Alright, let's break down the Honor 70 and Realme 12 Pro, putting their specs under the microscope and seeing what they mean for real-world use. I'm not just going to list numbers; I want to tell you how these phones feel in your hand, how they perform daily, and who each device is really for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm, 178g | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm, 190g | Honor 70 is slightly thinner and lighter, likely feeling more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard form factor. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical sizes; both offer a large display for immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have crisp, high-definition displays; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Essentially the same sharpness; text and images will appear equally clear. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | High-quality panels, both offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Minor difference, likely unnoticeable to most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; both provide a fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro will be much more visible in direct sunlight due to its brighter panel. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Honor 70’s chipset is slightly faster based on benchmarks, good for heavier multitasking, slightly better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 574,000 | Honor 70 has a slight edge in benchmark performance, indicating a snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | Both phones are equipped with powerful GPU’s, great for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" IMX800 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" IMX882 | Honor 70 has a larger sensor and higher resolution, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" OV32C | 16MP, f/2.4 | Honor 70’s selfie camera should capture more detailed and clearer images, due to the larger resolution. |
| Telephoto lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" IMX709 | Realme 12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, giving a significant edge in zoomed photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Honor 70 has a dedicated ultrawide lens, enabling broader scenic shots and creative perspectives. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" IMX355 | Realme 12 Pro has combined Wide Angle and Macro lens in one sensor, which might affect photo quality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps w/EIS | 4K@30fps w/EIS | Both capable of 4K video, suitable for high-quality vlogs and memorable moments. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | Realme 12 Pro has better stabilization technology that minimizes blur. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 240fps | Honor 70 can capture more dramatic slow-motion footage. |
| DXOMark Score | 115 main, 129 video | N/A | Honor 70 camera performance has been tested and has a very good score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly larger battery, which could lead to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W | 67W | Both offer fast charging; not a significant difference in charging time. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Honor 70 can act as a power bank for other devices; convenient in emergencies. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro comes with a newer OS, ensuring better long-term support and latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have the same Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro has more accurate GPS functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both have high-capacity storage with no expandable option. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both are great for multi-tasking and running heavy apps. |
| Expandable storage | No | No | Both phones do not support storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 12 Pro is more advanced regarding audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensors for unlocking the phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Honor 70 has an additional compass for map applications. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Slightly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ gives it a small edge in benchmarks.
- Enhanced Selfie Camera: The 32MP selfie camera captures more detailed images.
- Stronger Main Sensor: Larger sensor size allows for great low-light pictures.
- Versatile Camera System: It features dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, giving you more creative options in a single shot.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices is useful.
- Better Slow Motion: 960fps slow motion gives you more dramatic moments.
- Better DxoMark score: Proven camera system due to the DxoMark score.
- Wider range of Storage options: The Honor 70 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants.
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14, ensuring longer software support and the latest features.
- Superior Display Brightness: Much better outdoor visibility due to a much brighter display.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Slightly bigger battery could provide longer battery life.
- Better Audio: Improved spatial audio, better audio playback, clear calls, and enhanced immersion.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Allows for less blurry pictures.
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70's lack of a telephoto lens and optical stabilization are noticeable for photography enthusiasts. Also, the screen brightness is not great and can be hard to see outdoors.
- Realme 12 Pro's weaker benchmark performance compared to the Honor 70 may be noticeable in heavy usage. Also, the selfie camera has a lower resolution than the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Selfie Lovers: The high-resolution front camera is ideal for great portraits.
- Creative Photographers: The wide-angle and macro lenses offer creative flexibility.
- Users Who Value Smooth Performance: Slightly better chipset gives it great speeds.
- Users with limited budget: It offers a cheaper 128GB variant.
- Users who want to take dramatic slow-motion videos. The 960fps capability allows it.
- Those who want a power bank: The reverse charging feature is useful when the user needs to charge other devices.
Realme 12 Pro is best for:
- Outdoor Users: The high-brightness display excels in sunny conditions.
- Zoom Photography Fans: The telephoto lens enables great zoom quality.
- Users who want a bigger battery: The bigger capacity allows for better battery life.
- Users seeking better audio: Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation offers great audio quality.
- Those who want the latest software: Android 14 brings the most up-to-date experience.
- Users seeking more precise GPS location: The extra satellite connections allow it.
- Users seeking better stabilization: Optical Image stabilization reduces blur in photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I value outdoor screen visibility? If you spend a lot of time in bright sunlight, the Realme 12 Pro's screen will be a game-changer.
- Is zoomed photography a priority? If you want good zoom performance, the Realme 12 Pro’s telephoto lens is a must-have.
- Am I seeking the fastest performance and a great selfie camera, or the latest software and stabilization? For speed and selfies, the Honor 70 is a great option, while the Realme 12 Pro offers a more up-to-date and stabilized camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Always on the Go" User: You're out and about, taking photos, using maps, and need a reliable screen in the sun. Choose the Realme 12 Pro for better display visibility and more accurate GPS.
- The Social Media Creator: You love taking selfies and creating creative photos. Go with the Honor 70 for its excellent selfie camera and varied camera setup.
- The "Tech Enthusiast": You want the latest Android version and audio features. The Realme 12 Pro is the more logical choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Realme 12 Pro. While I appreciate the Honor 70’s strengths, especially the main sensor and front camera, the Realme 12 Pro's superior display brightness, telephoto lens, newer operating system, and better stabilization are just more important for my daily use. I'm frequently outside, take a lot of zoomed-in pictures, and I'm always seeking the best possible software and experience. The slightly smaller benchmark score is a trade-off I'm willing to make, considering the benefits it offers. Plus, the audio upgrades are a welcome addition. It's a more well-rounded device for my needs.
