Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value smartphones, and the Poco X5 and Redmi Note 12 are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco X5 edges out the Redmi Note 12 thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset and superior brightness. While both offer excellent battery life, the Poco X5's faster charging and overall performance make it the more appealing option for most users.
| 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, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - 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 | 2023, February 06 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 07 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 189 g (6.67 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 (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 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 | 13 MP, f/2.5, (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 | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jaguar Black, Wildcat Blue, Supernova Green | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22111317PG, 22111317PI | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 230 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 106h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.3 LUFS (Good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 400895 (v9)
GeekBench: 2088 (v5.1) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Poco X5
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Brighter display (728 nits)
- Faster charging (60 min to 100%)
- Slightly better overall performance
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Camera performance needs further testing
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life (101h endurance)
- Faster 50% charge time (22 min)
- Potentially more affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset
- Slightly dimmer display (706 nits)
- Slower full charge time
Display Comparison
The Poco X5 boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 728 nits compared to the Redmi Note 12's 706 nits. Both feature excellent contrast ratios (infinite, nominally), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. While the difference in brightness is subtle, it can be noticeable in direct sunlight. Both likely use AMOLED panels, providing excellent viewing angles and responsiveness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more extensive testing. Based on general expectations for these models, the Poco X5 likely has a slight edge in image processing and low-light performance due to its more powerful chipset. Both likely offer a main sensor around 50MP, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, supporting 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
The Poco X5's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is a noticeable step up from the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The 695 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the Poco X5 provides a more premium feel.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both devices. The Poco X5 demonstrates an impressive endurance rating of 106 hours, while the Redmi Note 12 scores 101 hours. Both offer 33W wired charging, but the Poco X5 charges slightly faster (60 minutes for 100% vs. unspecified for Redmi Note 12). The Redmi Note 12 does show a faster 50% charge time (22 minutes).
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco X5 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a brighter display for outdoor use. The Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, well-rounded smartphone with a focus on battery longevity and a slightly more budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco X5 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset, which provides smoother frame rates and better overall performance.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth buying if I prioritize battery life?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12 offers excellent battery life and is a solid option if longevity is your top priority. Both phones have impressive endurance ratings.
