Alright, let's break down the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. It's a classic battle of budget-friendly contenders, and while they might seem similar on the surface, there are some key differences that will sway your decision depending on what you prioritize in a smartphone.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get granular. Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, and more importantly, what those specs mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi is slightly taller and thinner, but the Huawei has a larger overall volume. It's not a massive difference, both phones are pretty large. |
| Weight | 199g | 199g | Both phones are the same weight, which means you will feel them both in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.79" | Very similar screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | The Redmi will look much sharper with nearly 131% more pixels. Images, text, and videos will be noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 396 | The Redmi's higher PPI delivers crisper details, less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar display tech, no major difference here. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This data seems to be missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Redmi's newer chipset is way more efficient. It will be much faster, run cooler, and offer better battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 456,552 | Massive performance difference! Redmi will feel snappier in nearly every task, especially gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 613 | The Redmi’s Adreno GPU will handle graphics much better than the Mali-G51 on the Huawei. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Similar main camera; the Redmi has a slight resolution bump. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | Huawei should take slightly better selfies due to the wider aperture and higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP f/2.2 | None | The Huawei offers an ultrawide perspective for creative shots. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar depth sensors for portrait photos. |
| Video Stability | No | Yes | The Redmi offers better video stability |
| Camera Score | - | DxOMark: 63 | The Redmi is tested for the camera score |
| Video Capture | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones have identical video recording capabilities |
| Features | 4K, Triple Camera | Dual camera, OIS | Huawei captures 4k video and has an additional rear camera. Redmi has OIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei boasts a bigger battery, which should mean better battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charge | 18W Fast Charge | The Huawei charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | No Data | Android 13 | The Redmi comes with Android 13 and has an upgrade to Android 14 while the Huawei has no data. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Redmi is faster with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Slightly newer Bluetooth on Huawei. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer Systems | Huawei has more GPS system for more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi has more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi has more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No options for expandable storage. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi has a tougher screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Compass, Proximity, Motion | Redmi has a compass while the Huawei has light sensor, and gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: The main attraction is its large 6000mAh battery, paired with slightly faster 22.5W charging, so this should have better battery life. The phone also offers a wide-angle lens on the rear camera array. The selfie camera is also a bit better on this model. It also has more accurate GPS and slightly newer Bluetooth.
- Trade-offs: The processor is much older and less powerful. The screen resolution is also lower, and there's no support for expandable storage. Performance will be noticeably slower for anything beyond basic tasks.
- Competitive Advantage: If longevity is your ultimate concern, the Y70 Plus's battery is a big plus.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Strengths: The star of the show is the much more modern and powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, leading to significantly better performance across all metrics, particularly gaming. The screen is also a lot sharper thanks to its higher resolution and refresh rate, and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. There's also more RAM and storage available.
- Trade-offs: The smaller battery capacity might not get you as much screen time as the Huawei, and it lacks the ultrawide lens. The selfie camera is also lower resolution.
- Competitive Advantage: It is way more responsive and faster, making it a better all-rounder that will still be relevant in a few years.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Who should buy the Huawei nova Y70 Plus?
- The Battery Life Maximalist: Someone who values extreme battery longevity above all else, and is willing to accept the trade-offs in performance.
- The Light User: Someone who uses their phone for basic tasks like browsing, texting, and calls.
- The Budget Conscious Photographer: If you really need an ultrawide lens and you are on a budget, this phone is suitable for you.
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G?
- The Performance Seeker: If you want a phone that feels snappy and can handle multitasking and some gaming, the Redmi is the clear choice.
- The Visual Enthusiast: If you care about a clearer, sharper display, the Redmi's higher resolution and refresh rate are a big advantage.
- The Future Proof User: Because of the much more modern chip, the Redmi will be relevant for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Okay, here are three questions to guide your decision, along with scenario-based recommendations:
How much do you care about performance?
- If it's everything: Redmi is the obvious pick.
- If it's secondary to battery life: Huawei is the way to go.
How important is display quality?
- If you want sharpness: Redmi with its higher resolution screen will be better
- If it's not that important: Huawei's display will suffice
Do you need better battery life and a wide angle lens?
- If yes: Huawei is your phone
- If not: Redmi is a great choice.
Final thoughts, What Would I Choose?
For me, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the clear winner. The generational leap in processing power offered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is just too significant to ignore. While the Huawei has a bigger battery and a wide-angle lens, the real-world performance difference is like night and day. I don't want a phone that feels sluggish and dated from day one and I prioritize responsiveness and a smooth user experience. The sharper screen of the Redmi is also a big plus, because I consume a lot of media. Ultimately, the Redmi is the much better-rounded device, offering a more enjoyable experience for me.
