Okay, let's break down the Honor 70 and Oppo Reno12 Pro. I’m looking at these not just as spec sheets, but as tools that people will use every day. My focus is on real-world impact, not just numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm | The Oppo is slightly wider and thinner, which might feel different in the hand, but both will be very close. |
| Weight | 178g | 180g | Essentially identical in weight. You won't notice a practical difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both are big enough for immersive media consumption and gaming, but the Oppo is slightly larger by 0.03”. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp, crisp visuals, perfect for everyday use. Very minor difference. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Both offer very sharp images, and most people won't be able to tell the difference. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality. Expect deep blacks, vibrant colors, and great contrast from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and fluid animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | The Oppo Reno12 Pro is substantially brighter, making it much better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | Different chips. The Oppo has a newer, more efficient chip. This translates to better performance in everyday tasks, particularly the Oppo with the 4nm chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 702,140 | Oppo scores higher, which can translate to snappier performance in games and intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPUs; both are capable for gaming, but the Oppo’s should perform marginally better in demanding titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600 | Honor has a larger sensor and higher resolution, potentially better in low-light and more detail. Oppo has a wider aperture, potentially letting in more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN5 | Oppo has a higher resolution, wider aperture, and a larger sensor. Will be better for selfie shooters. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN5 | Oppo has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Honor has a much higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (HDR, OIS, EIS), 1080p@120fps, 1080p@480fps | Oppo offers HDR and Optical Image Stabilization for smoother video. |
| DXOMark Score | 115 (Mobile), 115 (Photo), 129 (Video) | Not Tested | Only Honor has been tested by DxoMark so we can say it offers a great camera system based on those results. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Noise reduction, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Oppo has more advanced features like OIS and continuous autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Oppo has a slightly larger battery, which might give it a small edge in battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Oppo charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Honor offers reverse charging so it can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Oppo has a more recent Android version, ensuring longer software support and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards, providing fast speeds for both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Oppo has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially providing better connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo has additional satellite support (QZSS) for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM, convenient for travel or keeping work and personal lines separate. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB | Both offer ample storage options, though Honor has a 128 GB base option. Neither have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB | 12 GB, 16 GB | The Oppo’s larger RAM options mean better multitasking and smoother experience with heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on both. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Honor has better speakers and support for higher quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors that should work well. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Oppo has much better screen protection, making it more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Additionally: Gravity, Geomagnetic | Both have core sensors but the Oppo has gravity and geomagnetic sensors that can be useful in certain scenarios. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor 70: This is a solid all-rounder. Its strengths lie in its excellent main camera with a larger sensor for good low-light performance, a high-resolution wide-angle lens, Hi-Res audio, and a very good video recording capability. However, its display brightness falls short, and it’s running on older software. It is also a very well tested phone according to DXoMark that scored 115 overall and 129 in the video department, making it great for content creators.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro: This phone is a step up in a lot of areas. It has a newer chipset, resulting in better performance and efficiency, a much brighter display for outdoor visibility, a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, faster charging, newer software, and a sturdier screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It has more RAM and better video capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70:
- Best for: Users who value camera quality, especially for low-light photography and those that prefer higher audio quality. It is also great for those who enjoy video creation and want a great video score.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, casual photographers, and video creators who need a reliable camera.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, display brightness (especially in sunlight), videographers, better video quality and versatility, and future-proofing with newer software.
- Use Cases: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, outdoor adventurers, and users who want the latest Android features and security.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do you often use your phone in bright sunlight? If yes, the Oppo Reno12 Pro is a must.
- How much do you value video quality? If it's a high priority, the Oppo is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize having the latest Android version? If yes, the Oppo is the right choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you love taking photos, the Honor 70 is great, especially for low light, but if you like taking selfies, or recording videos, the Oppo wins here.
- The Power User: If you game, multitask heavily, the Oppo Reno12 Pro’s faster processor and more RAM makes it the clear winner.
- The Outdoor Adventurer: The Oppo's brighter screen and better build make it ideal for use outdoors.
- The Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a budget and don't need the absolute best performance, the Honor 70 might be a better value, depending on the price difference, but this is subjective.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were making a decision for my daily driver, I’d go with the Oppo Reno12 Pro. Here’s why:
While I appreciate the Honor 70's camera and excellent DXoMark score, particularly its low-light capabilities, the Oppo Reno12 Pro hits all the right notes for me. The significantly brighter display is a huge plus since I use my phone outdoors a lot, and its newer chipset with enhanced efficiency, translates to better performance. The better video capabilities are a must for me, along with the better stabilization technologies and better selfie camera. Plus, the faster charging, sturdier build, and the latest Android version are all future-proofing factors that I highly value. Yes, the wide-angle camera on the Honor is better, but the Oppo's telephoto lens is a better trade off for me, along with better overall video capabilities.
The Oppo Reno12 Pro is not just a spec upgrade; it’s an overall better experience for me. I am more interested in the performance and screen brightness which makes the Oppo a better fit for me.
