Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 50 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. We'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and figure out which phone is the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 50 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm, 175g | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm, 208.4g | The Honor 50 is noticeably lighter and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is bulkier. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers superior screen protection against scratches and accidental drops, increasing its durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" OLED, 120Hz | 6.67" OLED, 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and vibrant colors thanks to the OLED and 120Hz refresh rate. The slightly larger screen on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might be preferable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | 1080x2400 (395 PPI) | Both phones have similar resolutions and pixel density, which means that the picture quality is very similar. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it much easier to see the screen in bright sunlight. The Honor 50's 0 nits is likely a reporting error, but even if it's higher, the Xiaomi has a significant advantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Both chipsets offer solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming. They are pretty similar in performance based on the Antutu score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 573,100 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Both GPUs are adequate for gaming, but their relative performance varies depending on the specific game. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 200MP (f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, potentially capturing more detailed and brighter photos, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/3.14", 0.7µm) | 16MP (f/2.45) | The Honor 50 has a higher resolution front camera with a wider aperture, which generally translates to better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | Both phones have comparable Wide Angle lens cameras. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The Honor 50 has a dedicated depth sensor for potentially better portrait mode effects, whereas the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ relies on software processing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | Both phones have comparable Macro lens cameras. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more versatile video recording options, including higher frame rates at lower resolutions and super slow-motion capabilities. |
| OIS | No | Yes | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), resulting in smoother, more stable videos and clearer low-light photos. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 113 (Photo: 117, Video: 117) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a tested DXOMark score, indicating a decent camera performance. The Honor 50 lacks this benchmark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, promising longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to using your phone quicker. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Honor 50 can act as a power bank for other devices, a handy feature in a pinch. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more up-to-date Android version and the promise of future updates, ensuring better software support and access to newer features. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, enhancing music and video playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is usually more convinient to unlock. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor 50 Strengths:
- Lighter and thinner design for better portability.
- Higher resolution front camera for better selfies.
- Reverse charging capability for added convenience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Significantly brighter display for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Higher resolution main camera with OIS for better photos and videos.
- Larger battery capacity for longer battery life.
- Much faster 120W charging.
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.
- Up-to-date software with future update potential.
Trade-offs:
- The Honor 50 sacrifices battery capacity and camera capabilities for a slimmer design.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is bulkier but packs more features and better performance in key areas.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 50:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a lightweight, pocketable design and take a lot of selfies.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, users who need reverse charging on the go.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal for: Power users who need long battery life, excellent outdoor visibility, and a great camera system.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, frequent travelers, anyone who consumes a lot of media on their phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is portability to you? If you value a slim, lightweight design above all else, the Honor 50 might be a better choice.
- How important is camera performance and battery life? If you want the best possible camera experience and long battery life, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- Do you need fast charging and good outdoor visibility? The Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s 120W charging and brighter display make it a much more convenient device for everyday use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media Influencer: The Honor 50's high-resolution front camera is perfect for capturing stunning selfies and keeping up with your online presence.
- Scenario 2: Travel Photographer: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s superior camera system, OIS, and long battery life make it an excellent travel companion for capturing memorable moments.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go Professional: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s fast charging, bright display, and long battery life ensure you stay productive throughout the day, no matter where you are.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While I appreciate a lightweight phone, the advantages it offers in terms of camera performance (especially the inclusion of OIS), battery life, significantly faster charging, and display brightness are too compelling to ignore. As someone who frequently travels and takes a lot of photos, these features align perfectly with my needs. The stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos are a nice bonus for enjoying media on the go.
