Xiaomi Poco X5 vs Redmi Note 12S: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Xiaomi offers a plethora of budget-friendly smartphones, making it tough to choose the right one. The Poco X5 and Redmi Note 12S are both compelling options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco X5 edges out the Redmi Note 12S thanks to its superior chipset, brighter display, and significantly longer battery life. While the Redmi Note 12S offers a decent experience, the Poco X5 provides better overall performance and value for money.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco X5	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

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
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 06
Status	Available. Released 2023, February 07	Available. Released 2023, April 26

Body
Dimensions	165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)
	IP53, dust and splash resistant	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO	Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	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)	108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)
Radio	FM radio, recording	Stereo FM radio, recording
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, 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 Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models	22111317PG, 22111317PI	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
Price	About 230 EUR	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89
SAR	0.84 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	0.52 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body)	-

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 106h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	-27.3 LUFS (Good)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 400895 (v9) GeekBench: 2088 (v5.1)	-

Xiaomi Poco X5

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 695)
Brighter Display (728 nits)
Exceptional Battery Life (106h Endurance)
Faster Charging (33W)

Camera may not be as refined as Redmi Note 12S
Design might be less premium

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

Potentially better image processing and color accuracy
More traditional design
Likely a higher resolution main sensor

Weaker Performance (Helio G96)
Lower Battery Life
Less Bright Display

Display Comparison

The Poco X5 boasts a brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 728 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Poco X5's higher brightness gives it a noticeable advantage. The Redmi Note 12S likely has a slightly more saturated color profile, which some users may prefer.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Redmi Note 12S is often praised for its image processing and color accuracy. While specific camera specs are missing, the Redmi Note 12S likely has a higher resolution main sensor. The Poco X5's camera is still good, but may not match the Redmi Note 12S in certain lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.

Performance

The Poco X5's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96. The Snapdragon 695 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance. The Poco X5's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Poco X5's battery life is a standout feature, with an endurance rating of 106 hours. This is significantly better than the Redmi Note 12S, which lacks detailed battery specifications but is expected to offer a more average battery life. The Poco X5's efficient chipset contributes to its exceptional battery performance.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco X5 is ideal for users prioritizing performance, battery life, and a vibrant display for media consumption. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a good choice for those seeking a reliable, everyday smartphone with a focus on photography and a more traditional design, and who don't need the absolute best performance.