Alright, let's dive deep into the Honor 70 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. I've got my engineering hat on, and we're going to dissect these phones not just by the numbers, but by how they'll actually fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that translates tech jargon into practical implications:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Similar size, but Honor 70 is slightly taller and thinner. Both are comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 176g | Virtually identical weight, both are easy to carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Honor 70 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 409 PPI | Both displays are crisp, with virtually no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; virtually identical viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Honor 70 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S will be dramatically more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. This is a massive practical difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Honor 70 is noticeably faster for everyday tasks, apps, and gaming. More future proof too. |
| Antutu Score | 600,525 | 412,400 | Honor 70 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating faster performance across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | Honor 70 has better graphics processing for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49" IMX800) | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.52" S5KHM2) | Redmi has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture. Honor 70 has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2") | 16MP (f/2.4) | Honor 70 takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Honor 70 captures far more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have comparable macro lens capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Honor 70 can capture higher-resolution videos with great stabilization. |
| DxOMark | 115 (Photo), 129 (Video) | Not Tested | Honor 70's camera has been benchmarked, outperforming many other mid-range phones. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12S has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life is often similar due to processing differences. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S has the latest OS out of the box which could mean longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Honor 70 supports newer WiFi standard for faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with aptX, LDAC | 5.2 | Both have good Bluetooth but Honor 70 has superior audio codec support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Honor 70 has a larger top storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Honor 70 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Both provide quality audio with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side mounted fingerprint sensors tend to be more convenient and faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12S has better screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70: Strengths
- Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset provides excellent performance, outperforming the Helio G96 in the Redmi Note 12S. This translates to smoother app loading, faster gaming, and an overall snappier experience.
- Camera Versatility: With higher resolution on selfie and wide-angle lenses, plus the ability to record in 4K, the Honor 70 gives you more creative flexibility and better video quality.
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate makes the Honor 70 feel noticeably more fluid and responsive, enhancing the user experience, although not by as much as the brightness difference which favors the Redmi Note 12S.
- Charging Speed: 66W fast charging means much less time tethered to an outlet, a huge benefit for users on the go.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support is a welcome addition, giving you better connectivity if you have a modern router.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Strengths
- Display Brightness: The massive 1000 nit brightness is a HUGE difference when using the phone outdoors. This is a massive practical advantage over the Honor 70.
- Latest Android Version: The Redmi Note 12S ships with Android 13, which may offer longer software support and newer features compared to the Honor 70’s Android 12.
- Battery Capacity: The slightly larger battery can give you slightly longer battery life under certain conditions.
- Screen Protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection is much needed for people who might drop their phone from time to time.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Honor 70: It lacks the screen protection and brightness of the Redmi Note 12S.
- Redmi Note 12S: Its chipset is less powerful and the display refresh rate is slower than the Honor 70, and video recording is limited to 1080p.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand smooth performance, faster app loading, and great gaming capabilities.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording, detailed wide-angle shots, and better overall camera features.
- Multitaskers: People who need more RAM and storage for running multiple apps and storing large files.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest tech and want a snappy, responsive device.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People who are looking for a good display that has high outdoor visibility at a cheaper price.
- Outdoor users: If you're going to be using your phone outdoors frequently, then you'll find the Redmi Note 12S much more usable thanks to its higher maximum brightness.
- Reliability Seekers: Those who prioritize longer software support with the latest Android version.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that will guide your decision:
- How much do I value performance? If raw speed and smooth gaming are priorities, the Honor 70 is the obvious choice. If not, you'll find the Redmi to be completely usable.
- What are my camera needs? For high-quality videos and versatile photos, the Honor 70 wins with 4K recording, higher resolution selfie and wide-angle cameras.
- Where will I use the phone most of the time? If you're going to be outdoors a lot, then the Redmi Note 12S will be the clear winner because of its screen brightness, even if its chip is inferior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gaming Guru. Recommendation: Honor 70. It provides smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and a better gaming experience with its superior GPU and performance.
- Scenario 2: The Content Creator. Recommendation: Honor 70. You’ll benefit from its 4K video capabilities, better selfie camera and excellent wide angle lens.
- Scenario 3: The Outdoor Social Media User Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The Redmi Note 12S's 1000 nit screen will be essential for being able to actually see what's on your screen outdoors.
- Scenario 4: The Budget-Conscious Student. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. It's a reliable phone with a good display that won't break the bank, and its battery will also likely last longer.
My Choice
Personally, after weighing the strengths and weaknesses, I would choose the Honor 70 for a couple of key reasons. As someone who regularly uses their phone for photography, videography and gaming, the performance and camera capabilities of the Honor 70 edge it out significantly. Whilst the lower brightness of the screen is a significant practical issue, the overall superior experience will lead to a more enjoyable daily use. The faster charging is also a big plus for busy days.
However, if I were frequently outdoors, or trying to save money, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S would be a very viable alternative, and it's also the one I'd recommend to most casual users.
