Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value smartphones, and the Poco X5 and Redmi Note 12 4G 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 make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 4G edges out the Poco X5 thanks to its slightly better battery life and a marginally brighter display. However, the Poco X5 boasts a faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, offering a smoother experience for those needing 5G connectivity. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 06 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 07 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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 | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jaguar Black, Wildcat Blue, Supernova Green | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 22111317PG, 22111317PI | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | About 230 EUR | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 106h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.3 LUFS (Good)
|
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 400895 (v9)
GeekBench: 2088 (v5.1) |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco X5
- Faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly brighter display
- 33W fast charging
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Camera performance potentially slightly behind
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Longer battery life
- Slightly brighter display
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- 33W fast charging
- Slower Snapdragon 685 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Performance may struggle with demanding games
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays with excellent contrast (Infinite nominal). The Redmi Note 12 4G has a slightly higher peak brightness of 744 nits compared to the Poco X5's 728 nits, making it marginally better for outdoor visibility. Both likely use AMOLED panels, offering rich colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. However, the Poco X5 might have a slight edge in video recording due to the more modern chipset. Detailed camera testing would be needed to definitively determine the winner.
Performance
The Poco X5 holds a clear advantage here. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is noticeably faster than the Redmi Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience. The Poco X5's 6nm process also contributes to slightly better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 4G takes the lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 117 hours compared to the Poco X5's 106 hours. This difference, while not massive, could be significant for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco X5 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, especially gamers or those frequently streaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a great pick for users who value long battery life and a reliable, everyday smartphone experience, particularly those who don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco X5 worth the extra cost over the Redmi Note 12 4G?
If you need 5G connectivity and prioritize performance, the Poco X5 is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 12 4G offers excellent value with its longer battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco X5 is the better choice for gaming due to its faster chipset and potentially better GPU.
