Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro. These two phones might look similar on paper, but there are crucial differences that will sway your decision. As always, I'm focusing not just on the raw specs but on how they impact your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | 161.1 × 75 × 8 mm, 179g | The Poco M6 Pro is a bit smaller and lighter, which might be noticeable in hand, especially for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both have the same screen size, perfect for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolutions mean the same level of sharpness and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Both displays offer similar clarity and sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, great for gaming and general usage. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1800 nits | The Poco M6 Pro is significantly brighter, providing much better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra (6 nm) | While both are capable mid-range chips, the Mediatek in the Poco M6 Pro tends to perform a tad better in CPU-intensive tasks, with a slight edge in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 450,000 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance, suitable for daily tasks and medium gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPU configurations. The Adreno is known for a slightly better efficiency and smoothness in specific mobile games, the Mali for its general graphic strength. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | Poco M6 Pro has higher resolution, larger sensor, slightly better low light performance, and captures more details, which is noticeable in well-lit scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | 16MP, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Poco M6 Pro offers slightly better selfies, capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | None | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more flexible photography. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.45, 1/5", 1.75µm | Poco M6 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Poco M6 Pro has a combo wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo: 120fps | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, Slow-mo: 240fps | Poco M6 Pro offers better video recording with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) at 60fps, and 240fps slow motion, smoother more stable video, which is better for sharing online. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Not Tested | Redmi Note 12 has some camera benchmark data, whereas Poco M6 Pro is not tested. The Redmi's score is decent, but the real difference will be in image processing software. |
| Features | Standard + Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Standard + 4K Video, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | Redmi Note 12 offers advanced features for photography, whereas Poco M6 Pro has better video and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for more stable videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar capacity means comparable battery life, good for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Poco M6 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Poco M6 Pro comes with a newer version of Android which is usually better with optimized features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi with similar speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Poco M6 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version and support APT-X codec |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both offer reliable navigation, but Poco M6 Pro has more satellite support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow for two SIM cards and switch between them as needed. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Poco M6 Pro comes with a 512GB storage variant, which might be needed if you capture a lot of photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Poco M6 Pro offers more RAM, which enhances multitasking and makes the phone run smoother with demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choosing the right variant is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M6 Pro has significantly better audio quality for an enhanced media experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 side-mounted fingerprint is generally faster and more reliable compared to basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco M6 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Gravity | Poco M6 Pro has a gravity sensor, useful for specific applications. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: A versatile camera setup with an additional lens for capturing more in the frame.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Complete Photography Features: Comes with all photography features including RAW, and night mode.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Faster and more reliable compared to basic fingerprint sensors.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro Strengths:
- Significantly Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility, making it easier to use under bright sunlight.
- Enhanced Processing: Slightly better chipset, translating to slightly faster operations.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is almost twice as fast as the Redmi, a considerable advantage for on-the-go users.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution sensor with slightly better low-light performance.
- Optical Stabilization (OIS): Better video quality with optical stabilization.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM option improves multitasking and future-proofs the phone.
- More Storage: Option for 512GB of internal storage.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio with stereo speakers enhance the media experience.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches.
- Newer Android Version: The phone comes with Android 13 which tends to be more efficient than Android 12.
Trade-Offs:
- Redmi Note 12 sacrifices faster charging and a brighter display for a slightly more versatile camera setup with dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses.
- Poco M6 Pro trades the dedicated macro lens for faster charging, a brighter screen, and significantly better audio, which is better for media consumption, video recording, and gaming.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts on a Budget: Users who prioritize versatility in photography without breaking the bank, with a wide angle lens and macro lens.
- Users Who Value Complete Features: Users who need a phone with more advanced photo features like RAW and Night Mode.
- Casual Users: Those who do not need cutting-edge performance and are looking for a reliable daily device, but don't need the best audio experience.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is perfect for:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, listen to music, and need a vibrant screen and better audio quality.
- Gamers: The faster charging, slightly better chipset, and more RAM make this phone a better pick for gaming.
- Users Who Need a Reliable Device: Users who need a reliable daily driver and are on the go, with fast charging to use the phone without worrying about battery life.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for use in sunny environments and the extra protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these two phones, ask yourself:
- How much do I value camera versatility? If you frequently use wide-angle and macro lenses, the Redmi might be for you. If not, the Poco offers superior image quality with the main camera and enhanced video recording.
- How important is screen brightness and fast charging to me? If you struggle with screen visibility outdoors or need your phone to charge quickly, the Poco M6 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do I consume a lot of media or play a lot of games? For those focused on multimedia consumption, the Poco’s audio quality and slight performance edge make it the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you’re primarily using the phone for everyday tasks, both will suffice, but the Poco M6 Pro edges out with faster charging and better brightness, it will make your life much more easy.
- Scenario 2: Photography Lover: If versatile lenses are a must, the Redmi Note 12 has a slight edge with a dedicated wide-angle and macro, but the overall image quality is better on the Poco.
- Scenario 3: Media Binger/Gamer: The Poco M6 Pro is the obvious choice with its brighter screen, superior audio, faster charging, and slightly better performance.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro. The combination of a brighter display, significantly faster charging, better video quality with OIS, superior audio experience, and slightly better processing power makes it the better all-around device for my needs. While I appreciate the versatility of a wide-angle and macro lens in theory, the everyday benefits of the Poco's upgrades would have a much larger and noticeable impact on my daily usage. For a more complete experience, the Poco M6 Pro is a better choice.
