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

Xiaomi offers a plethora of budget-friendly smartphones, making it tough to choose the right one. The Redmi Note 12S and Poco X5 are two popular contenders, each boasting unique features and appealing to different users. Let's dive into a detailed comparison 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 (Snapdragon 695 5G vs Helio G96), faster charging, and impressive battery life. While the Note 12S has its strengths, the X5 offers a more well-rounded experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S	Xiaomi Poco X5

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands	-	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India

Launch
Announced	2023, March 06	2023, February 06
Status	Available. Released 2023, April 26	Available. Released 2023, February 07

Body
Dimensions	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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	176 g (6.21 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)
	-	IP53, dust and splash resistant

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

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

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple	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)	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 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	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

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

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	Stereo FM radio, recording	FM radio, recording
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	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	33W wired, 100% in 60 min
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green	Jaguar Black, Wildcat Blue, Supernova Green
Models	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L	22111317PG, 22111317PI
Price	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89	About 230 EUR
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 Redmi Note 12S

Potentially better display color accuracy
Sleek design (subjective)
Good value for money

Less powerful chipset
Slower charging
Lower battery life
No 5G

Xiaomi Poco X5

Superior performance (Snapdragon 695 5G)
Faster charging (60 min full charge)
Exceptional battery life (106h endurance)
5G connectivity
Higher peak brightness

Design may be less appealing to some
Contrast ratio claim is nominal

Display Comparison

The Poco X5 boasts a measured peak brightness of 728 nits, significantly higher than the Redmi Note 12S. While the Note 12S may offer slightly more accurate colors, the X5's brightness advantage makes it more usable outdoors. The Poco X5's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal claim, but generally indicates good contrast.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems for their price range. While specific camera specs are not detailed, reviews generally suggest the Poco X5 delivers slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both likely offer similar video recording capabilities.

Performance

Here, the Poco X5 takes a clear lead. The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is considerably more powerful and efficient than the Helio G96. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Poco X5. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Poco X5 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 106 hours. This significantly surpasses what we'd expect from the Redmi Note 12S. The Poco X5 also features faster 33W charging, completing a full charge in approximately 60 minutes, compared to the Note 12S's charging time.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly better display and potentially a more refined design (though subjective). The Xiaomi Poco X5 is ideal for those seeking better performance, faster charging, and exceptional battery endurance, especially if 5G connectivity is desired.