Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Poco M6 4G. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I’m not just interested in the specs – I want to know how these phones stack up in the real world. I'll put on my engineering hat and also explain things like I'm talking to a friend. Let's break down what makes these phones tick.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table comparing the key specifications of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Xiaomi Poco M6 4G, with a focus on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The Poco M6 4G is slightly taller and thicker, making it marginally less pocketable. |
| Weight | 188g | 205g | The Redmi Note 12 is noticeably lighter, offering better comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.79" | The Poco M6 4G has a slightly larger display, which is better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals; the difference is negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 395 | 396 | Both have similar pixel density, meaning equally crisp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Redmi Note 12's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 12 is much brighter and easier to see outdoors in sunlight. The Poco M6 4G’s display brightness is not available which is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a newer, more efficient processor built on a more modern 6nm process, resulting in better overall performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 269,266 | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating snappier app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Redmi Note 12's Adreno 619 tends to offer better graphical performance than the Mali-G52 MC2 found in the Poco M6 4G. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.75 | The Poco M6 4G’s higher resolution sensor and wider aperture should provide better detail and low-light performance than the Redmi Note 12. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | Absent | The Redmi Note 12 includes a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Both have the same front-facing camera capabilities. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same low-resolution macro lens, likely not the strongest feature in either device. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can capture similar videos with slow motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 69 (overall) | Not Available | The Redmi Note 12's camera has an independent review from DXOMark, showing a general idea of its capabilities. It is difficult to compare without an equivalent score for the Poco M6 4G. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Dual camera, 4K video, etc. | The Redmi Note 12 is slightly more versatile with its triple lens setup, while the Poco M6 4G records 4K video, which the Redmi Note 12 can't. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5030mAh | Both have very similar battery capacity, suggesting roughly comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both phones offer fast charging, refilling the battery quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M6 4G's reverse charging feature allows it to act as a power bank, to a small degree. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Poco M6 4G comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, meaning better features and support down the line. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Both phones have similar Wi-Fi standards; the Redmi Note 12 also has MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | The Poco M6 4G uses a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | The Redmi Note 12 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Both phones offer the same maximum storage capacity with multiple options. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB | Both have adequate memory for smooth multitasking, the Poco M6 4G does not have a 4GB variant and is therefore better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Absent | Absent | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have similar audio output capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor technology for easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 12 has a known, durable glass protecting the screen while the Poco M6 4G's screen protection is not confirmed. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Gyroscope, Proximity, etc. | Proximity, etc. | The Redmi Note 12 includes a Gyroscope, which is often used for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Strengths: Its AMOLED display is a clear winner, offering better visual quality, and the 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother experience. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor provides superior performance and efficiency, evident in benchmark scores. Its inclusion of a Gyroscope and a Wide Angle lens, along with a DXOMark score, adds value for more advanced users.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior display technology, faster performance, better GPU, and the inclusion of a wide-angle lens. The DXOMark score, although it has limited usefulness because the competitor lacks it, provides a baseline expectation for camera quality.
- Trade-offs: The camera's main sensor is slightly lower resolution compared to Poco, and no expandable storage might be a drawback for some users.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G
- Strengths: Its 108MP main camera is a standout feature, promising highly detailed photos. It runs on a newer Android version (14) which means it has better future support and features.
- Competitive Advantages: Better main camera resolution, and the availability of reverse charging. The newer Android version means users get the latest features and security updates.
- Trade-offs: The IPS LCD display is less vibrant than the AMOLED on the Redmi Note 12, and the Helio G91 Ultra processor is noticeably slower. The lack of a wide-angle camera is also a limitation. The biggest caveat is the lack of confirmed brightness of its display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, smooth performance, and a more well-rounded multimedia experience. This is a great phone for gamers, frequent social media scrollers, and those who watch a lot of video on their devices.
- Xiaomi Poco M6 4G: Best for users who value high-resolution photography and the latest software features. This is more suited to casual users who take the occasional picture and want to be up to date.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- Display Matters?: Do you prefer a vibrant display with deeper blacks and smoother refresh rates (Redmi Note 12), or is a slightly larger display and a higher camera resolution more appealing (Poco M6 4G)?
- Performance Priority?: Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games smoothly (Redmi Note 12), or is adequate performance sufficient (Poco M6 4G)?
- Software and Camera?: Do you want the latest Android features (Poco M6 4G), or are you more focused on versatile photography with a wide-angle lens (Redmi Note 12)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: The Redmi Note 12 offers better performance, smoother visuals with the 120Hz refresh rate, and more complete gaming sensors, making it the clear choice for gaming.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If high-resolution photography is paramount, the Poco M6 4G's 108MP main camera will likely provide better detail, but the Redmi's versatile lenses will allow for multiple types of photography.
- For the Everyday User: The Redmi Note 12 edges out the Poco for its display quality, snappier performance, and overall balanced experience. However, both phones would be sufficient if the lack of a wide angle lens isn't a large loss.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean toward the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Here’s why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate offers a significant improvement in visual experience, making everyday use more enjoyable. I value vibrant colors and smooth animations for my daily tasks and media consumption.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset provides a snappier experience across all applications, and the superior GPU offers better graphical performance.
- Better Overall Package: The Redmi Note 12's balanced set of features including its Wide Angle camera and better sensors makes it a more appealing all-around device.
- Known Screen Protection: I don't like unknowns, the knowledge that the screen is protected with Gorilla Glass 3 gives me additional peace of mind.
While the Poco M6 4G has its merits, the Redmi Note 12 delivers a more complete and premium feel, making it the better choice for me. The display and the performance are more important than high res photography on a smartphone for my typical usage.
