Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value smartphones, and the Poco M4 Pro 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 choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M4 Pro boasts superior battery endurance and a slightly brighter display. However, the Redmi Note 12 features a more modern chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1) and faster charging. Ultimately, the Poco M4 Pro is ideal for power users prioritizing battery life, while the Redmi Note 12 offers a more balanced experience with improved performance.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 16 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 179.5 g (6.31 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 (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB 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 |
|---|
| 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 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 | 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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 |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min | 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 | MZB0B5VIN, 2201117PI, 2201117PG | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | € 100.18 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 318444 (v9)
GeekBench: 1836 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
- Slightly brighter display (737 nits)
- 33W fast charging
- Good value for money
- Older chipset (Helio G96)
- Performance not as strong as Redmi Note 12
- Design may feel dated to some
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Modern chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Faster charging (50% in 22 min)
- Generally smoother performance
- Sleek design
- Shorter battery life (101h endurance)
- Slightly dimmer display (706 nits)
- May not offer significant camera improvements over Poco M4 Pro
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays with excellent contrast ratios (nominally infinite). The Poco M4 Pro edges out the Redmi Note 12 with a slightly higher peak brightness of 737 nits versus 706 nits, making it marginally better for outdoor visibility. Both utilize AMOLED panels, offering rich colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable, with both phones offering decent photo and video capabilities. However, detailed camera tests are needed to determine a clear winner. The Poco M4 Pro might offer slightly better low-light performance due to its larger sensor, but the Redmi Note 12's image processing could be more refined. Both likely feature a main sensor around 50MP.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 holds a clear advantage here. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset (6nm) is more modern and efficient than the Poco M4 Pro's Helio G96 (12nm). This translates to snappier performance in everyday tasks and potentially better gaming experiences. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Cortex-A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12 offer a performance boost.
Battery Life
The Poco M4 Pro shines in battery life. Its endurance rating of 126h significantly surpasses the Redmi Note 12's 101h. This means the Poco M4 Pro will comfortably last longer on a single charge, especially for heavy users.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro? Users who prioritize long battery life and don't mind a slightly older chipset. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking a more modern processor, faster charging, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means slightly less battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 is generally better for gaming due to its more modern and powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset.
❓ Does the Poco M4 Pro support 5G?
No, the Poco M4 Pro does not support 5G connectivity. The Redmi Note 12 may have 5G variants depending on the region.
