Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. As a tech journalist, I'm not just interested in the numbers; I want to know how these specs translate into real-world experiences for you, the user. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, along with their implications for everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly larger and thicker, which might be noticeable in hand. Poco M5s is more compact. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 208.4g | Poco M5s is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp, detailed image. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Similar pixel density; both screens will look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer good colors and contrast, with deep blacks. AMOLED may have a slight edge in vibrancy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay due to higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | Poco M5s is brighter, making it better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more efficient and powerful chipset leading to faster app loading and smoother performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly better performance, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely offers better graphical performance, although both are capable of most mobile games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, a huge advantage for those always on the go. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Poco M5s can charge other devices, a useful bonus. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9, 1/2" sensor | 200MP f/1.65, 1/1.4" sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution main sensor and larger size capturing more details, better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 16MP f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers slightly more detail for selfies, with similar aperture for both devices. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance. |
| Depth | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Poco M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K 30fps | Up to 4K 30fps | Both record 4K video, but Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has OIS and more advanced stabilization for smoother video. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not tested | 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a high camera score, indicating strong overall performance. Poco M5s has no score. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Triple Camera, OIS | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has optical image stabilization (OIS) leading to better photos and videos in low light and less blurry results. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better long-term software support with an upgrade to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standard compared to Poco M5s. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features a newer Bluetooth version for a more stable and faster connection with devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer up to 256 GB of storage, meeting most user needs. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more RAM, better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers Dolby Atmos and similar features providing a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide a similar fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both devices offer a good sensor set; Poco M5s has an ultrasonic virtual sensor while Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has an standard Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact: It’s easier to handle for extended use.
- Brighter screen: Better outdoor visibility.
- Reverse charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Slightly better screen brightness for outdoor usage.
- Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Strengths:
- More powerful chipset: Faster performance and better gaming.
- Higher refresh rate screen: Smoother experience.
- Significantly faster charging: 120W charging is incredibly fast.
- Better main camera: Higher resolution and better low-light capabilities.
- OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) Offers better quality and sharper photos and videos.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Longer software support: Upgradable to Android 14.
- Higher RAM options: Great for multitasking.
- Dolby Atmos: Superior audio quality.
- Better Screen protection: Offers Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Competitive Advantages:
- Offers a significantly faster user experience, both in terms of charging, display smoothness and raw performance.
- High-end camera performance with OIS.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is heavier and larger than the Poco M5s.
- The Poco M5s has a reverse charging capability but lacks the latest wireless connectivity technologies.
- Neither device offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a solid, reliable phone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize lightweight design: People who value a compact and easy-to-handle device.
- Those who need reverse charging: A useful feature for travelers or anyone who needs to charge other devices on the go.
- Users who prefer brighter screens: for outdoor usage
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is best for:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers and users who demand a smooth, fast experience.
- Photography lovers: Those looking for a capable camera with good low-light performance and OIS.
- Users who value fast charging: Individuals who need their phone charged quickly.
- Users who value audio quality: Those looking for a phone with enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos.
- Users who value future upgrades: For people that want the best software support
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is a smoother display and faster performance to you?
- If these are critical, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear choice.
- If you're okay with a standard display and moderate performance, the Poco M5s is sufficient.
- How much do you value camera quality and features?
- If camera quality is paramount, especially low-light performance and video with OIS, choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- If a decent camera is enough, the Poco M5s is fine.
- What is your budget and your priorities?
- If your budget is restrictive, then the Poco M5s might be the better option
- If you are looking for the best performance, charging, and overall quality and you can stretch the budget, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the premium option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you're mostly browsing, texting, and using social media, the Poco M5s offers good value for the price.
- Gaming and Performance User: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is superior in performance and display smoothness for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with its higher resolution sensor, larger sensor size and OIS will capture more detail with better quality.
- Traveler: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is faster charging for those that are often on the go but for that you will have to sacrifice the ability to reverse charge, so the Poco M5s might be the better option.
Which would I choose?
If I had to choose between the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, I would pick the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Here's why:
As someone who appreciates performance, a smooth display, and a great camera, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ticks all the right boxes. While I do value the lightweight design of the Poco M5s and its brighter screen, the sheer power of the Dimensity 1080 chipset, the smoother 120Hz display, the faster 120W charging, and the significantly improved camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are too compelling to pass up. The addition of Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) are features I would utilize daily, and the promise of a future Android 14 upgrade adds extra value. For me, it's worth the extra cost.
I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision!
