Alright, let's break down these two contenders: the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. I'll be your guide, translating tech specs into everyday experiences, just like I would for a friend.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a head-to-head look at the key specs, with a focus on how they impact real-world usage:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Y70 Plus is larger and slightly thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.67" | Both offer large screens, negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Sharper text and images, better for viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 260 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Significantly higher pixel density, leading to clearer visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better for outdoor visibility and dark-mode experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Significantly brighter, much better visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro: More powerful, faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Significantly faster performance, suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Better graphics, improving gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Y70 Plus: Larger battery, likely longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Much faster charging, minimizes downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766) | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Better low-light performance and image detail due to larger sensor, more detail and potentially better noise handling. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/1.9) | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Higher resolution, slightly wider aperture for better wide shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4) | - | Y70 Plus: Dedicated depth sensor, which may lead to better portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | - | 2MP (f/2.4) | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, up to 720p@960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Higher resolution for video recording, better slow-motion options. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Optical image stabilization for stable images and videos |
| Camera Score (DXO) | - | 102 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Higher camera score indicating better image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Both run similar versions of Android, but missing the specific version for the Y70 Plus is a downside. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, faster speeds, and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Newer Bluetooth, better power efficiency and connectivity features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 12 Pro: More accurate and reliable location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB / 128GB | 128 GB / 256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Higher storage options to fit more media and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro: More RAM, smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expansion options for either. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Better audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer convenient fingerprint unlock. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 Pro: Enhanced sensor suite, better gaming and feature support. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: The Y70 Plus shines with its massive 6000mAh battery, which is great for users who prioritize extended usage without frequent charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Its larger battery is a clear advantage for those needing maximum battery life. It also has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Trade-offs: It lags significantly in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall feature set compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Its chipset and overall performance are decidedly in the lower end of the spectrum
- Limitations: The lower resolution screen, and older chipset will be noticeable. Also, its larger size might not be ideal for everyone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Strengths: This phone excels with its superior AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, a much more powerful chipset, a versatile camera system with OIS, and significantly faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi Note 12 Pro's balanced package offers a much better user experience across most categories - from display and speed to camera quality and usability.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery compared to the Y70 Plus, though its more efficient chipset helps mitigate this.
- Limitations: No expandable storage could be a concern if you are the type of user with a huge photo/video collection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize long battery life above all else.
- Use Cases: Ideal as a secondary phone, for travelers, or for users who primarily consume content and aren't very demanding in terms of performance or camera quality. It could also be a decent option for those on a tight budget who need long battery life.
- Price-to-Value: At its price, it delivers good value for its battery life, however, it lags behind the Redmi Note 12 Pro in nearly every other aspect.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Users looking for a well-rounded smartphone with a great display, powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Suitable for everyday use, mobile gamers, photo and video enthusiasts, and users who want a smooth and responsive phone.
- Price-to-Value: While potentially more expensive, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a much better experience overall for the price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do I prioritize battery life above everything else, or are other factors equally important?
- If battery life is paramount and you're on a strict budget, the Y70 Plus might suffice.
- Do I value display quality, camera capabilities, and fast performance?
- If yes, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Am I a heavy user who needs a phone that can handle intensive tasks and media consumption?
- If so, the superior processing power and display of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a much better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Endurance User": For someone who needs a phone that lasts all day and then some, the Y70 Plus is acceptable - but do know what you're sacrificing in terms of performance, screen quality, and camera.
- The "Everyday Power User": If you want a phone that can keep up with your busy life, offer a great viewing experience, and take excellent photos, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is far better choice.
- The "Budget Gamer": Although neither of these would be my first choice for gaming, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the only option if you plan on gaming on your phone due to its superior GPU.
- The "Budget Conscious": If your budget is very tight, the Y70 Plus may be a suitable choice, but for a few extra bucks you'll get a much better overall phone with the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, without a second thought. Yes, the battery on the Huawei is larger, but the Redmi offers a much more well-rounded experience. Its AMOLED display with a high refresh rate alone is worth the extra investment, and that's before even considering its vastly superior performance and camera system. The Redmi Note 12 Pro just simply provides a more complete and enjoyable experience, which, in my view, makes it the better buy by far. The enhanced performance, better display quality, and the faster charging are features I wouldn't want to miss. It simply strikes a better balance between practical benefits and everyday usability. The Y70 Plus is a phone that's a compromise on everything except the battery; the Redmi is a good balance of everything.
