1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Pro is a significantly newer phone with more modern features. |
| Size | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is much more compact and pocketable; Pura 70 Pro is larger, which may be better for media consumption but less convenient in hand. |
| Weight | 135g | 220g | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro's larger screen is ideal for watching videos and gaming, while the iPhone 12 mini's compact size is easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro offers a sharper, more detailed image due to higher resolution. |
| PPI | 476 | 460 | Both have very sharp displays; the difference in pixel density is unlikely to be noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; display quality should be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The A14 Bionic is known for efficiency and speed, and the higher AnTuTu benchmark score reflects that difference. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 869,707 | iPhone 12 mini is expected to offer faster app loading and smoother performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | 8 (Maleoon 910) | The Apple GPU is optimized for iOS, while the Maleoon 910 is optimized for HarmonyOS which may be better for heavy graphical processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro offers significantly longer battery life; difference is substantial for heavy users who prioritize battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Pro charges much faster, making it more convenient if you need to quickly top up your battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 80W Wireless Charging, 20W Reverse Wireless Charging | Pura 70 Pro offers much faster wireless charging and the reverse charging is useful for accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Pro captures much more detailed images with its higher megapixel count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.4 | Pura 70 Pro has wider aperture, enabling more light and better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.3" | Pura 70 Pro’s larger sensor captures more light and detail, improving overall image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 13MP | Similar selfie camera resolution; minor difference is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (48MP) | Pura 70 Pro has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom which the iPhone 12 mini does not have. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro’s wider aperture potentially offers better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Yes | Both offer 4K and other video recording modes, but the Pura 70 Pro supports slow-motion up to 960fps, while the iPhone 12 mini offers 240fps slow-mo |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | Not Available | Apple iPhone 12 mini has been tested on DxOMark and is known for good photo and video quality. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Available | Apple iPhone 12 mini has been tested on DxOMark for selfie performance, indicating a very good front camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (up to iOS 18) | Not Specified | iOS is known for its user-friendliness and app ecosystem; while the OS of the Huawei Pura 70 Pro was not specified, it is likely to be Android-based. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi performance on both phones; Huawei offers additional features like Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro has slightly newer Bluetooth with more codec support. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | More satellite systems | Pura 70 Pro offers potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 mini allows for digital SIMs, which is more convenient for switching networks while the Pura 70 Pro uses the traditional physical sim approach. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 512GB | Up to 1024GB | Pura 70 Pro provides more storage for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | Pura 70 Pro enables smoother multitasking and faster app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos | iPhone 12 mini offers slightly enhanced audio quality over the Pura 70 Pro, especially when listening through headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint sensor | Pura 70 Pro provides basic biometric security with the fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | Various | Various | The Pura 70 Pro includes Fingerprint, Gravity, Hall and RGB sensors which can make it better in gaming. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use a similar screen protection technology, although they were not identified in the provided information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: Much smaller and lighter, making it very comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Strong Performance: Faster performance, especially in benchmarks.
- eSIM Support: More convenient for international travelers or users who switch networks.
- Well-known iOS Ecosystem: Access to the Apple ecosystem and app store.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Better audio with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus compared to Pura 70 Pro.
- Established Camera Performance: Consistent results with great photo and video scores in DxOMark.
Practical Implications for iPhone 12 mini:
- Great for users who prioritize portability and one-handed operation.
- Excellent for those already within the Apple ecosystem.
- Offers reliable, consistent performance in daily tasks.
- Offers a high-quality audio experience
- Has great photo and video quality
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Brighter Display: Better for media consumption and outdoor visibility with 120Hz refresh rate
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, ideal for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are much faster, providing significant convenience.
- Superior Camera System: More versatile camera with higher resolution, larger sensor, and a dedicated telephoto lens.
- More RAM: Provides better performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
- More Internal Storage: More space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Advanced GPS System: Higher precision in location tracking.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows the user to charge other devices.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure biometric unlocking.
- More Versatile Sensors: More sensors such as Gravity, Hall and RGB can be useful for gaming.
Practical Implications for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Ideal for those who prioritize battery life, media consumption, and photography.
- Better for outdoor use due to brighter screen and offers faster charging options.
- Better for photographers due to having a telephoto lens and high megapixel main sensor.
- More storage allows users to store more without worrying about space.
- Offers better multitasking capabilities.
- Better for people who travel thanks to advanced GPS technology.
- Fingerprint unlock can be more practical than Face ID in specific situations.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller screen and battery, potentially less versatile camera system, less RAM and storage, limited charging speed, and older technology.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Larger and heavier, which is less pocketable, potentially has a more complex operating system to learn, lower performance than the iPhone 12 mini.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use: Perfect for users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for ease of use.
- Existing iOS users: Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who prefer consistency and reliability: Dependable performance for daily use and good picture quality from a camera that has been tested rigorously.
- Users who love listening to music: Great sound quality for audiophiles.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 mini:
- Casual daily use: Browsing, social media, texting.
- Light photography: Good for everyday photos and quick captures.
- One-handed operation: Comfortable to use on the go and with one hand.
- Compact Navigation Device: Small enough to easily use while walking or on public transport.
- Great for Audio Listeners: Great for listening to music on the go due to enhanced audio features
Ideal Users for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Heavy smartphone users: Those who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Ideal for those who watch videos, play games, or browse social media on their phones frequently.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera features, a telephoto lens, and better low-light performance.
- Multitaskers: Perfect for those who switch frequently between different applications.
- Travelers: Has advanced GPS features, making it ideal for navigation.
Specific Use Cases for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Heavy social media use: Larger screen and better battery for longer usage.
- Photography and videography: Versatile camera system with zoom and low-light capabilities.
- Mobile gaming: Smooth display and performance thanks to more RAM.
- Long days without charging: Reliable battery for extended use.
- Traveling: Has great satellite support for navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is a more modern phone with many premium features at a high price point. The iPhone 12 mini can be purchased at a more budget-friendly price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: portability or a bigger screen and battery?
- How important is camera versatility and performance to you?
- Are you more comfortable with iOS or an Android-based operating system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a pocketable phone for everyday use and are already invested in the Apple ecosystem: The iPhone 12 mini is the better choice.
- If you need a phone for heavy media consumption, photography, and long battery life: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better choice.
- If you prioritize cutting-edge tech and are willing to compromise on portability: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is more suitable.
- If you prefer a phone that's easier to use one handed, has great audio capabilities, and is cheaper: The iPhone 12 mini is more suitable.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. While I appreciate the compact size and performance of the iPhone 12 mini, the Pura 70 Pro offers a significant upgrade in display quality, battery life, charging speed, and camera versatility. The larger screen and 120Hz refresh rate would greatly enhance my media consumption experience. The improved camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens would enable more creative and versatile photography. Also, the Pura 70 Pro has features like reverse wireless charging, which are a great plus. While the iPhone 12 mini is a great phone in its own right, the technological advantages offered by the Pura 70 Pro align better with my current needs and usage patterns.
