Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2021-12-31 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is a newer model (9 months newer) |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Poco X3 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, which may affect one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 215g | 204g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly lighter, beneficial for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.73" | Minimal size difference; negligibly larger screen on the Xiaomi 12 Pro. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display, with noticeably finer details and better clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a much crisper visual experience with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly brighter, making it easily viewable under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster processing, better gaming performance, and more efficient power consumption. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides noticeably smoother, faster performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4600mAh | Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 120W wired charging (Xiaomi Surge P1 chip), 50W fast wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers advanced charging capabilities including faster wired charging and wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Similar resolution; Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.28" | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.22µm | Xiaomi 12 Pro has larger pixels for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a higher-resolution front camera for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly higher-resolution wide-angle camera for better quality ultra-wide photos. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly higher-resolution portrait camera with a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro camera for detailed close-up shots, whereas Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher video quality and more advanced features including HDR recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS and OIS | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides both electronic (EIS) and optical (OIS) image stabilization, resulting in smoother videos. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 129 (Mobile) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much higher-rated camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more advanced features including optical zoom, OIS, and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer operating system out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite navigation systems, providing more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones have the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio experience with better spatial audio and improved voice capture capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro uses stronger and more scratch resistant screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes a barometer for altitude measurements, useful for outdoor activities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5160mAh battery offers better endurance for users who prioritize long battery life.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides the option for taking detailed close-up photos.
- Potentially Lower Price: Usually found at a lower price point, offering good value for budget-conscious users.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density, providing a visually superior experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers much faster processing and better gaming performance.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main, ultra-wide, and portrait lenses, larger sensors, and more advanced video capabilities, including 8K video recording and OIS.
- More Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones for enhanced audio quality.
- Newer Technology: Wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and newer OS.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection provides better protection and durability.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's larger battery comes at the cost of a thicker and heavier design compared to the sleeker and lighter Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro's premium features come at a higher price point compared to the budget-focused Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks a dedicated Macro camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable phone at a lower price point.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that can last through a full day with heavy usage without frequent recharging.
- Casual Gamers: Those who play games but don't need top-of-the-line gaming performance.
Users Who Take Close Up Macro Shots: Users who enjoy taking close up shots with a macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Long days away from a power source.
- Casual gaming sessions.
- Basic photography and videography.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, such as video editing or heavy gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value excellent photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate a high-quality display for watching videos and playing games.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Those who like the convenience of quickly topping up the phone's battery.
Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest tech, including fast charging, latest WiFi standard and latest Bluetooth.
Use Cases:
- Gaming with demanding graphics at high refresh rates.
- Professional-quality photo and video capture and editing.
- Immersive multimedia consumption with HDR content.
- Fast-paced usage requiring quick charging times.
- Those who want a premium phone with a premium design.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers good performance for its price range.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers premium features and performance at a higher cost, but justifies it with its superior display, camera, performance and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is typically more affordable, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a premium phone.
- How important is camera quality and performance? The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior image quality, especially in low light and offers much more advanced video recording features.
- What is your battery life expectation and charging preference? The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro has incredibly fast charging, and fast wireless charging, while both phones should last a full day of use, the 12 Pro allows a quick recharge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious, Battery Priority - If you are looking for an affordable phone with great battery life, and you don't mind the lack of an AMOLED display and a slightly larger size, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Priority - If you want the best possible performance, a top tier camera, fastest charging and are willing to pay extra for the premium features, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User - If you are a general user who wants good performance, display quality and a decent camera, then the decision depends on your preference for either a larger battery with a macro camera (Poco X3 Pro) or a premium screen, better camera and faster charging capabilities (Xiaomi 12 Pro).
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Poco X3 Pro offers excellent value for money, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's superior display, significantly better performance, advanced camera system, and incredibly fast charging make it a far more compelling device for my needs. I prioritize top-notch camera capabilities, a high-quality display for multimedia consumption, and fast charging for convenience. The premium build and added features like Dolby Atmos and wireless charging make it worth the extra investment. The extra RAM would help with multitasking.
