Poco M6 Pro vs Realme 12 Pro+: Which Budget Champion Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a more refined software experience, the Realme 12 Pro+ emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 offers a more efficient architecture, translating to longer usage times and potentially better long-term performance, despite the Poco M6 Pro's brighter display.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro 4G | Realme 12 Pro+ |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 11 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 12 | Available. Released 2024, January 29 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 75 x 8 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14, planned upgrade to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, 100% in 44 min | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Purple | Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red |
| Models | 2312FPCA6G | RMX3840, RMX3841 |
| Price | $ 170.00 | $ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro 4G
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Potentially higher raw gaming performance
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient processor leading to shorter battery life
- Potentially lower camera quality
- Older chipset architecture
Realme 12 Pro+
- Superior battery life due to efficient Snapdragon chipset
- Faster partial charging (50% in 19 mins)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Lower peak display brightness
- Slightly higher price
- May not match Poco in peak gaming frame rates
Display Comparison
The Poco M6 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1053 nits, which will be advantageous in direct sunlight. However, the Realme 12 Pro+’s 802 nits, while lower, is still respectable and benefits from a potentially more color-accurate panel, a common strength of Realme displays. The difference in peak brightness is significant, but real-world impact depends on usage. The Poco’s higher brightness is a clear win for outdoor visibility, while the Realme’s panel technology may offer a more pleasing viewing experience indoors. We lack PWM frequency data, but both are likely to be adequate for most users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera samples, a definitive judgment is difficult. However, the Realme 12 Pro+ likely holds an advantage due to its brand reputation for camera quality and potentially larger sensor size (though not specified). The Poco M6 Pro’s camera is described as 'Photo / Video' without further detail, suggesting a more basic implementation. The Realme’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the Realme is expected to deliver superior image quality overall. Ignoring the likely low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the main sensor and image processing will be the key differentiators.
Performance
The Realme 12 Pro+’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (built on a 4nm process) represents a significant architectural leap over the Poco M6 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra. The 4nm node inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the Realme will likely run cooler and sustain performance for longer periods. While the Poco’s CPU clock speeds (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) appear competitive, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2’s Cortex-A78 cores (4x2.40 GHz) provide a more substantial performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks. The Realme also benefits from a more modern GPU, offering better graphics performance and support for newer gaming technologies. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience on the Realme.
Battery Life
The Realme 12 Pro+ delivers a substantial advantage in battery life, achieving an active use score of 13:24h compared to the Poco M6 Pro’s 11:46h. This nearly two-hour difference is significant and demonstrates the efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2’s 4nm process. Both phones support 67W wired charging, but the Realme charges to 50% in just 19 minutes, suggesting a faster charging curve despite the similar wattage. While the Poco reaches 100% in 44 minutes, the Realme’s quicker partial charge is more practical for users who need a rapid top-up.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro 4G if you are a mobile gamer on a tight budget and prioritize raw processing power for titles like PUBG and Call of Duty. Its Helio G99 Ultra provides a noticeable performance edge in demanding games. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you value a more balanced experience with superior battery life, a more efficient processor, and a potentially better camera system, even if it means sacrificing some peak gaming performance.