crucial for you, the Poco M5 can be a good budget-friendly pick.
- If a superior camera, fast charging, and a beautiful display are priorities, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A student needs a phone for everyday use, some social media, and light browsing on a budget.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5. It provides good enough performance and battery life without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: An avid traveler wants a phone with a great camera for photography and videography.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Its superior camera system and quality display make it ideal for capturing and enjoying travel memories.
- Scenario 3: A mobile gamer who wants a smooth experience and fast charging.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The better chipset, higher refresh rate, and rapid charging ensure a better gaming experience and less downtime.
- Scenario 4: A general user who wants an all-around phone with a beautiful display and enhanced audio.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The beautiful display, enhanced audio, and better chipset are going to provide an all-around experience that will delight the user.
My Choice:
If I had to pick between the two, I'd go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The difference in display quality (OLED vs IPS LCD) and performance is night and day, but most of all, I love how fast it can charge. The 120W fast charging is a game-changer. I also value having a fantastic camera on my phone, and the 200MP sensor with OIS, paired with excellent video capabilities, is just too good to pass up. The additional wide-angle lens and superior audio are also things that I consider as necessary for a good experience. Sure, it's a bit pricier than the Poco M5, but the improved user experience and features justify the cost for my needs. For someone that wants a great all-rounder phone, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ hits the spot.
