Okay, let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'll break down the specs, discuss their practical implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what it all means for your everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-06 | 2023-06-15 | The Redmi 12 is newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | M5s is more compact; Redmi 12 is larger, potentially harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 198.5g | M5s is lighter, more comfortable for longer use, especially one handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Both are sharp, differences are negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 396 PPI | Very similar sharpness, both are perfectly fine in this category |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | M5s has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | M5s is better for outdoor use in sunlight; the 0 nits for Redmi 12 is probably an error |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G95 (12 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | M5s is noticeably more powerful, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 249,400 | M5s is significantly faster, apps load quicker and multitasking is smoother. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | M5s has more powerful graphics capabilities, better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life, should last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | M5s charges much faster, less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | Reverse, 9W wired | Both can charge other devices but Redmi 12 can do it with a cable at 9W. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | M5s has a higher res sensor, probably more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.1 | M5s has more megapixels; Redmi 12 has wider aperture and might handle low light better |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Both are identical, providing similar wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Lens | Not Available | M5s has a dedicated lens for enhanced depth-of-field portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same macro lenses. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | M5s supports higher resolution video for better quality recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 has a newer OS, likely to have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No MiMO | M5s is a bit better, using MIMO for more consistent speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has newer standard and APTx, better audio. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both are available with generous storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support it |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Basic audio features | M5s has better audio for a richer, more immersive audio experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M5s offers a bit more screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear win, offering significantly better contrast, color vibrancy, and power efficiency, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Stronger Performance: The Helio G95 chipset outshines the G88, translating to noticeably faster performance in everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, ensuring your device is ready to go much quicker than the Redmi 12's 18W charging.
- Better Cameras: With a higher resolution main sensor, a dedicated portrait lens and 4K video recording, the Poco M5s is the more versatile camera phone.
- Premium Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio makes the Poco M5s the better choice for audio lovers.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.79" screen is great for those who prioritize a large viewing area, ideal for media and browsing.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate gives the device a more fluid feel while scrolling or gaming.
- Newer Software: Launched with Android 13 out of the box, meaning it may have longer software support and better features.
- Modern Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX, making it good for users of high quality wireless audio.
- Wired Reverse Charging: The Redmi 12 has the ability to reverse charge devices using a cable at 9W.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Poco M5s: Older Android version out of the box, bulkier for the screen size and lacks the new Bluetooth standard.
- Redmi 12: Screen technology, processing power and audio quality are not up to par when compared to the Poco M5s.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display quality, gaming, and media consumption, and don't mind a less cutting-edge design.
- Use Cases: Gamers, movie watchers, and those who take many photos and videos.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal For: Users who want a big screen for browsing, media, or reading, and prefer a smoother display, without intensive gaming.
- Use Cases: Casual users, media consumption, and anyone who likes to read on their phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you? If you want the best possible screen, the AMOLED panel on the Poco M5s is the clear winner.
- Do you need the fastest performance? If you plan to do a lot of gaming or use demanding apps, the Poco M5s has significantly more processing power.
- Is software longevity critical? The Redmi 12 ships with a newer version of Android, meaning longer software updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Tech Enthusiast/Gamer: The Xiaomi Poco M5s is the superior choice due to its better display, faster processor, and more capable cameras.
- For the Casual User/Media Consumer: If budget is a significant constraint, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 will likely be more economical and has a larger screen for watching videos.
- For the User on the Go: The Xiaomi Poco M5s has a faster charge, meaning less time plugged into the wall.
My Choice and Why!
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally go for the Xiaomi Poco M5s. The superior AMOLED display and notably faster processor make it a more enjoyable device for my daily use. While the Redmi 12 has a bigger screen and a newer version of Android, the tangible advantages of the Poco M5s in areas like screen quality, camera and performance outweigh those gains for me. The higher brightness, faster charging and premium audio make it a significantly better day-to-day device. As a tech enthusiast, those aspects hold more weight for me.
