Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Huawei nova 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. The Nova 11 Pro's larger size provides a bigger screen but reduces portability. |
| Weight | 164g | 188g | iPhone 12 is lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | Without build materials, it's hard to judge durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | Nova 11 Pro provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1200x2652 | Nova 11 Pro has slightly sharper image detail, but the difference may not be noticeable to the average user. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 429 | iPhone 12 has slightly sharper image detail, but the difference may not be noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nova 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | iPhone 12 is easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | A14 Bionic offers significantly faster performance, better for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 592,297 | The iPhone 12 provides a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially in graphically intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 642L | Apple GPU offers superior graphics performance, making the iPhone 12 a better choice for gamers. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Nova 11 Pro captures more detail in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.9 | iPhone 12 performs better in low-light situations. |
| Ultrawide Lens | Yes (12MP) | No | iPhone 12 allows for wider field-of-view shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | Nova 11 Pro can take detailed close-up photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 60MP | Nova 11 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K (Specification missing) | iPhone 12 offers higher quality and smoother video recording. |
| Stabilization | OIS, Ultra stable video | Digital image stabilization | iPhone 12 provides superior video stabilization, reducing shaky footage. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | Not available | iPhone 12 has a tested and verified superior camera performance. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | Not available | iPhone 12 has a tested and verified superior selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | Nova 11 Pro likely offers longer battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 20W | 100W | Nova 11 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe (15W), Qi (7.5W) | No | iPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Nova 11 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly faster performance: A14 Bionic chipset provides superior speed and responsiveness.
- Better camera performance: Higher quality video recording, better low-light performance, and verified superior DXOMark scores.
- Higher Display Brightness: Better outdoor visibility
- Wireless charging: Offers convenient charging options.
- More compact and lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher refresh rate (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Faster charging (100W): Significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- Higher resolution front camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Reverse charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers additional storage and RAM.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life, display size, and refresh rate for performance and camera quality.
- Choosing the Nova 11 Pro means sacrificing performance and camera quality for a larger display, longer battery life, and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance and responsiveness.
- Users who value camera quality for photos and videos.
- Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Mobile gaming: Handles demanding games smoothly.
- Video recording: Captures high-quality, stabilized videos.
- Photography: Takes excellent photos in various lighting conditions.
- Professional use: Benefits from the A14 Bionic's processing power.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Users who prefer a larger display for media consumption.
- Users who take a lot of selfies.
- Users who want a modern Android experience.
Use Cases for Nova 11 Pro:
- Watching videos and movies: Large display enhances the viewing experience.
- Social media: High-resolution front camera for better selfies.
- All-day use: Larger battery provides extended usage time.
- Travel: Fast charging ensures quick power-ups.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- What is your primary phone usage? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, productivity)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you?
- Do you prefer a smaller, more portable phone or a larger display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-focused user: Choose the iPhone 12. The A14 Bionic provides a superior experience for demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Media consumption and battery life: Choose the Huawei nova 11 Pro. The larger display and bigger battery are ideal for watching videos and browsing.
- Scenario 3: Balanced user: This depends on individual priorities. If camera and performance are slightly more important, choose the iPhone 12. If battery and display are slightly more important, choose the Nova 11 Pro.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some light gaming and occasional video editing, the A14 Bionic chip provides a noticeable edge in speed and responsiveness.
- Camera: While the Nova 11 Pro has a higher megapixel count, the iPhone 12's overall camera system, especially its video capabilities and low-light performance, are more appealing for my needs. I value the stability of the footage taken on the iPhone 12 as well as the verified superior camera performance that the DXOMark scores indicate.
- Ecosystem: I'm already invested in the Apple ecosystem, and the seamless integration between my iPhone, MacBook, and iPad is a significant convenience. While the Nova 11 Pro offers more RAM and storage, I have sufficient cloud storage and find the performance benefits of the iPhone more valuable overall.
