Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Honor 70 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. These are two strong contenders in the mid-range smartphone arena, but they each bring unique strengths to the table. Let's break it down to see which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, highlighting the real-world implications for everyday users:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Honor 70 is slightly more compact and thinner, which may feel more comfortable in hand. Xiaomi is larger and thicker. |
| Weight | 178g | 208.4g | The Honor 70 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Xiaomi might feel heftier in your pocket. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5, enhancing its durability. Honor 70 screen protection is not specified in the provided data. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both phones offer the same screen size, ideal for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer sharp and detailed display with the same resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 395 | Both offer the same sharpness and clarity in the display. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both screens are OLED, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ significantly brighter screen for viewing in sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. The Honor 70 has a significant disadvantage in this area due to lack of brightness information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 | Honor 70 has a slight edge in benchmark performance based on the scores, and is generally considered to offer a more balanced experience, while Xiaomi offers great gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 573,100 | Honor 70 scores higher in benchmarks, indicating slightly faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 642L is a strong performer for graphics-intensive tasks while the Mali-G68 offers very similar performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX800 | 200MP, f/1.65, Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Xiaomi offers higher resolution and wider aperture for better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, Omnivision OV32C | 16MP, f/2.45 | Honor 70 provides higher resolution for selfies while the Xiaomi has a slightly narrower aperture |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX355 | Honor 70 has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle lens that can offer better details. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both phones offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K video recording at 30fps. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has OIS for better stabilization. The Honor 70 is stated to lack OIS, but has EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | 115 (Mobile), 115 (Photo), 129 (Video) | 113 (Mobile), 117 (Photo), 117 (Video) | Honor 70 offers superior video recording performance, while the Xiaomi performs slightly better in the photo department. |
| Additional Camera Features | No OIS, EIS, Triple Camera | OIS, EIS, Triple Camera, PDAF, Manual Focus | The Xiaomi offers additional stabilization and focus features, which is crucial for better image quality and more control in photography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi's 120W charging will fill the battery significantly faster than the Honor 70's 66W charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Non-removable | Honor 70 allows reverse charging, which can come in handy when other devices need a top-up. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12, Upgradable to Android 14 | Xiaomi will receive more software support, with updates planned up to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer latest WiFi standards, ensuring faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, APT-x, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC | Both offer similar connectivity, with the Honor 70 supporting APT-x for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi offers more satellite connectivity that may result in more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB/512GB | 128 GB/256 GB | Honor 70 offers the option of 512GB for users who need more storage, while the Xiaomi maxes at 256GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB/12 GB | 8 GB/12 GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choosing the correct option at the start is vital. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi's audio experience is enhanced with Dolby Atmos, which can offer a wider, more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more intuitive and faster for unlocking the device. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have identical sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for extended use and pocketable.
- Superior Wide-Angle Camera: Higher 50MP resolution provides better detail.
- Better Video Performance (DXOMARK): Higher video score indicates better video quality.
- Reverse Charging: Can be useful for topping up other devices on the go.
- 512 GB Storage Option: For those needing more storage, the Honor 70 has the option of 512 GB.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution for selfies.
- APT-x Support: Enhanced Bluetooth audio quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility, crucial for sunny days.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is significantly quicker.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 200MP allows for more detailed images.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better low-light photos and less shaky videos.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience, and more immersive and of higher quality audio.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted is often considered more convenient and quicker.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds to durability.
- More Software Updates: Will receive Android 14 in the future.
- More Precise Positioning: Better satellite connectivity.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Honor 70: Lower display brightness makes it harder to use in bright conditions. No OIS.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Heavier and thicker design. No APT-x support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70:
- Content Creators: Higher resolution wide-angle lens and better video capabilities are great for content creation.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Lighter and thinner design makes it more convenient.
- Users Needing Large Storage: 512GB option for those needing lots of internal storage.
- Bluetooth Audio Enthusiasts: APT-x support for higher quality audio over Bluetooth.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Outdoor Users: Much brighter screen ensures usability even in bright sunlight.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Dolby Atmos and higher image resolution for the best media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: 120W charging is a game-changer for people in a rush.
- Photography Enthusiasts: OIS and higher resolution photos for those seeking better image quality.
- Users Seeking More Software Support: The Xiaomi will receive more future updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Where do you use your phone most often?
- If mostly indoors, the Honor 70 is fine, but if you are often outside, the Xiaomi's brighter screen is essential.
- How much do you care about charging speed and image quality?
- If fast charging and high-resolution photos are priorities, the Xiaomi is the better choice. If video quality is more important, the Honor 70 excels.
- What are the main areas you are looking for in the phone?
- If you're looking for a lighter phone with better front-facing and wide-angle cameras, the Honor 70 is great. For better stabilization, and screen protection, the Xiaomi is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Commuter: Someone who needs a light and portable device with good battery life that can easily fit in a pocket will value the lighter Honor 70. However, those who commute in the sun will likely value the brighter screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- The Photographer: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with its OIS and higher main sensor resolution is a better pick, but if you prefer taking selfies and wide-angle photos, the Honor 70 is a better fit.
- The Gamer: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, with no significant benefit between the two here. The Xiaomi's enhanced audio and brighter screen is slightly better suited to gaming.
- The Heavy Media Consumer: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is great for media consumption due to Dolby Atmos and a high quality display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While the Honor 70 has some appealing aspects like its reverse charging, higher resolution wide-angle and selfie cameras and lighter design, the practicality of a significantly brighter display, the faster charging, and additional stability offered by OIS, in addition to more precise location, ultimately wins me over. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and having a screen that's legible in sunlight is a must for me, and is an issue with the Honor 70. The enhanced screen and sound of the Xiaomi are also great for media consumption, which I value.
