Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and Oppo Reno12. I'm going to break this down, tech-journalist style, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, translating specs into real-world implications:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm, 178g | 161.4 × 74.1 × 7.6 mm, 177g | Both are similar in size and weight, the Reno12 is slightly thinner; Both feel similar in the hand |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Reno12 will likely be more durable in everyday use, less prone to scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical; a negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness; both are sharp enough for excellent clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Perceived display quality will be nearly identical. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | Reno12 will be much easier to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | Reno12's newer 4nm chip is more energy-efficient and slightly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 702,140 | Reno12 will offer marginally better performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different configurations; Reno12's GPU is newer with a higher architecture |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800, 1.00 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 0.70 µm | Honor 70 has a larger sensor with bigger pixel size; Reno12 has a wider aperture; Honor 70 will likely be better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" OmniVision OV32C, 0.70 µm | 32MP, f/2.0 | Reno12's selfie camera will likely perform better in low-light thanks to its wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14 µm | Honor 70 has much higher resolution wide-angle captures more details and sharper photos. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" OV02B10, 1.75 µm | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Reno12 has better video quality due to OIS and HDR, which translates to better stability and dynamic range. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Not Available | Honor 70 performed well in DXoMark's tests, while Reno12 has not been tested yet. |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Noise reduction, OIS, PDAF | Different focus on image stabilization and enhancements. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Reno12 will likely have slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Reno12 will charge faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Honor 70 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Reno12 has newer software with more features and security updates, and a longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both support modern WiFi standards; same connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Reno12 features the latest Bluetooth for better power efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Reno12 supports QZSS for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Same max storage, more options for the Honor 70 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Reno12 has the edge with higher RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Honor 70 offers a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope , Gravity, Geomagnetic | Both have great range of sensors, but the Honor has a compass, while Oppo has gravity and geomagnetic. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70:
- Strengths: Excels in the camera department, particularly with its larger primary sensor and high-resolution wide-angle lens. It offers Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and reverse charging, making it a better choice for multimedia enthusiasts. It also has a lower entry price because it is an older phone.
- Competitive Advantage: Strong camera, especially for photography, better audio, plus the reverse charging is a handy feature.
- Limitations: Older chipset, Android version, and display brightness.
Oppo Reno12:
- Strengths: Features a newer, more efficient chipset, faster charging, and a brighter display. The video recording is a cut above with OIS and HDR.
- Competitive Advantage: More modern features, a better screen for outdoor use, faster charging, better video quality.
- Limitations: Less impressive audio and wide-angle camera compared to the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70: Ideal for users who prioritize high-quality photography, especially in low-light, and those who value great audio for media consumption. The reverse charging is a neat bonus. It is also a good choice for budget-conscious users.
- Use Cases: Social media photography, music lovers, users who frequently share content with friends.
- Oppo Reno12: A great all-rounder for users who want a fast, modern phone with a bright display, great for outdoor visibility, and great for video content creators. It is more well suited for gaming and general use than the Honor 70.
- Use Cases: Outdoor enthusiasts, mobile gamers, vloggers, everyday users who want smooth performance and fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Camera or Performance? Do you prioritize high-quality photography (Honor 70) or overall performance and video capabilities (Oppo Reno12)?
- Indoors or Outdoors? Will you mostly be using your phone indoors (Honor 70) or outdoors in bright sunlight (Oppo Reno12)?
- Audio or Charging Speed? Is better audio quality a deal breaker (Honor 70), or is fast charging more important (Oppo Reno12)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you take a lot of photos, especially in low light, the Honor 70 is likely the better choice due to its larger sensor and better wide-angle lens.
- The Outdoor User: If you spend most of your time outdoors, the Oppo Reno12's brighter display will be crucial.
- The Gamer: The Oppo Reno12 is the better option for gaming and heavy app usage due to its higher benchmark score and more efficient chip.
- The Media Consumer: If you care about great audio, the Honor 70 with its Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers will be the better pick.
Which one I would choose and why!
If I had to pick between the two, I would choose the Oppo Reno12.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone daily, I value the performance and the display for the real-world use. The Oppo Reno12’s newer chipset, higher brightness screen, faster charging, and enhanced video recording capabilities are all practical improvements that I would personally benefit from. While I appreciate the Honor 70’s camera and audio, I value the overall usability and newer technology of the Oppo Reno12. The faster performance and better screen for outdoor use make it the more appealing option for my daily routine. I also value the better long-term update support of the Oppo.
In short, the Oppo Reno12 is the phone that best balances daily usability and modern features, which is what I value in my personal device.
