1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is thicker and slightly larger volume; Note 12 G96 is more pocketable and may be more comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 215g | 185g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness and detail |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 393 PPI | Both have similarly sharp displays, no real-world difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED display on Infinix Note 12 G96 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and dark mode use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast paced use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (data missing) | 650 nits | Infinix Note 12 G96 has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight thanks to its much higher brightness, Poco X3 Pro brightness is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Poco X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 provides significantly better performance, smoother multitasking, and more responsive gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 307,000 | Poco X3 Pro shows notably higher benchmark score, indicating far superior performance in demanding tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 640 is more powerful than Mali-G57 MC2, meaning better gaming experience for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar battery capacity, expecting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds; type of battery is different, but real world impact is similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance; Poco X3 Pro has a larger sensor for more light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" sensor | 16MP, f/2.0, (sensor info missing) | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution and slightly smaller aperture; Infinix Note 12 G96 has wider aperture. Sensor info for Infinix not available |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP | Not Available | Poco X3 Pro can capture wider shots |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, (sensor info missing) | Both have a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode. Sensor info for Infinix not available |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Not Available | Poco X3 Pro has macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, various 1080p options | 1440p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro can record in 4K for higher quality video, while Infinix maxes at 1440p and has better slow-motion |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more recent OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Poco X3 Pro has additional MiMO support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Infinix Note 12 G96 uses slightly more modern version of bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Poco X3 Pro offers more accurate location tracking, especially in challenging areas with the additional satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | Poco X3 Pro has higher maximum storage, better for users who store a lot of files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | Similar RAM configurations available for both; good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither phones support expandable storage, user needs to be careful with storage use |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers but Xiaomi has Hi-Res Audio and Infinix offers DTS/ DTS X |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Similar fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Poco X3 Pro has an additional compass and ultrasonic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly better processing power, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and enhanced gaming performance.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive user experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling through menus or playing games.
- Better Gaming Experience: Superior chipset and GPU makes it more suitable for gaming.
- More Camera Features: Comes with additional wide angle and macro lens, and can shoot in 4K video
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite navigation systems, offering more accurate location tracking.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for superior screen scratch resistance
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio capability
Practical Implications:
- The Poco X3 Pro is the clear choice for users who prioritize performance and gaming. The higher refresh rate makes everyday use feel much smoother.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers much better contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. This results in a more visually appealing experience, especially for media consumption.
- Lighter Build: The lighter weight makes the device more comfortable for extended use.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Much higher brightness of the display.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Uses slightly newer version of Bluetooth standard.
Practical Implications:
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a better choice for users who prioritize display quality and comfort for prolonged use. The AMOLED screen and lightweight design make it ideal for media consumption and reading.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Display: The Poco X3 Pro sacrifices display quality for performance, while the Infinix prioritizes display over raw power.
- Weight vs. Features: The Infinix is lighter, but the Poco X3 Pro has better camera features and more powerful processing
- Refresh Rate vs. Display Technology: The Poco X3 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate makes for smoother visuals, but the Infinix's AMOLED screen offers better overall image quality
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance over display quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming on mobile
- Multitasking between multiple apps
- Demanding tasks like video editing
- Users who value smooth performance
- Users who need accurate location tracking
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, users who value display quality, and those who want a comfortable, lightweight phone.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos
- Reading e-books
- Social media browsing
- Users who want a lightweight phone for prolonged use
- Users who need a display that's bright enough to see in direct sunlight
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and raw performance? If high performance is critical, the Poco X3 Pro is the clear choice.
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? If you spend a lot of time consuming media, the Infinix Note 12 G96's AMOLED display is better.
- What is more important, a smooth experience or overall image quality? If the former, go with Xiaomi; if the latter go with Infinix.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: Avid Media Consumer: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its vibrant AMOLED display and comfortable design.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its higher brightness and sunlight visibility
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: Evaluate your priorities, both phones provide solid performance for everyday use, so chose based on your personal needs.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who values smooth multitasking, quick app loading and I also play high end games, the vastly superior performance of the Snapdragon 860 is a huge win.
- 120Hz refresh rate: This improves the overall experience dramatically. I am used to higher refresh rates on my devices.
- Camera: Having extra camera features with wide angle and macro lens can be very useful for certain kinds of shots.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 does have a better display and is much lighter, my personal priorities lean more towards raw performance, smoothness, and extra camera features. The Poco X3 Pro is a better fit for my use cases.
