Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-04-29 | Huawei is significantly newer, with more modern components and software. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | Huawei is slightly taller and thicker but narrower; minimal practical difference in handling. |
| Weight | 228g | 226g | Almost identical weight, both feel substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Virtually identical screen size; negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1260 x 2844 | Very similar sharpness, both will appear crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 460 PPI | Indistinguishable pixel density; both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors; similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei offers much smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive in games and general use. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei is much more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Apple A14 offers faster processing for apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 869,707 | Apple has a noticeable lead in benchmark performance, potentially translating to snappier performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Maleoon 910 | Apple GPU is generally more performant for demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 5200 mAh | Huawei has a much larger battery, likely providing longer usage time. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Huawei charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless charging | Reverse wireless charging, 80W wireless charging | Huawei has more modern wireless features, can also charge other devices |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei captures more detailed images in good light. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.6 | Similar low light performance capabilities. |
| Standard Lens Sensor Model | Sony IMX603 | Sony IMX989 | Huawei's sensor is newer and larger, potentially better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Standard Lens Pixel Size | 1.70 µm | 1.60 µm | Similar pixel size. |
| Selfie Lens Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Minimal difference in detail in selfie shots. |
| Selfie Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Apple has a slightly better low light capability in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei provides significantly more detail in telephoto shots. |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.1 | Similar low light performance in telephoto shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 40MP | Huawei captures more detail in wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Huawei has a slightly wider aperture and better low light in wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.7" | Huawei has a larger sensor, capturing better quality images. |
| Video | 4K up to 60fps | 4K Video | Both shoot high quality video |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 131 | 163 | Huawei scores significantly higher overall in the mobile category |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Available | Apple has better quality in Selfie, however there is no Selfie score for the Huawei. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K video, RAW, Night Mode, etc | OIS, 4K video, RAW, Night Mode, Laser AF | Huawei offers laser autofocus for faster focusing |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | N/A | iOS is known for its simplicity and app ecosystem; Huawei's OS is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards; similar connectivity speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Huawei has a slightly newer version with potentially more features (LDAC, etc). |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | Huawei supports more satellite systems for accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Apple has eSIM which allows for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 512/1024 GB | Huawei offers larger storage options out of the box. |
| RAM | 6GB | 16GB | Huawei has significantly more RAM for demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers the option to expand storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Apple includes an extra audio feature. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei has the convenience of a fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei includes fingerprint reader, Apple includes barometer sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Chipset Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers better benchmark scores, indicating potentially faster performance in everyday tasks.
- Established Software Ecosystem: iOS is renowned for its simplicity, smooth performance, and robust app ecosystem.
- Higher DXOMark Selfie Score: Better image quality in selfie photos and videos.
- Dolby Digital Plus Audio: Enhanced sound quality for compatible content.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy carrier switching.
Practical Implications for iPhone:
- Snappier performance in apps and games
- Seamless integration in Apple ecosystem
- Better quality selfies and videos
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Launched much later, featuring more up-to-date components.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better visibility outdoors.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Less time spent plugged in.
- More Versatile Camera System: Larger sensors, higher resolution, Laser AF potentially leading to better images in various conditions, especially low-light.
- More RAM and Storage: Better for multitasking and storing more media files.
- More advanced Bluetooth connectivity with LDAC and AAC support.
- More accurate GPS with support for more satellite systems
- Fingerprint sensor for easier unlocking
Practical Implications for Huawei:
- More comfortable use in bright sunlight
- Smoother experience in everyday scrolling
- Lasts longer on a single charge
- Fast recharges
- More detailed, sharper pictures and videos
- Improved multitasking and speed of applications.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max's weaker battery life and slower charging speed is a noticeable trade-off for better performance in the chip.
- Huawei Pura 70 Ultra sacrifices processing power compared to the iPhone for better battery, camera system, and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch).
- Users who prioritize raw processing power and gaming performance.
- Users who prefer the iOS ecosystem, interface, and applications.
- Users who prioritize taking high-quality selfie photos and videos.
Use Cases for iPhone:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles
- Video editing on the go
- Daily content creation for social media
- High-quality photography with good selfie results
Ideal User for Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Users who need excellent battery life and super-fast charging.
- Users who prioritize camera versatility and image quality, especially in varied lighting conditions.
- Users who enjoy viewing content on bright screens or need to use their phone outdoors frequently.
- Users who need excellent multitasking with a lot of memory (RAM).
Use Cases for Huawei:
- Professional mobile photography and videography
- Power users who are always on the go
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need a bright screen
- Users who need to heavily multitask between apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your preferred ecosystem? (iOS vs. Android/other)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Prioritize Huawei if it is more important.)
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (Prioritize Huawei for its superior camera system.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I'm a hardcore gamer and need the fastest performance possible."
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max due to the faster chipset.
Scenario 2: "I'm a photographer who needs a versatile, top-tier camera and long battery life."
- Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra due to its better camera system and battery.
Scenario 3: "I need a phone that will last me all day and will charge super fast."
- Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra due to its significantly larger battery and faster charging.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. My reasons are as follows:
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and substantially brighter screen are highly appealing. I spend a lot of time outdoors and the improved visibility would be a game-changer.
- Camera: While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is good, the Huawei's camera system seems far more versatile with higher resolution, larger sensors, and Laser AF. I appreciate higher levels of detail, and would like to have this over processing power.
- Battery: The dramatically larger battery and faster charging would significantly reduce my range anxiety and waiting time for a recharge.
- RAM: The extra RAM is very enticing as I like to multitask and do a lot on my phone at the same time.
While the A14 Bionic is very powerful, the improvements offered in the Pura 70 Ultra are more aligned to my needs and usage style. The added benefit of modern features like reverse wireless charging, improved Bluetooth capabilities, and the fingerprint scanner would make for a significantly better user experience.
