Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Huawei nova Y70 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Nova Y70 Plus is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 164g | 199g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build | Info Missing | Info Missing | Unknown; build materials affect durability and premium feel. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.75" | Nova Y70 Plus offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 720x1600 | iPhone 12 provides significantly sharper and clearer visuals with finer details. |
| PPI | 460 | 260 | Text and images appear much crisper on the iPhone 12. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. OLED is generally more power-efficient for displaying dark content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 is much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard smoothness. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 103,500 | iPhone 12 is dramatically faster in overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | iPhone 12 provides a much better gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | Sufficient for basic usage on both phones. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | Nova Y70 Plus can capture more detailed photos in good lighting conditions; however, image processing and sensor quality also play a crucial role. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 performs better in low-light conditions, capturing more light for brighter images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 can record much higher quality videos, better for vlogging or capturing memories. |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes | No | iPhone 12 records smoother, less shaky videos and sharper photos in low light. |
| Extra lens | Wide Angle | Wide Angle, Portrait Mode | iPhone 12 has higher resolution Wide Angle camera. Huawei has an extra Portrait mode for better bokeh effect. |
| DxOMark Score | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 has a known good camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 6000mAh | Nova Y70 Plus likely offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a day or two for moderate users. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Both phones have similar charging speed. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (up to 15W MagSafe) | No | iPhone 12 offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Unknown | iOS offers a user-friendly interface, regular updates, and a strong ecosystem of apps and services. Information about the Huawei OS is missing. |
| Storage Options | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | iPhone 12 offers more storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | iPhone 12 provides a better audio experience with wider soundstage and clearer audio. |
| Security | Basic Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei nova Y70 Plus offers convenient biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly superior performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides much faster processing speeds, making it ideal for demanding apps and games.
- Much better display: OLED technology offers superior contrast, color accuracy, and brightness, resulting in a significantly improved viewing experience.
- Higher quality camera: Better low-light performance, 4K video recording, and OIS result in better overall image and video quality.
- Wireless charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging.
- Better audio experience: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide richer and more immersive audio.
- Known OS: Known good software.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Advantages:
- Significantly larger battery: Offers potentially much longer battery life.
- Fingerprint sensor: Provides a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
- Lower expected price: It is assumed the Huawei is cheaper.
- Extra Portrait lens: Additional function for camera.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life for significantly better performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Choosing the Huawei nova Y70 Plus means prioritizing battery life and fingerprint security at the expense of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities and are willing to charge their phone more frequently.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Demanding games run smoother and look better.
- Content creation: 4K video recording and powerful processing for video editing.
- Media consumption: Enjoying movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Productivity: Smooth multitasking and fast app loading for work on the go.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality and are on a tight budget.
- Use Cases:
- Long trips: Extended battery life ensures the phone lasts throughout the journey.
- Basic communication: Making calls, sending texts, and browsing the internet without worrying about battery drain.
- Casual media consumption: Watching videos and browsing social media without demanding high-end display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? Price will likely be a major factor.
- How important is battery life to you? Do you need a phone that can last all day or even multiple days on a single charge?
- What do you primarily use your phone for? Gaming, photography, media consumption, or basic communication?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Camera are Key: If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and display technology and are willing to pay a premium, the Apple iPhone 12 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life is Essential: If battery life is your top priority and you are on a budget, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you are looking for a balanced experience with decent performance and battery life, consider other options in the market, as both phones have significant trade-offs.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus's battery life is appealing, the iPhone 12's advantages in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant to ignore. The A14 Bionic chip ensures a smooth and responsive experience for all tasks, from gaming to video editing. The OLED display provides a vibrant and immersive viewing experience, and the camera captures high-quality photos and videos. As someone who values performance and enjoys media consumption, the iPhone 12 aligns better with my needs, even if it means sacrificing some battery life.
