1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. Nova Y90 offers a larger screen but is bulkier. |
| Weight | 164g | 195g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Build | Premium materials (exact details unknown) | Plastic frame (likely) | iPhone 12 is expected to feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Nova Y90 provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2388 | iPhone 12 offers a sharper and more detailed image. |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 391 ppi | iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display, especially for text and fine details. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant and realistic display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nova Y90 has smoother scrolling and animations. However, the iPhone 12's display quality may outweigh the lower refresh rate for many users. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (Spec Missing) | iPhone 12 is much more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. The absence of brightness spec for Huawei is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness. It will also likely have better long-term software support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 249,000 | iPhone 12 delivers a vastly superior user experience in terms of speed and fluidity. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 610 | iPhone 12 delivers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | iPhone 12: Better low-light performance due to wider aperture and better image processing. Huawei: Higher resolution for potentially more detail in good lighting, but pixel binning likely used. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | iPhone 12: Sharper selfies with better image processing. Huawei: Wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP | None | iPhone 12 allows for wider field-of-view shots, great for landscapes and group photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 captures much higher quality video with better stabilization and dynamic range. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | iPhone 12 has a tested and rated excellent camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 5000 mAh | Nova Y90 is likely to offer significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Wired, 15W MagSafe Wireless, 7.5W Qi Wireless | 40W Wired | Nova Y90 charges faster with the included charger. iPhone 12 offers wireless charging convenience (charger sold separately). |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | EMUI (Android-based, version unknown) | iPhone 12 offers a more polished and user-friendly experience with guaranteed long-term software updates. Huawei's software experience can vary and may lack certain Google services. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | iPhone 12: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Minor improvement in connectivity range and efficiency for iPhone 12 |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Options | 64/128/256GB | 128GB | iPhone 12 offers more storage options and a larger maximum capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; choose storage size carefully. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | iPhone 12: Secure and convenient facial recognition. Huawei Nova Y90: Reliable fingerprint unlock. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly superior performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers a vastly faster and smoother user experience for all tasks.
- Superior display quality: The OLED display provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness.
- Better camera system: The iPhone 12 captures higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, and offers an ultrawide lens.
- More polished software experience: iOS is known for its user-friendliness, security, and timely updates.
- Wireless charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options (MagSafe and Qi).
Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and a seamless software experience. It's better suited for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and photography.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Larger battery capacity: Offers potentially much longer battery life.
- Faster wired charging: Charges significantly faster than the iPhone 12 with the included charger.
- Larger screen: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Fingerprint sensor: Some users prefer the speed and reliability of a fingerprint sensor.
Practical Implications: The Nova Y90 is suitable for users who value battery life above all else and prefer a larger display for media consumption.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller battery and slower charging compared to the Nova Y90. Higher price.
- Huawei nova Y90: Significantly lower performance, inferior display and camera, and a potentially less polished software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:
- Power users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos and videos.
- Media consumers: Those who want a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
- iOS ecosystem users: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Gaming: Demanding mobile games run smoothly and look great on the iPhone 12.
- Video editing: The A14 Bionic chip allows for fast and efficient video editing on the go.
- Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media or professional use.
- Productivity: Seamless multitasking and app performance for work and personal tasks.
Ideal Users for Huawei nova Y90:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a large screen and long battery life.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
Specific Use Cases for Huawei nova Y90:
- Media consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web on the large display.
- All-day use: Staying connected throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
- Basic productivity: Handling emails and documents on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should consider:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 12 is likely to be significantly more expensive than the Nova Y90.
- How important is performance and camera quality to me? If performance and camera are priorities, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life? If battery life is the most important factor, the Nova Y90 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Demanding user with a flexible budget: Choose the iPhone 12. Its superior performance and camera will significantly enhance the user experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user who needs all-day battery life: Choose the Huawei nova Y90. Its larger battery and lower price make it a practical choice.
- Scenario 3: User who values a balance of features: This is a difficult choice. If budget allows, the iPhone 12 offers a better overall experience. However, consider the actual price difference and weigh the importance of battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. Although the Huawei Nova Y90 has a significantly larger battery and a bigger screen, the performance difference is too vast to ignore. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 ensures a smooth, responsive experience that the Snapdragon 680 in the Nova Y90 simply can't match. The superior display and camera on the iPhone 12 are also important factors for me, as I value image quality and overall visual experience. While the battery life is a concern, I'm willing to manage it with strategic charging, as the overall advantages of the iPhone 12 outweigh the battery compromise for my usage patterns. The availability of wireless charging is also a plus.
