Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Redmi Note 12 4G. These two phones, while sharing some similarities, cater to slightly different needs, and understanding those nuances is key. I'll break it down with a focus on how these specs translate to real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the core specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm, 178.8g | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm, 183.5g | Poco M5s is a bit more compact and slightly lighter, might be more comfortable in hand; Redmi Note 12 4G is taller, wider but thinner. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 4G offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Very similar pixel density, both display sharp images but Poco M5s has a slight edge. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 4G has smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 1200 | Redmi Note 12 4G might be slightly more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Helio G95 offers slightly higher processing power and gaming performance; Snapdragon 685 is more power-efficient due to the smaller 6 nm architecture. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 338,900 | Poco M5s is slightly faster in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Poco M5s has the edge in GPU performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Poco M5s offers more detailed shots due to its larger sensor size and higher resolution, but Redmi Note 12 4G has slightly better low light performance due to its wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | Similar selfie cameras, both offering good performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Poco M5s has a larger sensor offering wider perspective. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not available | Poco M5s has a dedicated depth sensor to help with portrait shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro cameras for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 1080p@30fps | Poco M5s records at higher resolution, offers more flexibility with frame rate for more professional video recording. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Overall: 63, Photo: 54, Video: 66 | Redmi Note 12 4G has a mobile camera rating on DxOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life for moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both offer fast-charging capabilities for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12 4G comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard Wi-Fi technologies for fast and reliable internet connectivity. Poco M5s has an additional feature for faster transmission (Wi-Fi MiMO) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both phones have the same Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer accurate location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer multiple storage options to suit different needs. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer multiple RAM options to ensure smooth multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Poco M5s has better audio for content consumption and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have the same side-mounted fingerprint scanner for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones offer good scratch protection for the display. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco M5s has a wider variety of sensors, which may enable additional features, whilst the Redmi Note 12 4G also has a strong sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Helio G95 chipset coupled with a Mali-G76 MC4 GPU gives the Poco M5s a noticeable edge in processing power and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Offers 4K video recording, a dedicated depth sensor, and a larger main camera sensor for better detail, making it more versatile for content creation.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support enhance the experience for music and video.
- More Sensors: The Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor enables more sophisticated features and performance compared to a standard proximity sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a far more fluid user experience than the Poco M5s’s 60Hz display, especially when scrolling and gaming.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, potentially offering better long-term software support and updates.
- Slightly Better Outdoor Visibility: The 1200 nits brightness makes the screen more visible in direct sunlight.
- Power Efficiency: The Snapdragon 685 is built on a smaller node, potentially offering better battery efficiency with similar use.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Poco M5s: Lacks the 120Hz smooth display, uses an older version of Android and the chipset is less efficient.
- Redmi Note 12 4G: Lags in processing power, camera features and audio quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize gaming, content creation, and multimedia consumption on a budget.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, social media content creators, and media enthusiasts who value high-quality audio.
- Why: The superior processor, enhanced camera features, and stereo speakers make it a great all-rounder for content-heavy usage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal for: Users who want a smoother user interface and are not too demanding on performance and cameras.
- Use Cases: Everyday users, social media browsers, and those who appreciate smooth scrolling on a larger screen.
- Why: The 120Hz display, newer Android version and efficient processor make it a great choice for everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, consider these questions:
- How important is smooth scrolling and animation?
- If crucial, the Redmi Note 12 4G with its 120Hz display is the better choice.
- Do you require top-notch performance for gaming and content creation?
- If yes, the Poco M5s will be more suitable, thanks to its stronger processor and camera features.
- How do you value Audio quality and video capture?
- If audio and video quality are vital, the Poco M5s, with its stereo speakers and 4k recording capability, will suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: The Poco M5s edges out with its stronger performance and more powerful GPU.
- Scenario 2: Content Creator: The Poco M5s again is more suitable with its higher resolution video capabilities, better main sensor and dedicated depth sensor.
- Scenario 3: Daily Browser: The Redmi Note 12 4G will offer a better user experience due to the smoother 120Hz display and efficient processor.
- Scenario 4: Media Enthusiast: The Poco M5s with its stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio offers a more immersive experience than the Redmi Note 12 4G.
Final Verdict: My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the 120Hz display on the Redmi Note 12 4G is tempting, I value the overall performance, video capabilities, audio quality, and comprehensive set of sensors that the Poco M5s provides. As someone who uses their phone for work, content consumption and gaming, the Poco M5s better suits my needs with its superior performance and versatile camera, making it the winner in my book. I tend to prioritize those elements over the slightly smoother UI that the Redmi Note 12 4G offers. The better video recording is a plus as I enjoy creating casual videos from time to time. The stereo speakers would also come in handy when I'm listening to music or watching videos.
