Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Realme 12 Pro. I’ll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specs, with a focus on what they mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | The Huawei is slightly larger and bulkier, might be less comfortable in smaller hands. The Realme is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 199g | 190g | The Realme is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use. The Huawei, while only 9g heavier, feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.7" | Similar screen size, negligible difference in hand. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | The Realme has a much sharper display, text will be clearer, and images look crisper. Huawei's display is less detailed. |
| PPI | 260 | 394 | The Realme's higher pixel density means a visibly sharper image. The Huawei has a lower pixel density which can be noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme's AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. The Huawei's LCD is less vibrant and offers less contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Realme offers smoother animations and scrolling. Huawei is standard. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme's screen is much brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. Huawei has a poor screen when it comes to brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Realme’s Snapdragon chip is far more powerful and efficient. Huawei’s chip is less powerful and less energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 574,000 | The Realme will feel much faster in day-to-day use, handling apps, games, and multitasking effortlessly. The Huawei struggles with anything beyond basic use. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 710 | The Realme's GPU is significantly more capable, resulting in better gaming performance. Huawei struggles with demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882, 0.7µm | The Realme captures more detailed photos with slightly higher resolution and better sensor. Huawei is decent, but not as good. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Realme provides sharper, more detailed selfies. Huawei's is okay, but not on par with the Realme. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709, 0.8µm | The Realme offers optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots at a distance; Huawei lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Huawei allows for wider shots, though lower resolution. The Realme doesn't have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro/Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.12µm | The Huawei has a basic depth sensor for bokeh effects. The Realme has a wide + macro lens, meaning better close-up images and the capability to take wider photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps (all with EIS) | The Realme records sharper videos with better stabilization options; The Huawei's video capabilities are significantly lower. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, triple camera, digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Realme has Optical Zoom and Optical Stabilization (OIS) giving it an advantage. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Huawei offers potentially longer battery life due to its higher capacity, although this depends on the efficiency of the chip. The Realme offers slightly less. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Realme will charge much faster than the Huawei. The Realme will fully recharge faster with 67W. |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | The Realme offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. Huawei's storage is quite small. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | The Realme offers much smoother multitasking performance. The Huawei struggles with several apps running at the same time. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme supports more advanced standards offering faster and more stable internet connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Minor improvements in speed, efficiency. Both support advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Similar tracking capabilities. Realme offers slightly more accurate GPS. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | The Realme offers significantly better audio quality for music, movies, and calls. Huawei has basic audio. |
| Other | |||
| OS | - | Android 14 | Realme runs on the latest Android version. Huawei's software is unknown, but it will most likely be based on an older android version |
| Security | Side mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Huawei's fingerprint sensor might be more accessible, but both work fine |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Realme offers additional sensor for motion tracking, which is useful for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 12 Pro's Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Exceptional Performance: A much more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in snappy and smooth performance.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile camera setup with optical zoom and better image quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces recharge times.
- Modern Software: Android 14 and a more user-friendly experience.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, noise canceling microphone, Dolby Atmos, High-res audio.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus's Strengths:
- Larger Battery: A 6000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life.
- Wide Angle Camera: Has a wide angle lens.
- More Affordable: Likely cheaper, providing a more budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Huawei’s lower resolution display, weaker performance, and basic camera make it unsuitable for demanding users.
- The Realme, despite its advantages, has slightly less battery capacity, but it compensates with fast charging and better power efficiency.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is best for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who want a basic phone without breaking the bank.
- Users with simple needs: Those who prioritize calls, texts, browsing, and need a long battery life.
- Users who prefer a larger device: Those who like larger screens for media consumption.
Realme 12 Pro is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who demand smooth multitasking and high-end gaming capabilities.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera with excellent photo quality and zoom.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy streaming, videos, and media with a superior display.
- Everyday Users: Those who want a well-rounded smartphone that can handle every task.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Huawei is likely cheaper and the better option if you are working with a tight budget.
- How important is performance to you? If you need fast, smooth performance for gaming or other demanding tasks, the Realme is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize the camera or battery life? The Realme wins with the camera while the Huawei might have a slightly longer battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For basic use and a tight budget: Go for the Huawei nova Y70 Plus if you value simplicity, and long battery life.
- For a well-rounded phone that excels in performance and camera: Choose the Realme 12 Pro.
- For photography and multimedia: The Realme 12 Pro’s superior display and camera will provide a better experience.
My Choice
If I were making the choice, I would go with the Realme 12 Pro, hands down. While the Huawei might have a bigger battery, it's simply outclassed in nearly every other category that matters to me. I need a device that can handle everything I throw at it, from resource-intensive apps and games to capturing high-quality photos and videos. The Realme's display, performance, camera system, and fast charging make it a far more enjoyable and capable daily driver. The difference in overall user experience is just too significant to ignore. The slightly smaller battery is a trade off i am willing to make for a better, faster experience.
