Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value in the budget smartphone market. The Poco M4 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders, each offering a compelling package. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M4 Pro 5G boasts superior battery life and a slightly brighter display. However, the Redmi Note 12 offers a faster charging experience and a potentially more refined overall experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities – longevity versus speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 09 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 11 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | - |
| 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 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, GALILEO, 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 59 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 21091116AG, MZB0BGVIN | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 123h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1553:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 296721 (v8), 353663 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Bright display
- Decent performance for the price
- Fast charging (33W)
- Camera performance could be better
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (50% in 22 min)
- Potentially better camera software
- Sleek design
- Shorter battery life compared to Poco M4 Pro 5G
- Performance slightly behind Dimensity 810
Display Comparison
The Poco M4 Pro 5G features a contrast ratio of 1553:1 and a measured brightness of 510 nits, while the Redmi Note 12 boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely marketing) and a significantly brighter 706 nits. The Redmi Note 12's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors. Both offer vibrant colors, but the Redmi Note 12's brightness gives it an edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Redmi Note 12 likely has a slightly more refined camera software and potentially better image processing. Both are expected to deliver decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The Poco M4 Pro 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 810, a capable chipset for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Redmi Note 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 810 generally offers slightly better performance, particularly in graphics. However, real-world usage will likely feel similar for most users.
Battery Life
The Poco M4 Pro 5G shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 123h. The Redmi Note 12 has an endurance rating of 101h and an active use score of 10:58h. This indicates the Poco M4 Pro 5G offers significantly longer battery life, making it ideal for heavy users.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G? Users prioritizing long battery life and a vibrant display, even if it means slightly slower charging. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those who value faster charging speeds and a potentially more polished software experience, and appreciate a brighter screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M4 Pro 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset generally offers slightly better gaming performance, but both phones are best suited for casual gaming.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 have NFC?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12 typically includes NFC for contactless payments.
