1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly more compact and thinner, which might make it more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 215g | 201.8g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size provides the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have the same pixel density for similar clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro has superior display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gameplay. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 397,200 | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly higher benchmark score, suggesting better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 618 | Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro's main camera captures more detailed images in well-lit conditions. |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Poco X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, which can result in better low-light performance. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor, which can result in better low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera for slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Poco X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better for low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.13" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has slightly larger sensor for potentially better dynamic range in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/4" | 1/2.8" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor for better quality wide angle photos. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 2MP | 5MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro can capture slightly more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Both phones are capable of 4K recording; Poco X3 Pro has additional high-speed options for slow-motion and EIS. |
| Camera Features | Manual Focus, HDR, etc | Continuous autofocus, RAW, Night Mode, HDR etc | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more advanced camera features such as RAW capture and dedicated night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5020mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 Pro can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, not specified if upgradeable | Poco X3 Pro may receive OS upgrades while the Redmi Note 12 Pro's future upgrades are not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 with MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi connectivity; Poco X3 Pro offers MIMO for improved connection stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with aptX, LDAC | 5.1 with EDR, HID | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with enhanced features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Both provide quality audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar security measures. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X3 Pro has slightly more scratch-resistant screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU offer significantly better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking.
- More Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides slightly better protection against scratches than Gorilla Glass 5.
- Faster refresh rate recording The Poco X3 Pro has better refresh rate for video recordings, allowing for better quality and more options
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark themes.
- Higher Brightness 1200 nits brightness for better outdoor visibility
- Better Camera System: Main camera has a higher resolution and a larger sensor which leads to more detailed images and more dynamic range, especially in low light. Also has more advance camera features like RAW capture and a dedicated night mode.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging greatly reduces charging time, while the Poco X3 Pro only has 33W.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a useful feature not present in the Poco X3 Pro.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1 offers a more stable and efficient connection.
- More compact design: Slightly smaller and thinner profile, making it more pocketable.
- Lighter weight: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, reducing user fatigue during prolonged use.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro sacrifices display quality for higher performance, which means a less vibrant screen.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro sacrifices raw performance for a much better display and camera, which may not be suitable for heavy gaming.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers: Its powerful processor and GPU are ideal for smooth, lag-free gaming.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize performance over display and camera quality and are looking for better value in its class
- Users who want all the video recording options: For those who use their phones to shoot content and need the ability to shoot at different speeds, this might be the better option
- Users who want a more durable phone: The Gorilla Glass 6 provides extra protection against scratches and drops.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Its superior AMOLED display makes it ideal for watching videos, browsing photos, and general multimedia consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The camera system with higher resolution and a larger sensor, and more camera features, is suitable for those who prioritize image quality.
- Everyday Users: Users who want a balanced device with a premium display, good camera, and fast charging.
- Users who prioritize design: For those who want a slimmer and more portable device
- Users who prioritize battery convenience: For those who want to quickly charge their phone or use it to charge other devices in a pinch.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is gaming performance to you? If gaming is a priority, the Poco X3 Pro is the better choice. If gaming is less important, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a better overall experience.
- Do you prioritize display quality or raw performance? The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a superior AMOLED display, while the Poco X3 Pro focuses on raw processing power.
- How important is camera quality and features? The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more versatile and feature-rich camera system than the Poco X3 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior chipset and GPU, ensuring high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Scenario 2: Casual User Who Enjoys Multimedia: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G for its AMOLED display and fast charging, which enhance the daily experience of watching videos and browsing.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G for its higher-resolution, more versatile camera system and RAW capture option.
- Scenario 4: Budget Focused: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its high performance at a good price.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. While the Poco X3 Pro has a significant advantage in raw performance, especially in gaming, I value the improved display quality, camera, and faster charging offered by the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The AMOLED display provides a much more enjoyable experience for everyday use, and the camera is more versatile with features like RAW capture and night mode, catering to the type of usage I prefer. While I might play the occasional game, it wouldn't be my primary use, so the compromise on pure performance seems worth it for an overall more well-rounded daily use. The added convenience of faster charging and reverse charging is also something that I would be more likely to appreciate in the long run than the faster gaming performance.
