Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. As a tech journalist with a knack for translating specs into real-world experiences, I'm excited to break down what these phones offer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two smartphones stack up, focusing not just on the numbers, but also on what those numbers mean for you.
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Very similar size and thickness, the Huawei is slightly wider. Minimal difference in handling. |
| Weight | 199g | 192g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter by 7g, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.71" | Both have large screens for media consumption and browsing, nearly identical. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1650 | Similar HD+ resolutions. Images will look sharp, but not as crisp as higher resolution displays. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 268 | Practically the same, no real difference in visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology. Colors and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate. Smoothness for UI will be the same, basic. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Xiaomi's Helio G85 is more powerful than the Kirin 710A in raw performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 225,154 | The Xiaomi is significantly faster in benchmarks, better for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | Xiaomi is faster in GPU performance which is better for graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi's main camera has slightly more megapixels, but image quality is also influenced by other factors. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 5MP | The Huawei has a higher-resolution front-facing camera for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | None | Huawei has an additional wide-angle camera for wider shots, useful for landscapes. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-Mo | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-Mo | Both support 1080p video, Huawei additionally features 120fps slow motion. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not tested | 45 Mobile, 50 Photo, 43 Video | Xiaomi has been tested for camera capabilities and achieved decent scores for photos and videos, the Huawei is untested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Huawei charges faster, will reach full capacity quicker. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus shines with a larger 6000mAh battery, promising extended usage between charges. It also features a faster 22.5W charging capability and a more versatile camera setup with wide-angle and depth sensors, plus a higher-resolution selfie camera. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also more convenient to use for most.
- Competitive Advantage: The main selling point is battery life, coupled with a more flexible camera for diverse shooting scenarios.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi Redmi 12C boasts a more powerful MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, translating to smoother performance and a better experience with games and apps. Its also has a tested camera, which is good. It also includes more options for RAM, and a macro camera.
- Competitive Advantage: The Xiaomi wins on performance, which is essential for demanding users. It is also more recent.
Trade-offs:
- Huawei: It has the older Kirin chipset, resulting in a less smooth experience compared to the Xiaomi, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking. It also lacks a performance score.
- Xiaomi: The Xiaomi's battery is smaller, and charging is significantly slower. Its camera setup is more basic compared to the Huawei.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize battery life above all else, are budget-conscious, and want a more flexible camera experience with the wide-angle and depth sensors. This phone is perfect for media consumption and long days without access to a charger.
- Use Cases: Long trips, all-day work usage without charging, users who take many wide-angle and portrait photos.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Best Suited For: Users who want the best performance for the budget, including gaming or heavy social media use. It is better for someone who values smoothness and snappiness in day-to-day use and do some casual photography.
- Use Cases: Casual to moderate gaming, extensive app usage, users who want a fast phone on a budget, and prefer a newer device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance? If battery life is crucial, the Huawei is the better choice. For better performance, choose the Xiaomi.
- How important is camera versatility to you? If you want a wide-angle and depth sensor, the Huawei is a better option. For a basic but decent camera go with the Xiaomi.
- How important is fast charging? If quick charging is essential, the Huawei has a faster charging speed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: Go with the Xiaomi. It is better for moderate gaming, and will provide a better experience overall.
- All-Day Power User: The Huawei is perfect due to its larger battery. It will be ideal for a long day out.
- Casual Photographer: The Huawei offers more versatility with its camera setup. If you are a light shooter, the Xiaomi will be good too.
Conclusion
Both phones have their own strengths. The Huawei is ideal for long battery life, while the Xiaomi is better for performance.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. The reason? The superior chipset and overall performance win me over. In today's fast-paced world, a smooth experience is key, and the Redmi 12C provides that. While the Huawei boasts impressive battery life, I find that a faster processor significantly enhances my day-to-day user experience for running various apps, and that would improve the value for me, and I can get around the battery limitations with a power bank.
