Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive budget smartphones, and the Poco M5 and Redmi 12C are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M5 takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G99 chipset, resulting in noticeably better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. While the Redmi 12C offers a slightly better display and potentially longer battery life, the Poco M5's processing power makes it the superior choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 08 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 22071219CI | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)
- Superior Performance (Helio G99)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Slightly Better Camera Detail
- Good Value for Performance
- Smaller Display than Redmi 12C
- Potentially Slightly Shorter Battery Life
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- More Affordable
- Decent Camera
- Weaker Performance (Helio G85)
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Less Detailed Photos
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a larger 6.71-inch display compared to the Poco M5's 6.43-inch screen. Both feature an HD+ resolution, but the Redmi 12C's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is generally decent on both, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The Poco M5 generally captures slightly more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable. Video recording capabilities are similar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Poco M5 truly shines. The Helio G99 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 12C's Helio G85. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the Poco M5. The G85 is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C often demonstrates slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and potentially larger battery capacity (though official capacity figures are close). However, the Poco M5's faster charging (18W vs 10W) can offset this advantage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco M5 (India) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers or those who frequently use demanding apps. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a good option for users who prioritize a larger display, longer battery life, and a slightly more affordable price point, and are less concerned with raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset. It will handle games at higher settings and frame rates more smoothly.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth buying if I only use my phone for basic tasks?
Yes, the Redmi 12C is a good option for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling. Its larger display and potentially longer battery life are appealing for these uses.
❓ What is the difference in charging speed?
The Poco M5 supports 18W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C supports 10W wired charging. This means the Poco M5 will charge significantly faster.
