Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | Note 12 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 215g | 187g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly lighter, providing greater comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size on both, no difference in the amount of content displayed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness on both, equal clarity for text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED display on the Note 12 Pro provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; suitable for gaming and media consumption. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Note 12 Pro's higher brightness provides much better visibility outdoors and in bright sunlight conditions, making it easier to view content on the screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Poco X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 has a slight edge in raw performance, while the Note 12 Pro's Dimensity 1080 is more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 573,200 | Poco X3 Pro shows slightly better performance in benchmarks, indicating potentially smoother gameplay and quicker app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, both are capable of playing most games, but performance varies slightly from game to game. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Note 12 Pro's slightly higher megapixel count does not automatically equate to better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Poco X3 Pro's slightly wider aperture could provide marginal benefits in low-light performance, though sensor size is also important. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Note 12 Pro's larger sensor size captures more light and detail, especially in low-light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 | Sony IMX766 | Note 12 Pro uses newer and generally better camera sensor technology. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Note 12 Pro's larger pixel size collects more light leading to improved low-light and dynamic range capture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Poco X3 Pro features higher resolution selfie camera but quality also dependent on the sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | Note 12 Pro's wider aperture on the wide-angle lens allows more light for better low-light shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor, which may offer better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer similar high-quality video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes (OIS) | Note 12 Pro offers superior video stabilization with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), providing smoother videos, especially when on the move. Poco X3 Pro video stabilization uses electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 102 | Note 12 Pro has a DxOMark score for its camera system, giving a more objective rating of its overall performance. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera | The Poco X3 Pro offers a quad camera setup, though having more cameras doesn't always equate to better photos. The Note 12 Pro features OIS, which is generally more beneficial. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life for general usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro ships with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Note 12 Pro uses the latest WiFi standard, providing faster speeds, reduced latency, and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Note 12 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering slightly better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 6 GB/8 GB/12 GB | Note 12 Pro has an additional 12 GB RAM option for more demanding multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers. Note 12 Pro supports Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience, while Poco X3 Pro supports Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide similar fingerprint sensor technology for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X3 Pro uses a slightly better glass screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 860 provides better raw performance, leading to a better gaming experience.
- Portrait Camera: Dedicated portrait mode sensor for better depth effects.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio for audiophiles.
- Slightly better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 is better than Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Practical Implications: The Poco X3 Pro is a better option if raw performance is prioritized, especially for demanding games.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology results in better colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency when using dark themes.
- Higher Brightness: Better screen visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, larger pixel size and superior sensor model for higher quality images, especially in low light.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Significantly better video stabilization for smoother videos.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and may receive updates for longer.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks.
- More RAM Options: Availability of 12 GB RAM variant.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 12 Pro excels in everyday usability with better display quality, camera features, faster charging, and superior connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro trades a superior display, camera, faster charging and better connectivity, for a slightly better processor.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro trades slightly less raw performance for a better display, significantly better camera quality and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious gamers who prioritize raw performance and value a fast processor over other premium features.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Users who don't mind the older display technology and camera.
- Those who prefer a slightly cheaper device.
- Price-to-Value: Good for gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who value a high-quality display, a good camera, fast charging, and are looking for a well-rounded, everyday phone.
- Use Cases:
- Daily usage, including social media, web browsing, media consumption, photography, and videography.
- Users who prioritize a good display for watching videos and consuming content.
- Those who want a fast-charging phone.
- Users who need a high-quality camera system.
- Price-to-Value: Very good for its feature set, suitable for those who value overall usability and user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is raw gaming performance to you? If it's a primary concern, the Poco X3 Pro might be a better fit.
- How much do you value display quality and camera capabilities? The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a much better display and significantly better camera performance.
- Is fast charging a must-have feature? The Redmi Note 12 Pro has nearly double the charging speed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Gaming: If you are a hardcore gamer on a tight budget and care most about smooth gameplay, choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you're a typical user who wants a great display, camera, fast charging, and a well-rounded phone for daily use, choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Best Camera: If the camera quality is your main concern, choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the Poco X3 Pro offers slightly better raw performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a significantly superior overall experience for everyday use. The AMOLED display, combined with a much better camera, faster charging, and better connectivity, makes it a more compelling choice. For my use case, which includes media consumption, photography, and general productivity, the Redmi Note 12 Pro aligns much better with my needs. The slight performance trade-off is acceptable given the substantial benefits in other key areas.
