Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Realme 12+. I’m going to break down these phones not just by their specs, but how those numbers translate into your daily grind. Think of it as a tech talk with a friend who’s also a bit of an engineer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what it all means for you:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | The Realme 12+ is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Huawei is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 199g | 190g | The Realme 12+ is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable with extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.67" | Very similar screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 12+ has a much sharper display. Text will appear clearer, and images will look much more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 395 | The Realme 12+ has significantly crisper visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme 12+ has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It's also more energy-efficient for dark-mode users. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 12+ offers much smoother animations, making scrolling feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is dramatically brighter, perfect for using outdoors in sunny conditions. The Huawei's brightness is unknown and therefore concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a much more modern and efficient chipset. Expect smoother app performance, faster loading times, and better overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ has significantly superior benchmark performance, indicating a massive gap in overall speed and capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Realme 12+ has a more capable GPU, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 0.61µm pixels) | Both have similar main camera resolution, however the Realme 12+ has a larger sensor, and bigger pixel size which generally leads to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Realme 12+ has better selfie resolution for clearer images. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Realme 12+ has a higher resolution for the ultrawide lens, capturing more details. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Huawei provides a dedicated depth sensor, which improves portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme 12+ has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (both EIS) | The Realme 12+ can record in much higher resolutions for greater detail and clarity. |
| Camera Features | Continuous Shooting, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Realme 12+ has optical image stabilization which generally provides clearer videos and better low-light performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing the time you spend plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | None | Android 14, Upgradable to Android 16 | Realme 12+ is running the latest version of Android, and also offers a two year upgrade path. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax | The Realme 12+ supports more modern WiFi standards, offering potentially better connection speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | The Realme 12+ offers newer Bluetooth and the Huawei phone provides slightly more audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | The Huawei phone has access to more satellite systems for potentially more precise location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Realme 12+ offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ has far more RAM for superior multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ offers better audio features for a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Huawei nova Y70 plus has a better side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 12+ has more sensors for better tracking and games support. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 12+ is the Clear Winner in Performance and Display: With a much more powerful processor (Mediatek Dimensity 7050), significantly higher resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and far superior brightness, the Realme 12+ outshines the Huawei nova Y70 Plus. The difference in AnTuTu scores alone tells a significant story.
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus Prioritizes Battery: The Huawei does have a notable advantage in battery capacity (6000mAh vs 5000mAh) and more GPS satellites. However, the battery savings will likely be offset with its less efficient chip.
- Realme 12+ Offers Superior Charging and Audio: The faster 67W charging on the Realme is a huge win for convenience, as is the inclusion of stereo speakers and other advanced audio features.
- Camera Differences: The Realme 12+ has a slightly higher resolution main sensor, ultrawide lens, selfie camera, Macro lens and OIS. While the Huawei includes a depth sensor and continuous shooting, the Realme's superior image processing from the Dimensity 7050 will more than compensate for these features.
- Software: The Realme 12+ comes with the latest version of Android 14 and will be upgraded to Android 16. The Huawei phone's operating system details are missing and therefore a major cause for concern.
- Build Quality Neither phone appears to have any specific screen or build protection. This should be considered when deciding which phone to get.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus is Best For:
- Users who prioritize a very large battery above all else and don't mind sacrificing performance, screen quality and camera quality.
- Those on a tight budget and do not intend to use the phone for any processor intensive tasks.
- Realme 12+ is Best For:
- Users who demand smooth performance, great visuals, and faster charging.
- Gamers and those who watch a lot of video content on their devices.
- Those who want a phone with modern features, great cameras and excellent overall performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value sharp visuals and excellent outdoor visibility, the Realme 12+ is your go-to.
- Do you prefer performance or battery life? If you need blazing speeds, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner. If you are solely concerned with battery life, the Huawei is the only choice, though its performance will be considerably slower.
- How critical is faster charging? If you need a phone that charges quickly, the Realme 12+ provides a faster charging experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you mostly browse the web, check emails, and make calls, the Realme 12+ will offer a more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: The Realme 12+ is the better choice thanks to its superior display, stereo speakers and greater storage options.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Realme 12+ has a significantly more powerful processor and better GPU, making it the preferred option for gaming.
- The Power User: The Realme 12+ offers more storage options, faster charging and superior performance.
My Choice and Why
If I had to pick one, it would unequivocally be the Realme 12+. Here’s why:
- Modern Experience: The Realme 12+ provides a much more modern experience thanks to its display, processor, superior battery charging speeds, and audio quality.
- Performance Matters: The sheer gulf in performance between the two phones is impossible to ignore. The Realme 12+ will be noticeably faster in everyday use, a critical factor for me.
- Future-Proofing: The combination of newer technology in the Realme 12+ makes it a more future-proof purchase, ensuring smooth operation for years to come.
While the Huawei has its strengths, the trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make the Realme 12+ the obvious choice for anyone wanting a more robust and satisfying smartphone experience. It’s the kind of difference you’ll appreciate every single day.
