1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Nova 11 Pro is larger, which may be preferred for media consumption but less convenient for portability. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Negligible difference. Both are relatively lightweight. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | Nova 11 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact for easier one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1200x2652 | Marginally sharper image on the Nova 11 Pro, though the difference is not easily noticeable. |
| PPI | 460 | 429 | iPhone 12 Pro has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nova 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and UI interactions. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | A14 Bionic provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Snapdragon 778G 4G is still capable but less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 592,297 | Indicates the A14 Bionic's substantial performance advantage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 642L | A14's GPU offers superior graphics performance, better for demanding games and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.9 | Nova 11 Pro's higher megapixel count may capture more detail in good lighting, but the iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. Sensor model for Huawei is missing so it is hard to make an accurate assumption. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | 60MP f/2.4 | Nova 11 Pro captures very detailed selfie images, but the iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture may perform better in low light. Sensor models are missing so it is hard to make an accurate assumption. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.0 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro captures wider scenes, ideal for group photos and landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Nova 11 Pro allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 720p@960fps | iPhone 12 Pro captures significantly higher quality video. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro's camera performance is rated higher. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro's selfie camera performance is rated higher. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | Nova 11 Pro is likely to offer significantly longer battery life, though real-world endurance depends on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 20W | 100W | Nova 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. Nova 11 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar performance on modern Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Nova 11 Pro supports more audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Both offer accurate location tracking, with Nova 11 Pro supporting more systems for potentially improved accuracy in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nova 11 Pro offers more flexibility in some regions, while iPhone 12 Pro's eSIM provides convenient digital carrier switching. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Adequate storage for most users. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6/8/12GB | Nova 11 Pro with 8/12GB RAM will handle multitasking better. |
| Expandable | No | No | Users need to choose a storage option carefully as storage is not expandable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor: Apple A14 Bionic offers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better camera system: Triple-lens system with optical zoom and wide-angle lens provides more versatility and better image quality, especially in video recording.
- Higher display brightness: Better outdoor visibility.
- Ecosystem integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Higher DXOMark Scores: The front and back cameras have both been tested and scored high.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Better overall sound quality
Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger display with a 120Hz refresh rate: More immersive viewing experience and smoother animations.
- Much faster charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger battery capacity: Longer battery life.
- Higher-resolution front camera: More detailed selfies.
- Reverse charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12 GB of RAM
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means prioritizing performance and camera quality over battery life and charging speed.
- Choosing the Huawei nova 11 Pro means prioritizing display size, battery life, and charging speed over raw processing power and camera versatility.
- The iPhone 12 Pro is an older device, but the software will have newer updates for longer.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and ecosystem integration.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding mobile games run smoother.
- Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Professional Use: Utilizing demanding applications and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Huawei nova 11 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, a large, smooth display, and selfie quality.
- Use Cases:
- Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web on a large, smooth display.
- Social Media: Taking and sharing high-resolution selfies.
- Everyday Use: Reliable performance with excellent battery life and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, everyday use)
- How important is battery life and charging speed?
- Do you value ecosystem integration or specific features like reverse charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a mobile gamer or content creator: The iPhone 12 Pro's superior processing power and camera system make it the better choice.
- If you watch a lot of videos or need all-day battery life: The Huawei nova 11 Pro's larger, smoother display and longer battery life are ideal.
- If you want a balance of features at a potentially lower price: The Huawei nova 11 Pro offers a compelling package with fast charging and a large display.
Final Recommendation
If I were to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
While the Huawei nova 11 Pro has its strengths, the iPhone 12 Pro's superior performance, camera system (including the telephoto lens), and ecosystem integration make it a better fit for my needs. I value smooth performance in demanding apps, high-quality photo and video capabilities, and the convenience of Apple's ecosystem. Even though it's an older device, the A14 Bionic chip is still powerful enough to handle almost anything I throw at it, and the camera system is more versatile.
