Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value smartphones, and the Poco M4 5G and Redmi Note 12 are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 edges out the Poco M4 5G thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly more modern chipset. While the Poco M4 5G boasts impressive battery endurance on paper, the Redmi Note 12 offers a more refined overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 15 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Poco Yellow | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22041219PG | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1630:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.8 LUFS (Average)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 336380 (v9)
GeekBench: 1730 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Affordable price
- Decent display contrast
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
- Older chipset
- Potentially less versatile camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (33W)
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly shorter battery life than Poco M4 5G
- Price slightly higher than Poco M4 5G
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown. While the Poco M4 5G has a respectable 1630:1 contrast ratio, the Redmi Note 12's measured 706 nits peak brightness makes it significantly easier to view outdoors and in bright environments. The Redmi Note 12 also claims an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. Both likely use similar LCD panels, but the Redmi Note 12's brightness advantage is key.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable between the two, as both are described simply as 'Photo / Video' in the provided specs. However, based on general knowledge, the Redmi Note 12 often features a slightly more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. Both will likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Expect similar video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset (6nm) offers a slight performance advantage over the Poco M4 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). While both are octa-core processors, the Cortex-A78 cores in the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 provide better single-core performance, leading to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. Gaming performance will be similar, but the Redmi Note 12 might handle more demanding titles slightly better.
Battery Life
The Poco M4 5G's endurance rating of 121h is incredibly impressive, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the Redmi Note 12's active use score of 10:58h and endurance rating of 101h are still very good. The Redmi Note 12's 33W charging is also a significant advantage, allowing for a 50% charge in just 22 minutes, compared to the Poco M4 5G's slower 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users prioritizing maximum battery life and 5G connectivity. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a better choice for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging speeds, and a more contemporary processor for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Poco M4 5G boasts a higher endurance rating, suggesting longer battery life on paper. However, the Redmi Note 12 still offers very good battery performance and significantly faster charging.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth the extra money?
If you prioritize a brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly more modern chipset, the Redmi Note 12 is worth the extra investment. If battery life is your absolute top priority and you're on a tight budget, the Poco M4 5G remains a compelling option.
