Alright, let's dive deep into the Honor 70 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. These are two compelling mid-range contenders, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. As always, it's about translating those spec sheets into real-world scenarios, so let’s get to it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2023-08-04 | Xiaomi is about a year newer, potentially having newer software and hardware advancements. |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm, 178g | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm, 199g | Honor 70 is noticeably lighter and slimmer, feels more comfortable and pocketable. Redmi 12 5G is larger and heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Both are sharp, with negligible differences in pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Honor 70's OLED display will have superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Honor 70 will provide smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, this value is not correct. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Honor 70 has a more powerful chipset, offering snappier app loading and better performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 456,552 | Honor 70's significantly higher score means smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 613 | Honor 70 has a more capable GPU, leading to superior graphics in games and other visually intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49", IMX800 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Honor 70 with a larger sensor and higher megapixel count tends to capture more detailed images with better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", OV32C | 5MP, f/2.2 | Honor 70’s front camera offers much higher resolution and generally superior image quality. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Honor 70 has an extra ultra-wide lens, which is useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Depth (Portrait) | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Honor 70 records higher resolution videos, with a better overall video quality and offers more features like slow-motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Main 115, Photo 115, Video 129 | Main 63, Photo 57, Video 76 | Honor 70's camera is significantly better, especially in video quality and overall performance, according to DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 12 5G has slightly larger capacity, which should theoretically translate to longer usage times. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges much faster and would make top-ups much quicker and more convenient. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Honor 70 can share its power with other devices, a convenient feature. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 5G has a newer OS and potentially a longer update life span. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi ac | Honor 70 has better WiFi capabilities with faster speeds and more advanced features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | 5.0 | Honor 70 has a more modern Bluetooth version and supports higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Honor 70 has more satelite systems allowing for greater location accuracy. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Honor 70 has the option for larger storage. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | Honor 70 has higher RAM options for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither phone offers expandable storage; be sure to get enough internal memory. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Basic features | Honor 70 has much better audio capabilities, providing superior listening experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset offers better processing power, better multitasking and superior gaming experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, an ultra-wide lens, and superior video recording features make the Honor 70 a better choice for photography and videography. Also, DXOmark scores are significantly higher.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is significantly faster than the Redmi’s 18W.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers provide a better multimedia experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer versions of WiFi and Bluetooth for better and more reliable connections.
- More Memory Options: More RAM options for better multitasking and an additional 512 GB internal storage option.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box and is expected to get updates up to Android 14.
- Larger Battery: Has a 200 mAh larger battery, which might translate to slightly longer battery life, although that difference is not significant.
- Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: Lacks expandable storage, and the screen protection is unknown.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Significantly weaker camera and performance, slower charging, basic audio and older connectivity options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize display quality, audio, and camera performance for content consumption and creation.
- Power Users: Users who demand strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity applications.
- Photography Lovers: Those looking for a versatile camera system with excellent image quality and video capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users that appreciate cutting edge tech and the best possible specifications.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a reliable phone with 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their smartphone for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Who Prefer Larger Screens Users that might need slightly larger screens for consuming content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Honor 70 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If it’s a top priority, the Honor 70's superior camera system makes it the clear winner.
- Do you need high performance and speed for gaming and apps?
- If yes, the Honor 70's more powerful chipset and more RAM would make the difference in the experience.
- Are you on a tight budget, or do you prefer the latest software version?
- If you're looking for maximum value and the newest software, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G will be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A creative professional who needs a phone for photography and content creation. Recommendation: Honor 70 due to its vastly superior camera, screen, video recording, and performance.
- Scenario 2: A student on a limited budget who needs a reliable phone for daily use. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G for its affordability and basic everyday performance.
- Scenario 3: A casual user who primarily consumes media and is looking for a great viewing experience. Recommendation: Honor 70 for its amazing screen and overall media consumption experience.
Which one would I choose?
For me, the Honor 70 is the clear winner. The significant advantages in display quality, processing power, camera capabilities, and overall user experience outweigh the few minor benefits of the Redmi 12 5G. While the Redmi 12 5G is a budget-friendly option, I am always looking for the best technology and features that improve my daily life. The Honor 70, with its stunning OLED screen, impressive performance, and fantastic camera, offers a far more premium and satisfying experience that aligns with my needs as a tech enthusiast and content creator. Additionally, the significantly faster charging is a must-have feature for my fast-paced life. Although both phones do not offer expandable storage, I believe that the 256 GB internal storage of the Honor 70 is more than enough to fulfill my needs.
