1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 4G is noticeably thinner, making it slightly easier to handle; Poco X3 Pro has a larger volume, which is less pocketable |
| Weight | 215g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly lighter, leading to more comfortable extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both phones have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have identical pixel density, meaning the clarity of images will be the same on both devices. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 4G has a superior display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; more energy efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 4G will be much easier to see in bright sunlight due to higher max brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 338,900 | Poco X3 Pro has much better performance in CPU-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 610 | Poco X3 Pro offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer comparable battery life for typical daily use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Both offer similar fast charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 4G can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Poco X3 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. Redmi Note 12 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 13MP, f/2.45 | Poco X3 Pro offers more detailed selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Both have similar wide-angle lens quality. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have basic macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 63 (Photo: 54, Video: 66) | Redmi Note 12 4G provides benchmark numbers for camera performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 4G comes with a newer version of Android, providing more recent features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MIMO | 802.11ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. Poco X3 Pro has MIMO for improved signal. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, EDR, HID | Poco X3 Pro has more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs, providing better audio quality for wireless headphones, while Redmi Note 12 has extra connectivity options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both have similar options for multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Poco X3 Pro offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar basic security features. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco X3 Pro has a sturdier screen protection, potentially less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, etc | Proximity, etc | Poco X3 Pro has more advanced sensors, which may be beneficial for some specific use cases, such as gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 860 offers a massive performance advantage, making it far better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Superior Video Recording: The ability to record in 4K makes it better for those who want high-quality videos.
- Better Audio Experience: With Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers, the audio output is more immersive.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers superior scratch resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Advanced Sensors: Ultrasonic proximity sensor provides more accurate distance detection.
- Better Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera, and higher resolution on the front camera for better photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Newer Display Technology: AMOLED display provides vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency with dark themes.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The phone is more comfortable to hold and pocket.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 (upgradable to 14), offering the latest features and security updates.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Brighter Display: Higher brightness provides better outdoor visibility.
- Benchmark Numbers: Has been tested by DXOMark providing users with a point of reference for camera quality.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes performance and camera, sacrificing the vibrant display and lighter design of the Redmi Note 12 4G.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a more modern overall experience with a more modern display and software but loses out on raw performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, users who heavily multitask, those who want the best possible performance for the price, users who value raw performance over display technology.
- Use Cases: Playing graphically intensive games (PUBG, Genshin Impact), video editing, running multiple apps simultaneously, taking high resolution photos and video in good lighting.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal User: Average smartphone users, those who value battery efficiency, those who consume a lot of multimedia content (videos, social media) and those who want a more modern display and software experience, users who don't need top-end performance.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, watching videos, taking everyday pictures, using the phone for a full day without worrying about the battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, social media, general usage)
- Do you prioritize performance or display quality and a modern Android version?
- Do you value a thinner, lighter phone over maximum performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Performance Enthusiast: Choose the Poco X3 Pro for the superior chipset and GPU. The performance difference will be critical for gaming and other demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User/Content Consumer: Choose the Redmi Note 12 4G for the superior AMOLED display, and lighter more ergonomic design. It provides a more visually pleasing experience and more up-to-date software for daily usage.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Both phones offer great value, but depending on price differences in your region, the Redmi Note 12 4G may be the better pick if available at a lower price and if top performance is not a need.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. Although the Redmi Note 12 4G has a better display and a more modern software experience, the raw performance of the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro is a major differentiator. As a power user, I often push my phone to its limits with heavy multitasking and gaming, and the Poco X3 Pro would provide a smoother and more responsive experience. While the display of the Redmi Note 12 is superior, the difference in performance is more significant to me. The ability to record 4k video is a bonus and the superior audio experience is a welcome feature.
