1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, less pocketable. Redmi Note 12S is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 215g | 176g | Poco X3 Pro feels heavier. Redmi Note 12S is more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Poco X3 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, detailed image quality. |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Practically identical sharpness levels. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has superior display quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling making it feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S display is significantly more visible outdoors, even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Poco X3 Pro provides significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 412,400 | Poco X3 Pro offers superior performance, loading apps faster and better multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU is more powerful for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" sensor | Redmi Note 12S has higher resolution for detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" sensor | 16MP, f/2.4 | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar capabilities in wide-angle photography. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Poco X3 Pro offers depth information for portrait photography. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro photography capabilities on both. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro supports higher resolution videos with 4K capability. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple Camera, Manual focus, Continuous Shooting | Triple camera, Night Mode | Poco X3 Pro offers more control, while Note 12S offers specific night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both offer similar fast charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12S can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both offer similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12S has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both phones have maximum storage capacity up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both come with similar RAM options, enabling smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both devices have high-quality stereo audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco X3 Pro has a more durable screen against scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both have a comprehensive set of sensors for various applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly better performance compared to the Helio G96, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides a smoother and more responsive user experience during navigation, scrolling, and gaming.
- Higher Video Recording Quality: 4K video recording provides better video quality compared to the Redmi Note 12S.
- More Durable Display: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides better screen protection compared to Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, making it better for media consumption.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness means that the screen will be easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to carry around and use, especially for extended periods.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box offering newer features and better software optimizations.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices display quality and portability for performance and a smoother refresh rate.
- Redmi Note 12S: Trades raw processing power and refresh rate for superior display technology, better visibility outdoors, and a more compact form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritizes performance and responsiveness.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps.
- Video editing or other CPU-intensive tasks.
- Users who watch videos frequently.
- Value: For users looking for a high-performance phone on a budget, this is a good value.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Ideal User: Casual users, media consumers, and those who prioritize display quality, portability, and battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies.
- General everyday usage (browsing, social media).
- Photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who value a lightweight device.
- Value: Great choice for those who want a superior visual experience and a comfortable, modern design at a reasonable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is gaming and heavy multitasking performance?
- Do you prefer a vibrant and color-accurate display, or a smoother refresh rate?
- Is portability and outdoor visibility important to your everyday use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. The superior processing power and higher refresh rate provide the best gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User & Media Consumer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The AMOLED display, lighter build, and reverse charging are ideal for everyday use and media consumption.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The 108MP sensor offers better detail, especially in good lighting.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The brightness of the display is significantly higher, which is important for outdoor activities.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
While the Poco X3 Pro offers a compelling package for gamers and performance enthusiasts, my personal preference leans towards a superior visual experience, which the Redmi Note 12S provides with its AMOLED display and better outdoor visibility. The newer software and more compact, lightweight design are also very important to me. I do not do a lot of heavy mobile gaming. The improved display, reverse charging, and the more modern design of the Redmi Note 12S are more aligned with my everyday needs. While the X3 Pro's performance is a significant advantage, the Redmi Note 12S will handle most day to day tasks without issue, and I prefer the trade-off of performance for a better display and more comfortable user experience.
