Alright, let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. I’ve always believed the best way to understand a phone is to see how its specs translate into your daily life. So, let’s get started with a detailed breakdown that bridges that gap.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs, and more importantly, what they mean for you:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle in your hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 199g | 201.8g | Both are similar in weight, so neither will feel significantly heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.67" | Marginally larger screen on the Huawei, but the difference is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi has a much sharper display; text and images look far crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 395 | Redmi’s display will look significantly less pixelated and sharper compared to Huawei’s. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi’s AMOLED display offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better battery efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi's 120Hz refresh rate means smoother scrolling and animations which leads to a much more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi’s display is much brighter, making it easily viewable under direct sunlight; Huawei’s brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Redmi is built on a more efficient and powerful chipset meaning better performance across the board. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 397,200 | Redmi performs nearly 4x better than the Huawei in benchmark scores indicating significantly better performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Adreno 618 (Qualcomm Adreno 618) | The Redmi's Adreno GPU delivers noticeably better graphics performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | The Redmi has a higher resolution main camera, but the Huawei has a slightly wider aperture in the main camera. |
| Selfie Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Redmi offers a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi’s wide angle lens is sharper. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have a similar depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP f/2.4 | The Redmi offers a Macro lens, allowing close up shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Redmi’s video capabilities are superior with 4K and 1080p@60fps support, offering more options for high quality recording |
| Additional Features | PDAF | RAW, Night Mode, Continuous Autofocus, Quadruple Camera | Redmi includes more advanced modes and better functionality for photography |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5020mAh | Huawei has a larger battery, which should result in better battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W | 67W | The Redmi charges far faster; drastically reduces time plugged in. |
| Additional Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Redmi can share battery power with other devices; both phones have non-removable batteries. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac | The Redmi offers faster and more stable connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both phones have similar Bluetooth connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Huawei has more satellite options offering more precise location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi offers more internal storage options; more space for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi offers substantially more RAM which translates into better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi has superior audio quality compared to the Huawei |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Its 6000mAh battery likely gives it better battery life, ideal for users who don't want to recharge their phone too often.
- More GPS Satellites: It supports QZSS, which means more location precision.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything look vibrant, crisp and smooth.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset outperforms the Kirin 710A in every way, translating to faster app loading and smoother gameplay.
- Faster Charging: With 67W fast charging, you will spend much less time waiting for a full battery.
- Better Cameras: Offers higher resolution main and selfie cameras, better video recording, and features like night mode.
- Better Audio: Includes stereo speakers for better audio immersion and quality.
- More RAM and Storage Options: More memory and storage gives you a smoother experience and more room for your files.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei: The lower resolution screen and weaker chipset may be a compromise for users who prioritise battery life but at a serious cost to performance and display quality.
- Xiaomi: While it has better overall performance and display, its 5020mAh battery is smaller than the Huawei, though the fast charging helps mitigate this.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is best for:
- Budget Conscious Users: Those who need a basic phone with a good battery life and don’t need top tier performance.
- Basic Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, and light browsing, with minimal need for gaming or intense media consumption.
- Those Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who value battery endurance and are willing to sacrifice performance and display quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: People who want a phone that can handle demanding tasks, mobile gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Lovers: Users who enjoy streaming videos, gaming, and using their phone for content creation, benefiting from the AMOLED display and better camera setup.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who appreciate a smoother experience, faster charging, and advanced features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance? If you want your phone to last as long as possible between charges, the Huawei is preferable; if you need smooth performance and crisp visuals, then the Xiaomi should be chosen.
- How important is display quality? For a sharper, more vibrant experience, the Xiaomi is significantly better. If you're okay with a basic screen, the Huawei will suffice.
- What is your budget, and what are you willing to compromise? While both are mid-range phones, the Redmi is worth spending more for the better screen, performance, camera and overall user experience; if the budget is extremely tight, and a user only needs the most basic phone, the Huawei is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Heavy User Scenario: If you spend most of your day on your phone and want smooth performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is clearly superior.
- Casual User Scenario: For someone who only uses their phone for basic communication and light web browsing, the Huawei Nova Y70 Plus might suffice due to its lower price and longer battery, but be aware that its overall performance will be a noticeable compromise.
- Photography Scenario: If you prioritize mobile photography and videography, the Xiaomi's cameras, video capabilities, and features make it the obvious choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G without hesitation. While the Huawei does offer that larger battery, that’s where it stops winning. The Redmi’s superior display, performance, camera, and faster charging are too significant to ignore. It's a better all-around phone that provides a far more enjoyable experience. It is a case of spending a little more to get a much better experience. The display alone is worth the extra investment for how it improves the whole user experience.
