Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12C
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-01-01 | Redmi 12C is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from software improvements and longer update support. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is slightly taller and thinner, Poco X3 Pro is a bit bulkier. The difference in size and weight will be noticeable when holding/carrying either phone. |
| Weight | 215g | 192g | Redmi 12C is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.71" | Negligible difference in size, both offer a large viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | Poco X3 Pro offers a much sharper, clearer display with more detail (Full HD+ vs HD+). Text and images will appear crisper and less pixelated. |
| PPI | 395 | 268 | Poco X3 Pro provides a significantly sharper image due to higher pixel density; more pleasing for reading text, viewing photos, or watching videos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, providing similar color reproduction and viewing angles (but with different visual quality due to resolution/ppi differences). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. The higher refresh rate will be a significant benefit for responsive gaming and fluent UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness (0 nits) (Note: this is likely a data error as modern displays do not have 0 brightness), and in reality brightness is likely different |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful chipset, resulting in significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 225,154 | Poco X3 Pro demonstrates far superior benchmark performance, translating to a much smoother user experience for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU provides superior graphics performance, especially crucial for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have very similar battery capacity offering comparable battery life for a regular day of use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Poco X3 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime waiting for the phone to be fully charged. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Different battery technologies, Li-Polymer generally provides higher energy density and durability but more of a difference is in the charging capabilities between the two. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, no sensor details | Redmi 12C has slightly higher megapixel count, but Poco X3 Pro's larger sensor size and wider aperture may yield better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 5MP, no sensor details | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly higher resolution front-facing camera for clearer, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | None | Poco X3 Pro offers a wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile photography options such as capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | None | Poco X3 Pro has a depth sensor, enabling better portrait mode with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Hynix HI-259 | 2MP, f/2.4, no sensor details | Both offer similar macro lenses for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 960fps | 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro offers higher video resolution and higher frame rate options, suitable for capturing higher quality videos and slow motion footage. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | 45 overall, 50 photo, 43 video | Redmi 12C's camera has been tested and scored for mobile capabilities, it should be considered that the Poco X3 Pro has not been tested so it is hard to gauge the camera quality based on these metrics. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi 12C ships with a slightly newer Android version out of the box, though Poco X3 Pro can be upgraded, Poco X3 Pro likely to have less software support from this point on. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi speeds; however, Poco X3 Pro additionally supports Wi-Fi MIMO for potentially faster data speeds in specific network environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, aptX, LDAC | 5.1 | Redmi 12C has a newer version of Bluetooth; Poco X3 Pro has better audio codec support for higher quality wireless audio. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro + Nano SIM | Both offer Dual SIM capabilities, with Poco X3 Pro using Dual Nano SIMs, while Redmi 12C uses a Micro SIM and a Nano SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Poco X3 Pro offers the option for more internal storage, beneficial for storing more files. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Poco X3 Pro has the option for more RAM, supporting better multitasking and smoother overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which is a potential limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Poco X3 Pro offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers, making it better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Poco X3 Pro's side-mounted sensor may feel more ergonomic for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro is more durable, providing better protection against accidental scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Poco X3 Pro has a more complete sensor suite, adding a compass and gyroscope for enhanced features like AR applications and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Higher Quality Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution make the viewing experience much smoother, sharper, and more enjoyable.
- Better Cameras: Offers more versatile camera options with a wide-angle lens, better selfie camera, and enhanced video recording capabilities, including 4k, and slow-motion options.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides enhanced screen protection.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM and storage options offer better multitasking and storage capacity.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Gyroscope and compass offer better support for advanced features and applications.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Newer Release: Being a newer model, it may have slightly longer software support and updated features compared to the older Poco X3 Pro.
- Lighter Design: Lighter build makes the phone more comfortable for extended usage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers some advantages over the 5.0 Bluetooth found on the Poco X3 Pro, such as more range and stability.
- Potentially Lower Cost: The Redmi 12C is generally targeted at a lower price point, making it more budget-friendly.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers much better performance but is heavier and older compared to the Redmi 12C.
- The Redmi 12C is more affordable and newer, but it compromises significantly on display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
Ideal Users:
- Gamers who need a phone with high performance and a smooth display.
- Users who prioritize performance and want a responsive phone for demanding tasks.
- Users who value photography and video capabilities, with a wide array of shooting modes.
- Individuals who frequently watch videos, movies, or play audio and appreciate better sound quality and visual clarity.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at high refresh rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Consuming media with high-resolution videos and high-quality audio.
- Multitasking with multiple apps open simultaneously.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a basic smartphone with a large screen.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for everyday use.
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and calls, that do not require heavy processing.
Use Cases:
- Browsing the web, social media, and emails.
- Making calls and sending texts.
- Taking basic photos and videos.
- Using simple apps.
- Users who value software support and receiving the latest security patches.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers a higher price-to-value ratio for users seeking performance and advanced features.
- The Redmi 12C offers a good value for budget-conscious users who don't need premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic use)
- How important is smooth, high-quality performance to you?
- What is your budget and how much are you willing to spend?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming/Performance): If gaming and overall speed is your priority, the Poco X3 Pro is the clear choice despite being older.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious): If you're looking for an affordable phone and don't need top-tier performance, the Redmi 12C will be a sufficient and cheaper option.
- Scenario 3 (Versatile Use): If you need a balance of good performance, camera features, and a quality display, the Poco X3 Pro is still the better all-around device.
- Scenario 4 (Software Support): If having the latest android updates is crucial, the Redmi 12C is the better option due to it's later release, despite the Poco X3 Pro having an available update to Android 12.
Personal Choice
If it was up to me, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. The significantly better performance due to the superior chipset, the smoother and sharper display with its 120Hz refresh rate, and the more versatile camera system are very important for my everyday use, that includes media consumption, social media, gaming, and general photo taking. While it's an older phone and I might not get the latest Android updates as long as the Redmi 12C, the sheer performance difference and better features outweigh this drawback for my specific use case. It would be worth the potential extra cost because the enhanced user experience would be much more important to me.
