Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Huawei nova Y90 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 13, 2020 July 27, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 62.47 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 4 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 135 g 195 g
Height 131.5 mm 163.3 mm
Width 64.2 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Emerald Green
  • Crystal Blue

Display

Screen Size 5.4 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.8 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 476 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 76.37 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 35.65 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2227 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS N/A
Initial OS Version 14.1 N/A
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 miniHuawei nova Y90Practical Impact
Dimensions131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mmThe iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and more pocketable, while the nova Y90 is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands.
Weight135g195gThe iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods without fatigue.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 miniHuawei nova Y90Practical Impact
Size5.4"6.7"The nova Y90 offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption, while the iPhone 12 mini is more compact.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2388Both offer similar sharpness, but differences are negligible in practical use.
Pixel Density (PPI)476391The iPhone 12 mini has a noticeably sharper display due to its higher pixel density.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDThe iPhone 12 mini has better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially more vibrant colors due to OLED.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzThe nova Y90 has smoother animations and scrolling due to higher refresh rate.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsThe iPhone 12 mini is dramatically brighter, making it much better for use in direct sunlight (brightness of the Huawei is not stated and assumed 0).

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 miniHuawei nova Y90Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)The iPhone 12 mini’s A14 Bionic is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score1,072,354249,000The iPhone 12 mini has vastly superior performance, scoring 331% higher. It will handle demanding apps much more smoothly.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 610The iPhone 12 mini's GPU is significantly more powerful, enabling better graphics in games and demanding applications.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 miniHuawei nova Y90Practical Impact
Rear Camera (Standard)12MP, f/1.650MP, f/1.8The nova Y90 has higher resolution, which could offer more detail, but the iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture for better low light performance.
Front Camera12MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.0The iPhone 12 mini has a higher resolution front camera.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.4NoneThe iPhone 12 mini offers an additional wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot.
Additional LensesNone2MP Macro & DepthThe nova Y90 has dedicated macro and depth sensors.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps1080p@30fpsThe iPhone 12 mini offers much higher quality video recording capabilities.
Camera Features4K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, RAW, Night ModeDigital zoom, Triple cameraThe iPhone 12 mini has more advanced features for video and low-light photography, and optical image stabilization for clearer results.
DxOMark (Mobile)Main: 117, Photo: 128, Video: 129Not TestedThe iPhone 12 mini has a DxOMark score showing its camera performance.
DxOMark (Selfie)Main: 132, Photo: 127, Video: 140Not TestedThe iPhone 12 mini has a DxOMark score showing its front camera performance.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 miniHuawei nova Y90Practical Impact
Capacity2227 mAh5000 mAhThe nova Y90 has a significantly larger battery capacity, likely leading to much longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging40W Fast ChargingThe nova Y90 has faster charging capabilities and a larger battery.
FeaturesMagSafe & Qi wireless chargingNoneThe iPhone 12 mini has wireless charging options.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing, better graphics, and smoother overall performance. This translates to a more fluid and responsive user experience, especially in demanding apps and games.
  • Higher Quality Display: The OLED screen with higher brightness and pixel density results in a sharper, more vibrant, and easily viewable screen even in direct sunlight.
  • Advanced Camera System: The iPhone 12 mini boasts a more versatile camera system with optical image stabilization, wide-angle lens, and support for higher-quality 4K video recording.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
  • Software Updates: Apple devices typically receive software updates for longer periods.

Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:

  • Significantly Larger Battery: The larger 5000 mAh battery offers substantially longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and those who prefer a bigger screen experience.
  • Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging allows for faster charging of the larger battery.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 mini: Sacrifices battery life for a smaller, higher-performing phone.
  • Huawei nova Y90: Trades performance and display quality for longer battery life and a larger screen.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 mini:

  • Users Seeking Compactness: Those who prefer a small, lightweight phone that is easy to carry and use with one hand.
  • Performance Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming and demanding apps.
  • Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality camera with advanced features.
  • iOS Ecosystem Users: Those who prefer Apple's ecosystem and its associated apps and services.
  • Users who prioritize display quality and brightness: Those who want a clear and bright display, even in direct sunlight.

  • Use Cases:

    • Quick access to apps and social media on the go.
    • Mobile gaming with smooth, high-quality graphics.
    • Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in lower-light situations.
    • Comfortable one-handed use while commuting or exercising.

Ideal Users for Huawei nova Y90:

  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can easily last a full day or more without needing a recharge.
  • Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games on a large screen.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a large screen phone at a more affordable price point.
  • Users who prefer a larger display: Those who value a bigger screen for readability and easier interaction.
  • Use Cases:
    • Extensive video streaming and gaming sessions.
    • Long periods of browsing or reading on the go.
    • Everyday tasks with minimal need for frequent charging.
    • Users needing a large display for accessibility or ease of use.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What do you prioritize most: Battery Life or Performance? If battery life is critical, the nova Y90 is the better choice. If performance is the main concern, the iPhone 12 mini is superior.
  2. How important is screen size and display quality? If you prefer a large screen for media consumption, the nova Y90 is better. However, the iPhone 12 mini has a more advanced display with better brightness and sharpness.
  3. Are you tied to a specific ecosystem? If you prefer iOS, the iPhone is the clear choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler/On-the-Go User: If you are constantly on the go and need a phone that will reliably last all day, the Huawei nova Y90 is recommended due to its significantly larger battery capacity.
  • Scenario 2: Gamer/Performance Enthusiast: If smooth performance and demanding games are your priority, the Apple iPhone 12 mini is recommended due to its far superior processor.
  • Scenario 3: Media Lover: If you prioritize screen size for movies and videos, the Huawei nova Y90 is better. If display quality is preferred over size, the Apple iPhone 12 mini is the superior choice.
  • Scenario 4: Budget User: If you're looking for a large-screen phone at a budget price point, the Huawei nova Y90 is the obvious choice.
  • Scenario 5: Bright Sunlight Use: If you live in a sunny climate or are often outside, the significantly brighter display of the Apple iPhone 12 mini is very advantageous.

My Choice:

If I were to choose between these two, I would personally opt for the Apple iPhone 12 mini. Although the battery life is significantly shorter and the screen is smaller, the drastic improvement in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities makes it the superior choice for my needs. The higher brightness will allow me to easily use the phone in direct sunlight. I prioritize overall speed and responsiveness over battery life, and I am already invested in the Apple ecosystem. I would be willing to carry a small power bank to compensate for the shorter battery life, while the superior performance and camera are harder to mitigate.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.