Alright, let's dive deep into the trenches and see how these two contenders stack up. We've got the Huawei nova Y70 Plus, a dependable workhorse, going head-to-head with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G, a more refined challenger. Let's break down the specs and see what this really means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, and what they translate to in your day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | The Y70 Plus is noticeably larger and thicker, making the Redmi Note 12 more comfortable to hold and carry around. |
| Weight | 199g | 183.5g | The Redmi Note 12 is lighter, which translates to less fatigue during extended use and feels more pocket-friendly. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.67" | Similar screen sizes; the Y70 Plus is a hair bigger. Both are decent for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Redmi Note 12's higher resolution will result in a much sharper display, more crisp text, and better visual detail. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 395 PPI | The Redmi Note 12 has a much sharper screen that will show much more crisp text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED in the Redmi Note 12 means better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12's higher refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12's much higher brightness will be much more readable in direct sunlight conditions. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 685 is significantly more powerful and efficient, translating to faster app loading, smoother multi-tasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 338,900 | This massive benchmark difference reflects the Redmi Note 12’s superior speed and performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 610 | The Redmi Note 12's GPU is much more suited for modern mobile games. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Y70 Plus has a larger battery, which could result in longer battery life, though other factors like processor efficiency also play a key role. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 offers faster charging speeds, meaning less time tethered to the wall. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging | The Redmi Note 12 can charge other devices if needed. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Very similar main camera setup, but the Redmi Note 12 has a slightly higher megapixel count and slightly larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.45 | The Redmi Note 12 will capture more detailed selfies, but the Y70 Plus’s wider aperture should be better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 12's wide-angle camera will capture more detailed scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Y70 Plus has a dedicated depth sensor that will help with portrait mode photos. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens that can focus on objects up close. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both devices record video at 1080p but the Y70 Plus has a faster slow-motion recording ability. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Overall: 63 Photo: 54 Video: 66 | The Redmi Note 12 has been tested to have average camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, PDAF, Continuous Shooting, Panorama | N/A | The Y70 Plus has more camera features that may be of interest to some people. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| Operating System | - | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | The Redmi Note 12 runs on Android 13 and can be upgraded to 14, while the Y70 Plus does not specify which version of Android it is running on. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Redmi Note 12 supports the newer ac standard, enabling it to connect to 5GHz networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The Y70 Plus's newer bluetooth version should have a more reliable connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Y70 Plus supports QZSS, which offers better GPS accuracy in some regions. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 offers a 256 GB option, doubling the maximum storage capacity of the Y70 Plus. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4/6/8 GB | The Redmi Note 12 offers more RAM options, which makes it more suited for gamers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, so choose wisely. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar biometric security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12 has a more durable screen. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Redmi Note 12 has more sensors, that can be important to gamers. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner in performance, display quality, and camera versatility. The Snapdragon 685 chipset is noticeably faster, and the AMOLED 120Hz display is a significant upgrade over the IPS LCD 60Hz found in the Huawei. Its better camera setup, with a dedicated macro lens, and higher resolution sensors makes it a much more versatile camera. Additionally the Redmi Note 12 has a much higher max internal storage capacity and RAM capacity. The Redmi Note 12 is also lighter and slimmer.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths: The Y70 Plus’s main advantage lies in its larger 6000 mAh battery, potentially offering longer battery life. The device has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, has better slow-motion video capabilities, and more GPS systems. This phone also has 4K video and panorama camera features, that the Redmi Note 12 lacks.
Trade-offs: The Y70 Plus compromises on display quality and overall performance in exchange for a larger battery. The Redmi Note 12’s AMOLED display and processor upgrades come at the cost of slightly lower battery capacity. It's important to note that both phones don't have expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Best for users who prioritize long battery life above all else. Ideal for those who need a reliable device for basic tasks, extended browsing, and media consumption without the need for high-end gaming.
- Use Case: A student needing a phone that can last a full school day without charging, or a traveler who needs a dependable device for navigation and media.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: Ideal for those who value a superior display, smoother performance, and better camera capabilities. Gamers, content creators, and those who consume a lot of media will appreciate its advantages.
- Use Case: A user who enjoys mobile gaming, frequently watches videos, or needs a reliable camera for social media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before pulling the trigger, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear choice.
- What kind of performance do you need? If you prioritize smooth multitasking and fast app loading, the Snapdragon 685 on the Redmi Note 12 is a significant advantage.
- How much does battery life matter compared to overall user experience? If battery life is everything, then the Y70 Plus may be the better choice. However, the Redmi Note 12 can charge very fast, so consider that as well.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a casual user: The Redmi Note 12 is a more well-rounded device, with superior display quality and performance, while still offering good battery life.
- If you are a heavy gamer: The Redmi Note 12's significantly higher GPU performance, more RAM options, and high refresh rate will make for a much smoother gaming experience.
- If you are a content creator: The Redmi Note 12's camera versatility and screen quality will help you create much higher-quality content.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, it would definitely be the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. It's a more balanced device that gives a superior user experience across the board. While the larger battery on the Huawei is tempting, the improvements in display quality, performance, and camera on the Xiaomi are too significant to overlook. It's a phone that not only performs well but also feels great to use, making it a clear winner. The real-world improvements offered by the Redmi Note 12 make it a clear victor for my needs.
