Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and Realme 12+, focusing on practical implications:
Design & Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. |
| Weight | 215g | 190g | Realme 12+ is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers better protection against scratches and minor drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer identical display sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; also more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is significantly brighter, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Both offer excellent performance for most tasks and gaming, but different processors. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 601,000 | Both offer similar levels of performance in real-world use; 4% difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, but both handle graphically intensive tasks well. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Realme 12+ has slightly higher resolution, potentially resulting in slightly more detail in photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's wider aperture may allow for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Sony LYT-600 | Different sensors, meaning potentially different image processing and quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution for selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's wider aperture may allow for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP | Both offer the same ultra-wide photography experience. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer similar video recording quality. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | Realme 12+ has superior video stabilization |
| Features | Quad camera, manual focus, continuous shooting | Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Different camera features tailored for various photographic needs |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Removable Battery | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have the same battery feature |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ has a newer OS with the latest features and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12+ has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12+ has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has more precise location services with Galileo support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ has a 512 GB option for users who need more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ offers more RAM, improving multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ has more advanced audio features that provide higher-quality audio and clearer calls. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a more advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone:
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers better protection against scratches and drops.
- Wider Aperture Main and Selfie Camera: Slightly better low light performance compared to Realme 12+
- Dedicated Depth Camera: For better portrait mode.
- More Precise GPS: Galileo support for better location services.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may find the side-mounted fingerprint sensor more convenient.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Offers more accurate proximity sensing
- More features in Camera : Manual focus, Continuous Shooting, Quadruple Camera
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with better color, contrast, and brightness.
- Much Brighter Screen: 2000 nits brightness provides excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Newer OS: Android 14 with the latest features and security updates, as well as upgrade to Android 16.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 for higher speeds and network efficiency.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More Internal Storage: 512 GB option for users who need more storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone for superior audio experience.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) : superior video quality and less blurry images
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Faster focusing and better results
- Lighter and Smaller: More comfortable to handle and pocket
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro has better screen protection and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, but an older OS, slower charging, an IPS LCD screen, and inferior outdoor visibility.
- The Realme 12+ has a brighter, AMOLED screen, faster charging, the latest OS, but lacks better screen protection and a dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious gamers who prioritize performance over display quality, users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors, and individuals who value having better protection on the screen from drops and scratches.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming where the performance is key (while display is not as good, performance of games is great).
- Users who don't rely heavily on outdoor visibility (due to lower max brightness).
- Users who need better location accuracy.
- Those on a budget who still want a fast phone with good performance.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
- Users who want a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, battery charging speeds, and the latest software, and those who want a newer phone.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently watch videos or consume media on their phone.
- Users who frequently use their phone under direct sunlight (brighter screen).
- Users who want the latest Android software features and security.
- Users who need fast charging on the go.
- Users who want better audio experience (Dolby Atmos).
- Users who frequently take high quality videos and want optical image stabilization.
- Users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help a buyer decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display with high brightness (Realme 12+) or are you okay with a less vibrant IPS LCD (Poco X3 Pro) with slightly better screen protection?
- Charging and Software: Do you need the fastest charging speeds and latest software features (Realme 12+) or is a decent charging speed and older OS acceptable (Poco X3 Pro)?
- Camera & Audio Experience: Do you prefer enhanced audio features with noise cancellation, a newer main camera, better video quality with OIS (Realme 12+), or better selfie camera, a wider aperture for lower-light photography, and dedicated depth camera for portrait mode (Poco X3 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Gaming): If your primary concern is gaming performance on a budget, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is still a great choice, despite its age.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Media Consumption): If you watch videos, use the phone outdoors, and appreciate a good display, the Realme 12+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Latest Software and Features): If you want a modern device with the latest software and fast charging, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
Personal Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go for the Realme 12+. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a very good value with great gaming performance, the Realme 12+ provides a much better overall user experience in 2024. The significantly brighter AMOLED display is a game-changer, especially for outdoor use, and the faster charging is a huge convenience. The newer Android OS and enhanced audio features add to the appeal. While I like the screen protection of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro, the superior display, software, and other features of the Realme 12+ are more important to my personal preferences and usage scenarios.
