Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is more compact and easier to handle, particularly with a thickness of 8.8mm compared to 9.4mm. |
| Weight | 215g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Minimal difference; both offer a large screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Effectively the same sharpness; both provide a good viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Practically identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in display clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro is significantly brighter and better for use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has higher benchmark scores while the Realme 12 Pro is on a newer chipset generation. Both should handle most tasks but X3 Pro might have a slight edge in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 574,000 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a marginally higher score, suggesting slightly better raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 710 | Different GPUs; real-world performance in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks may vary. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79 (1/2", 0.8µm) | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2", 0.7µm) | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly higher resolution, while Xiaomi has a wider aperture, likely giving similar picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2 (1/3.4", 0.8µm) | 16MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution front camera and wider aperture leading to better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP f/2.0 (1/2.74", 0.8µm) | Realme 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro lacks this dedicated telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 (1/4", 1.12µm) | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated ultrawide camera for wider shots. Realme 12 Pro lacks this. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 (1/5", 1.75µm) | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated portrait camera for depth of field. Realme 12 Pro lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 (1/5", 1.75µm) | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. Realme 12 Pro lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP f/2.2 (1/2.8", 1.12µm) | Realme 12 Pro has an ultrawide with macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities, with both offering 1080p at up to 240fps and 4K at 30fps. Stabilization differs. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS + EIS | Realme 12 Pro has better image stabilization through OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacities; both should offer comparable endurance for typical daily usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro offers a more up-to-date operating system with latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro has newer WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro has slightly newer Bluetooth version which might be more power efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 12 Pro has additional GPS systems which might result in better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers larger storage options for users needing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage; users are limited to built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro has enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and clearer calls through the extra microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro provides a more secure side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers superior protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro includes a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor for more features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Potentially Better Raw Performance: Slightly higher AnTuTu benchmark score and a more powerful chipset, which may translate into better performance for demanding games.
- Wider Aperture Selfie and Main Camera: Slightly wider aperture for the main and selfie camera could lead to better low light performance.
- Dedicated Ultrawide, Macro and Portrait Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography with these additional lenses.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This could be preferable for some users in terms of speed and usability.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 6 for extra durability
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, with high brightness and better visibility outdoors.
- Telephoto Lens with Optical Zoom: Offers the ability to zoom without losing image quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- More RAM: Offers up to 12 GB of RAM for heavy multitasking.
- More Storage: Offers up to 512 GB of internal storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise-cancelling microphones.
- Better Connectivity: Includes support for Wi-Fi 6 and a newer Bluetooth 5.2.
- More Accurate GPS: Features a wider range of supported GPS systems, providing more accurate location tracking.
- Optical Image Stabilization: OIS on the main camera helps create more stable videos and photos, especially in low light.
- Newer Chipset: While slightly less powerful on raw numbers, the newer chipset will likely have better power efficiency and a longer update support.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 12 Pro sacrifices dedicated ultra-wide and macro lenses for a telephoto lens, while also having a slightly lower main sensor pixel size.
- Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers more raw power but is based on older technology (Android 11, IPS LCD).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget Gamers: Users who prioritize performance in mobile gaming and require a more powerful processor and GPU on a budget.
- Users Who Value Raw Power: People who favor raw performance and a higher AnTuTu score over display and camera enhancements.
- Users Who Prefer Traditional Photography: Those who prefer ultrawide and macro lenses on their camera setup.
- Cost-Conscious Shoppers: Those who are looking for the best performance-per-dollar phone.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality and want vibrant colors, deep blacks and good outdoor visibility.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use telephoto zoom capabilities and prioritize OIS for video and picture clarity.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: Those who require a phone with rapid charging.
- Users Who Want a Modern Software Experience: Users who want the latest Android features and security patches.
- General Users: Those who want a well-rounded phone with good overall features for daily usage.
- Audio Lovers: Users who want Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphones and overall high-quality audio experience.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: Intense mobile gaming, running performance-intensive apps, users on a tight budget.
- Realme 12 Pro: Watching movies, casual photography, social media, extensive daily use, users who desire modern software experience, travel and landscape photography due to the telephoto zoom.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize display quality (AMOLED) or raw gaming performance? If display quality and battery life is preferred, then pick the Realme 12 Pro. If raw power is preferred, then the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the better pick.
- Do I need the versatility of a telephoto lens or an ultrawide/macro lens? If you need optical zoom, then pick the Realme 12 Pro. Otherwise, pick the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
- Is fast charging and modern software important to me? If yes, then Realme 12 Pro is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Focus: If gaming is the primary use, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's slight performance edge is better, despite the older technology.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Daily Use: If multimedia consumption, social media, and daily usage are the main focus, the Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED display, faster charging, and enhanced audio are preferable.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you want telephoto zoom and better image stabilization for videos and photos, then the Realme 12 Pro is better. If you prefer a wider variety of cameras, then the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro might be a better option.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: If you are looking for the best performance on a tight budget, then the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro would be a better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally go for the Realme 12 Pro. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a slight edge in raw gaming performance, the Realme 12 Pro's superior AMOLED display, faster charging, better OIS and telephoto lens, more modern software, and enhanced audio experience provide a more compelling package for my typical use cases. I value a vibrant, high-quality display and the flexibility offered by optical zoom, which makes the Realme 12 Pro more appealing for daily use and content consumption. The newer software is also a plus for me. Although the Poco X3 Pro might be slightly better for very specific use cases, the Realme 12 Pro has a wider appeal for most users.
