1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is more compact and pocketable. The Poco X3 Pro is noticeably larger and may feel bulky. |
| Weight | 215g | 196g | Realme 12 Pro+ is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Nearly identical viewing area, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer sharp visuals; difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Both provide similar pixel density; sharpness is almost identical. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, no practical difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, the provided value of 0 nits seems incorrect and missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Both offer similar performance. The Snapdragon 860 is a slightly older flagship chip while the 7s Gen 2 is a newer midrange chip. |
| Antutu Score | 627,869 | 603,400 | Very similar real-world performance, with only a 4% difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 710 | Both phones can handle demanding games, but the Adreno 710 is more efficient. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers better image quality, especially in low light, due to a larger sensor and newer processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher detail and larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has an optical zoom capability for better zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Not available | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated wide angle for capturing more in the frame. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better background blur effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a versatile camera for wide and close up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), up to 960fps slow-motion | 4K@30fps (EIS), up to 240fps slow-motion | Both record 4K video, the Poco X3 Pro has slower slow-motion. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Manual focus | Triple camera, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ has better image stabilization, faster focusing, and pro options. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Android version with more features and better security. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro+ supports faster WiFi speeds, more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has newer and more efficient bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ provides slightly better location accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both have dual SIM capabilities |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers up to 512GB storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ is better for multitasking and demanding apps with 12 GB RAM option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly better audio experience. |
Security, Build and Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers more convenient access with a side mounted sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers better protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a broader sensor suite for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Stronger Screen Protection: Offers superior protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
- Wider Angle Camera: Dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close up shots.
- Depth Sensor: For better portrait background blur
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient and easily accessible.
Practical Implications: The X3 Pro offers better durability and a wider variety of shooting options with its dedicated cameras.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior AMOLED Display: Offers better visual quality with more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging replenishes the battery much faster.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor for improved image quality and low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor for better selfie quality.
- Telephoto Lens: For optical zoom and improved image quality when zooming.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features and better security.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more efficient wireless connections.
- More RAM: Option for 12 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps
- More Storage: Option for 512 GB of internal storage.
Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone and 2 microphones for better audio experience.
Practical Implications: The Realme 12 Pro+ provides better visuals, faster performance, better camera versatility and a smoother overall user experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: While it has better protection and a wider array of lenses, the display technology is inferior to the Realme.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Lacks dedicated depth and macro lens found on the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and doesn't have the same level of screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize durability and camera versatility.
- Users who value side-mounted fingerprint scanners.
- Those who take wide angle shots and like macro photography
Use Cases:
- Users who tend to drop their phones frequently (due to robust screen protection).
- Casual photographers who like to experiment with different lenses.
- Gamers who do not require the absolute best visual quality but value fast processing.
Realme 12 Pro+:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a better display for media consumption.
- Users who need fast charging capabilities.
- Photography enthusiasts who value zoom capabilities and overall quality.
- Users who want the latest Android OS and better wireless connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Heavy media consumers (movies, videos, gaming) who will greatly benefit from AMOLED display.
- Users who require frequent charging and value fast-charging capabilities.
- Users who take a lot of photos and want better image quality and zoom.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your main use case for the phone? (Media consumption, photography, gaming, etc.)
- How important is the display quality and battery charging speed? (Are you willing to trade display for better durability?)
- What is your budget and how much storage do you need? (Is the additional cost for Realme's better display, newer OS and zoom camera worth it?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User with basic needs: If you need a reliable phone, do not need any advanced features and prefer a slightly lower price, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro will serve you well and offer better screen protection.
- Media Consumption Focused User: If you watch a lot of videos and play games, the Realme 12 Pro+'s AMOLED display provides a much better viewing experience, making it an easy choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you value zoom capabilities, the Realme 12 Pro+ with a dedicated telephoto lens and OIS is the better choice, providing improved image quality.
- Fast Charging and Daily Driver: If you tend to charge your phone often and need a phone that provides more performance and a smoother experience then Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Realme 12 Pro+. The superior AMOLED display, faster charging, newer operating system, telephoto lens and better performance would make for a much better experience for my daily use. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has better screen protection, I think the improvements the Realme 12 Pro+ offers outweighs this disadvantage. The trade-off of a lacking macro and depth lens is a reasonable trade-off given I would benefit from the telephoto camera and higher quality overall camera performance.
