Alright, let's dive deep into the specs of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Realme 12 Pro. It's time to unpack what these numbers mean for real-world use, and find out which phone suits you best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | M5s is slightly thinner, but the 12 Pro is a tad taller. Both are fairly similar in-hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | M5s is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones without foldable features. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | 12 Pro has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Both are Full HD+ resolution; sharpness is similar. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 394 PPI | Pixel density is almost the same, both offering a sharp display experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12 Pro offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | M5s is brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | 12 Pro’s newer chip is more powerful, efficient, and offers superior performance in most use cases. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 574,000 | 12 Pro scores higher, indicating snappier app launches and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 710 | The 12 Pro's Adreno GPU performs better in graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | M5s has higher resolution, but the 12 Pro’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 16MP, f/2.4 | 12 Pro's front camera has slightly higher resolution and might capture more details. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | 12 Pro offers zoom capabilities that M5s lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | None | M5s offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape shots which the 12 Pro lacks. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | M5s has a dedicated portrait sensor for depth perception that the 12 Pro lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | M5s offers a dedicated macro lens that the 12 Pro lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 12 Pro offers a single camera that can capture both wide-angle and macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 12 Pro offers electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Non-removable | M5s can reverse charge other devices; both have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | 12 Pro has a newer operating system |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 12 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better performance |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | 12 Pro has the newer Bluetooth technology offering better audio quality and data transfer speed |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | 12 Pro has more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | 12 Pro offers higher storage capacity |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 Pro has more RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | 12 Pro has more audio features for better experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | M5s has a more advanced fingerprint sensor, but both offer basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M5s uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | M5s has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s: Strengths
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits brightness makes it better for outdoor visibility.
- Lighter Design: It’s more comfortable to hold for extended periods due to its lower weight.
- Wider Variety of Cameras: This is an advantage for those who like experimenting with different shots, it features a wide-angle lens, portrait and macro lens.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to share its battery with other devices.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is used for protection against scratches and minor impacts
Realme 12 Pro: Strengths
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly smoother user experience.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset offers better performance in almost every aspect.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is much faster, reducing the time spent waiting for the battery to refill.
- Telephoto Lens: The 32MP telephoto lens provides great zoom capabilities not available on the M5s
- Modern Operating System: The 12 Pro is running on Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Superior Connectivity: Offers newer wifi and bluetooth technologies.
- Improved Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation and 2 microphones make for a higher quality audio experience.
Key Trade-offs
- M5s: While it has a brighter screen, its performance lags behind the 12 Pro. It does not feature a telephoto lens but does have wide angle, portrait, and macro lenses.
- 12 Pro: While it has a superior processor and better charging, it has a slightly less bright display and lacks the dedicated lenses of the M5s.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Casual User (Xiaomi Poco M5s):
- Needs: Good display, reliable camera, good battery life.
- Use Case: Casual browsing, social media, media consumption, light gaming.
- Why: The Poco M5s provides a great display with an impressive brightness that makes it suitable for outdoor use. Its camera features a variety of lenses for experimentation and its reverse charging feature could prove useful.
- For the Power User/Enthusiast (Realme 12 Pro):
- Needs: Fast performance, smooth display, good camera, fast charging.
- Use Case: Gaming, heavy multitasking, photography, video recording.
- Why: The Realme 12 Pro is a more powerful option thanks to its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 120Hz display, and fast charging speeds. It also has better connectivity with newer wifi and bluetooth technologies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is a smooth display to you?
- If a 120Hz refresh rate is essential for you, the Realme 12 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you value speed and overall performance, or a brighter screen and additional lenses?
- If you need the faster processor and charging the Realme 12 Pro is superior, if you would rather have a brighter screen and more camera features the M5s is for you.
- Are you more inclined towards the latest software features or a variety of camera lens options?
- If you want the latest software, the 12 Pro is the better bet. If you prioritize additional camera lenses, then the M5s is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: If price is a primary concern and you want a reliable device with good display, go with the Xiaomi Poco M5s.
- Multimedia Lover: If you binge a lot of shows or play games, the Realme 12 Pro with its larger screen and higher refresh rate is ideal.
- On-the-Go Professional: If you need a reliable device for multitasking, the Realme 12 Pro with its faster charging will keep up with your busy lifestyle.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you would like to experiment with different camera lenses and don't mind the slower processor, the Xiaomi Poco M5s has more options, while if you are more interested in telephoto zoom capabilities, the Realme 12 Pro is the better option
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Realme 12 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I tend to appreciate the latest technology and performance. The 12 Pro's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip provides a noticeable boost in everyday usability and would allow for seamless use, particularly when multitasking or gaming. I also find myself increasingly drawn to higher refresh rates, and the 120Hz display of the 12 Pro is significantly smoother than the 60Hz of the M5s. Finally, faster charging, while it may not be the most important thing for some, is definitely a convenient feature for someone always on the move like myself. While the 12 Pro lacks some of the additional lenses, the telephoto lens, combined with the better performance and modern operating system, tips the scales for me.
