Xiaomi 12T vs. Poco F5: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Xiaomi offers a plethora of smartphones, and the 12T and Poco F5 are two compelling mid-range options. Both pack impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco F5 emerges as the overall winner, offering a more modern chipset, slightly better battery life, and a competitive price. While the 12T boasts faster charging, the F5's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 provides a smoother, more future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 12T Xiaomi Poco F5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, October 042023, May 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 06Available. Released 2023, May
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight202 g (7.13 oz)181 g (6.38 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm)Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Adreno 725
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, MIUI 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple108 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panorama-
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.47", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps, HDR1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 19 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 46 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, BlueBlack, Blue, White
Models22071212AG23049PCD8G, 23049PCD8I
Price€ 181.96 / £ 283.32€ 202.76 / $ 289.99 / ₹ 23,790
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)1.09 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 104h Endurance rating 118h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.0 LUFS (Very good) -24.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 780204 (v9) GeekBench: 3756 (v5.1)-

Xiaomi 12T

  • Incredibly fast 120W charging
  • Bright display
  • Good overall performance
  • Sleek design

  • Older chipset
  • Slightly shorter battery life
  • Can get warm under load

Xiaomi Poco F5

  • Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset
  • Excellent battery life
  • Competitive price
  • Smooth 120Hz display

  • Slower charging speed
  • Design might not appeal to everyone

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and impressive peak brightness (954 nits for the 12T, 963 nits for the F5). The F5 edges out slightly in brightness, but both offer excellent viewing experiences. Both have a nominal infinite contrast ratio, typical for AMOLED panels.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is generally comparable, with both phones offering versatile setups. The 12T might have a slight edge in certain lighting conditions due to its potentially better image processing, but the F5's camera is no slouch. Both offer good video recording capabilities.

Performance

Here's where the Poco F5 truly shines. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 8100 Ultra, offering smoother performance in demanding games and applications. The 12T's chipset is still capable, but the F5's future-proofing is a major advantage.

Battery Life

The Poco F5 takes the lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 118h compared to the 12T's 104h. While the 12T charges significantly faster (120W vs 67W), the F5's longer battery life provides more peace of mind.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 12T is ideal for users prioritizing incredibly fast charging and a slightly brighter display. The Poco F5 is a better choice for those seeking a more powerful processor for gaming and demanding tasks, alongside excellent battery life and a competitive price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 12T worth buying in 2024?
The 12T remains a decent option if you prioritize fast charging above all else. However, the Poco F5 offers a more compelling overall package with its newer chipset and better battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming, the 12T or the Poco F5?
The Poco F5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset. It will handle demanding games with ease and offer a smoother gaming experience.