Poco F6 vs Xiaomi 12

The Verdict

Poco F6 crushes the Xiaomi 12 on raw specs and value proposition. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 versus Gen 1 represents two processor generations of improvement, delivering significantly faster performance and better efficiency. The display advantage goes decisively to Poco: 6.67 inches with 2712 x 1220 resolution and 2400 nits brightness demolishes the 12's smaller 6.28-inch screen at 1100 nits. Battery capacity favors Poco at 5000 mAh with 90W charging versus 4500 mAh on the Xiaomi, though the 12 adds wireless charging. Camera systems are competitive, with Poco's 50MP f/1.6 main sensor matching the 12's 50MP but featuring superior optical performance. Xiaomi offers a macro lens and higher-res selfie, but lacks the ultrawide aperture of Poco's setup. Critically, Poco costs $349 versus Xiaomi's $749, representing extraordinary value for a flagship processor, better display, larger battery, and modern Android 14. The Xiaomi 12 launched in early 2022 and shows its age with dated Android 12 software and older silicon. Unless wireless charging is essential, Poco F6 offers substantially better performance and features at less than half the price.