Honor Magic5 Lite vs Huawei nova 12i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 20, 2023 April 16, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 94.34 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.81 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 175 g 199 g
Height 161.6 mm 163.3 mm
Width 73.9 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Emerald Green
  • Titanium Silver
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.64 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 54.06 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5100 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 12 N/A
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureHonor Magic5 LiteHuawei nova 12iPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4Nova 12i is slightly larger and thicker.
Weight (g)175199Magic5 Lite is noticeably lighter, improving one-handed use.
Fingerprint SensorUnder DisplaySide-mountedPreference-based, but under-display is often perceived as more modern.
Display
Display TypeAMOLEDIPS LCDMagic5 Lite offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and potentially better power efficiency.
Display Size (inches)6.676.7Negligible size difference.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2388Virtually identical resolution, resulting in similar sharpness.
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090Magic5 Lite provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5GSnapdragon 680 4GMagic5 Lite has a slightly faster processor and 5G connectivity.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.7 GHz)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.9 GHz)Different core configurations; real-world performance differences might be subtle and application-specific.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 610Magic5 Lite's GPU should offer slightly better gaming performance.
RAM (GB)6/88Depending on the Magic 5 Lite version, RAM could be equal or less. More RAM generally allows for better multitasking.
OSAndroid 12 (upgradable to 13)UnspecifiedLack of OS information for Nova 12i makes comparison impossible. A newer Android version generally offers features and security updates.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)64108Nova 12i boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail.
Other Cameras5MP Wide, 2MP Macro2MP DepthMagic5 Lite offers a wider field of view, while Nova 12i focuses on portrait mode enhancement.
Selfie Camera (MP)168Magic5 Lite has a higher resolution selfie camera.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)51005000Negligible difference in battery capacity.
Fast Charging40W40WBoth phones offer the same fast charging speed.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Honor Magic5 Lite Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better visual experience.
  • 5G Connectivity: Future-proofs the device and offers faster data speeds in supported areas.
  • Slightly Faster Processor and GPU: May result in smoother performance in demanding tasks and games.
  • Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.

Huawei nova 12i Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potential for more detailed photos. Note: higher resolution doesn't guarantee better image quality. Other factors like sensor size and processing significantly impact the final result.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on the region and specific RAM/storage configuration.

Trade-offs:

  • Magic5 Lite: Lower resolution main camera compared to Nova 12i.
  • Nova 12i: Lack of 5G, IPS LCD display with lower refresh rate, no confirmed OS version.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Honor Magic5 Lite: Users who prioritize display quality, smooth performance, 5G connectivity, and a lightweight design. Ideal for media consumption, gaming, and those who want a future-proof device.

Huawei nova 12i: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera resolution and are comfortable with 4G connectivity and an LCD screen. Might be suitable for users primarily focused on photography and general usage.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Is 5G connectivity essential? If yes, the Magic5 Lite is the only option.
  2. How important is display quality? If a vibrant and smooth display is a priority, the Magic5 Lite's AMOLED with 120Hz is superior.
  3. What is your budget? The Nova 12i might be more appealing for price-sensitive buyers.

My Choice: Honor Magic5 Lite

While the Huawei nova 12i boasts a higher resolution main camera, the Honor Magic5 Lite offers a more compelling overall package. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 5G connectivity, and lighter design are significant advantages that outweigh the camera resolution difference for me. Furthermore, the slightly faster processor and GPU in the Magic5 Lite contribute to a smoother user experience. The lack of clear OS information for the Nova 12i is also a concern. In practical terms, the Magic5 Lite offers a more enjoyable and future-proof experience for most users.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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