Poco X6 Pro vs Realme 12: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance and Value

The Realme 12 and Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly in chipset choice. This comparison will dissect these differences, focusing on performance, display quality, battery life, and charging speed to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and gaming capabilities, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro is the clear winner thanks to its superior Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset. However, the Realme 12 offers a more efficient charging experience and a potentially more refined software experience for everyday tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 12 Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 062024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 06Available. Released 2024, January 12
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions165.6 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.30 in)160.5 x 74.3 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)186 g or 190 g (6.56 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali G615-MC6
OSAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@24/30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 50% in 30 min67W wired, QC2.0, PD3.0, 100% in 45 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTwilight Purple, Woodland GreenBlack, Yellow, Gray
ModelsRMX39992311DRK48G, 2311DRK48I
Price₹ 15,999€ 195.30 / $ 209.79 / £ 274.99 / ₹ 21,999
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Realme 12

  • Faster charging speed (45W)
  • Potentially more refined software experience (Realme UI)
  • Likely more affordable price point

  • Significantly weaker chipset (Dimensity 6100+)
  • Lower peak display brightness (estimated)
  • Less capable for demanding games

Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro

  • Superior chipset (Dimensity 8300 Ultra)
  • Higher peak display brightness (1148 nits)
  • Excellent battery life (11:46h active use)

  • Faster charging is still not the fastest on the market
  • Potentially more expensive
  • Xiaomi's MIUI can be resource intensive

Display Comparison

The Poco X6 Pro immediately distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 1148 nits, offering significantly better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Realme 12 (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the X6 Pro’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rates to conserve battery, but the X6 Pro’s brighter panel will consume more power at peak levels. Bezels and color accuracy are not specified, but Xiaomi typically focuses on color calibration, potentially giving the X6 Pro an edge in this area.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The Poco X6 Pro’s camera is described as capable of both photo and video, suggesting a more versatile setup. Without specific megapixel counts or aperture details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Xiaomi often prioritizes camera performance in its Poco line, potentially offering better image processing algorithms and low-light capabilities. The Realme 12’s camera performance will likely be adequate for social media sharing, but the X6 Pro is expected to deliver more detailed and dynamic images.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Poco X6 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Realme 12’s Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). The 8300 Ultra features a more modern CPU architecture – a 1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 prime core alongside 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 cores and 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510 cores – compared to the Realme’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This translates to significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The 4nm process node of the 8300 Ultra also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Realme 12 will be adequate for everyday tasks, but the X6 Pro is designed for power users.

Battery Life

The Poco X6 Pro boasts an impressive 11:46h active use battery score, indicating excellent endurance. While the Realme 12’s battery capacity is not specified, the X6 Pro’s score suggests a well-optimized power management system. The charging speeds differ significantly: the Poco X6 Pro supports 67W wired charging with QC2.0 and PD3.0, achieving a full charge in 45 minutes, while the Realme 12 offers 45W charging, reaching 50% in 30 minutes. The X6 Pro’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 12 if you need a reliable daily driver with fast charging and prioritize a smooth, responsive experience for common tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro if you prefer a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications, and you value maximum processing power even if it means slightly less battery efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Poco X6 Pro’s Dimensity 8300 Ultra get noticeably hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8300 Ultra’s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat is inevitable during intensive gaming, the X6 Pro is expected to manage temperatures better than devices with less efficient chipsets, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance. However, sustained high performance will still generate heat.
❓ Does the Realme 12 support any form of fast charging beyond 45W, and how does that impact its usability for power users?
The Realme 12 supports 45W wired charging, which is respectable but slower than the Poco X6 Pro’s 67W. While 45W can still provide a decent charge, power users who frequently drain their battery will find the X6 Pro’s faster charging significantly more convenient. The 50% in 30 minutes claim is good, but a full charge will take considerably longer.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Dimensity 6100+ and 8300 Ultra noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Dimensity 8300 Ultra’s more powerful CPU cores and modern architecture will result in snappier performance and smoother multitasking. The difference may not be immediately apparent for basic usage, but it will become noticeable when switching between multiple apps or performing more demanding operations.