Alright, let's dive deep into the Honor 70 and Realme 12 Pro+. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're going to dissect what these numbers mean for you, the person actually using the phone every day. I'll break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend, balancing the technical details with real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, potentially with more recent software and features |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Honor 70 is thinner and slightly lighter, which might feel more comfortable in hand. The Realme is thicker by a bit, but we're talking a fraction of a millimeter here. |
| Weight | 178g | 196g | Honor 70 is lighter which is better for prolonged use and general comfort. The weight difference is noticeable but not drastically large, could be more substantial for some users. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually the same screen size, the difference of 0.03" is negligible, so screen real estate is the same. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ experience, so images and text will look crisp. The very minor resolution differences are basically irrelevant. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Almost identical pixel density, meaning both have very crisp displays. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality, vibrant display technologies; very similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the phones feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This needs clarification as 0 nits isn't correct, but we can assume similar peak brightness based on these specs. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Realme's newer chip should offer a slight edge in efficiency and possibly some performance gains, but not by a large margin. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 603,400 | Performance is nearly identical, which means they will handle everyday tasks and gaming similarly well. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | Different GPUs, but in the same performance tier; the Realme's GPU might have slightly better graphics performance. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890) | Honor 70 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size but Realme 12 Pro+ has a wider aperture. This likely leads to slightly different results, each excelling in certain conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C) | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor for the selfie camera which should capture better details. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots while Honor 70 does not offer this capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2) | None | Honor 70 features a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes, a capability the Realme lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Honor 70 offers a dedicated macro lens, enabling close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846) | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a unique combination of wide-angle and macro features with a single lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@120fps w/ EIS | Both have great video recording capabilities, but Realme has an edge with higher framerate in 1080p (120fps), and improved video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF | Different strengths; Honor 70 focuses on video stability and low-light photography, while Realme has OIS for sharper photos and optical zoom. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme has a slightly larger battery, potentially giving it a bit more endurance. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both offer very fast charging, so they will charge up very quickly. The Realme 12 Pro+ has a negligible edge at 67W. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | Only the Honor 70 has reverse charging, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ ships with a newer version of Android, so it will get a longer software update lifecycle. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both phones have the same version of Bluetooth and support all main codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has more GPS bands, potentially leading to more accurate location tracking in various locations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both have the same options for internal storage |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both phones have sufficient RAM for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage so you'll need to choose the correct storage option from the start. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slight edge with Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone for better audio recording. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint scanners. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No specific information about screen protection for either phone. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both phones come with a wide range of sensors that cater to various features, with a slight difference of Compass in Honor 70 and Geomagnetic in Realme 12 Pro+ |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: The Honor 70 prioritizes a sleek, light design, which is a plus for portability and comfort.
- Versatile Camera System: It offers a dedicated wide-angle lens and macro lens, alongside a capable main camera, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios.
- Reverse Charging: It can wirelessly charge other devices, which is great for those with multiple gadgets.
- Night Mode: Better low-light photography thanks to dedicated Night Mode.
- Ultra Stable Video: Offers enhanced video stability.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Newer and More Up-to-Date: Launched significantly later, offering a more current software experience with Android 14.
- Telephoto Lens: It features a telephoto lens, which is excellent for zoomed photos, a big advantage if you often take photos from afar.
- Larger Battery: The slightly larger battery capacity might translate to a bit more screen-on time.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos support and noise-canceling microphones offer superior audio recording and playback.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Leads to sharper, clearer photos, particularly in low light, and smoother videos.
- More GPS Bands: Better location accuracy with more GPS bands.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Honor 70: Older Android version out of the box. Missing OIS.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Lacks a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. Missing reverse charging capabilities.
- Missing Data: The lack of info on screen protection for both devices makes it tough to judge their durability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is ideal for:
- Casual Photographers: Who want a versatile camera setup with a wide range of features, great low-light performance and high-quality video with added stabilization.
- Users Who Value Lightness: People who want a thinner and lighter phone for comfortable handling.
- Gadget Users: Users with multiple gadgets that can benefit from the reverse charging feature.
Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Mobile Photography Enthusiasts: Who want the ability to zoom in on subjects with a dedicated telephoto lens, and sharper photos/smoother videos with OIS.
- Audio Buffs: Users who prioritize excellent audio quality for both listening and recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who prefer having the latest Android OS and might want a phone with long term software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- How important is the camera versatility to you? Do you frequently use wide-angle and macro lenses, or do you prefer zoom capabilities with OIS?
- Is having the latest software updates crucial? How important is long-term software support for you?
- What is your priority - convenience or photography focus? Do you prefer a light and reverse-charging phone, or one with better zoom capabilities and slightly longer battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the On-The-Go Creator: If you capture a variety of content, including wide shots, close-ups, and videos, and value low-light performance, the Honor 70 is a more balanced choice, because of its versatile camera system, even though the Realme 12 Pro+ provides better video capabilities.
- For the Sharper Images Enthusiast: If you enjoy shooting from various distances and want higher-quality audio for recording, and value the optical zoom, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a superior camera with optical zoom and stabilization plus enhanced audio features.
- For the Everyday User: If you prefer a lighter, sleeker design and don't have specific camera requirements but want a good all-around performer with a high quality screen, either phone would work well, but the Honor 70 may suit your needs better due to its extra versatility and better low-light photography.
- For the Long-Term User: If you plan to keep your phone for a while and want the latest OS and software update support, then the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option, being a newer phone with Android 14 out of the box.
What I would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Realme 12 Pro+. While I appreciate the Honor 70's versatile camera setup and lighter design, the Realme's telephoto lens with OIS is a big draw for me, as I often take photos of objects far away and value the enhanced clarity. Additionally, I tend to keep my phones for a few years, so having a newer device with the latest Android version and potentially better software support is a big plus. The enhanced audio recording capabilities also make a big difference to me, especially given my use for videos and capturing daily moments.
Both phones are great choices, but the Realme 12 Pro+’s photography and software advantages edge it out for my particular needs. Plus, the slight increase in battery is always a welcome addition, making it the more compelling option for me personally.
