Alright, let's break down these two contenders, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. I'll give you the inside scoop, cutting through the tech jargon to show you what these differences mean in your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications, complete with real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | The Huawei is larger and bulkier; the Xiaomi is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 199g | 176g | The Xiaomi feels noticeably lighter for extended use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi screen better protected against scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.43" | Huawei's bigger screen is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi has a much sharper display with finer details. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 409 PPI | Xiaomi’s display looks much clearer and less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi’s AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi’s chip is more powerful and energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 412,400 | Xiaomi offers a much faster and smoother experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi offers better gaming performance with a more powerful GPU. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi handles multitasking better, especially with the 8GB option. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 108MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi captures more detailed photos with a much higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi takes sharper selfies; Huawei is better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Xiaomi provides wider shots with better clarity. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi can capture close-up photos. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Huawei's portrait shots have more depth, but it's a 2MP sensor, so don't expect much. |
| Video Quality | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record similar quality video for social media usage, with slow-motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei’s larger battery may offer longer use between charges. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Xiaomi charges much faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging | Xiaomi can charge other devices; Huawei has non-removable battery |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Xiaomi supports faster Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi uses a more recent standard. |
| GPS | GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/QZSS/Galileo | GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo | Huawei offers slightly better accuracy with QZSS. |
| Software & Storage | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Xiaomi uses a modern version of Android. | |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Xiaomi offers up to 256GB for storing more files. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6/8 GB | Xiaomi has superior memory management especially with 8GB version |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Sound quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has a slight edge with improved sound and speakers. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Standard security for both devices |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Xiaomi offers a more comprehensive sensor package |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: The Performance Champion: The Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner regarding raw performance. Its superior chipset, RAM options, and GPU deliver a significantly smoother experience in everything from browsing to gaming. Its display also trounces the Huawei's, with a higher resolution, vibrant colours, and higher refresh rate. The faster charging is a lifesaver too.
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: The Battery Endurance Champ: The nova Y70 Plus's main strength lies in its large battery, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity over performance. However, this comes at the cost of a lower-resolution screen, weaker performance, and less impressive camera capabilities.
- Camera Showdown: The Redmi Note 12S boasts a much better main camera with its 108MP sensor, offering more detail and clarity. The selfie and wide-angle cameras are also better on the Xiaomi. However, Huawei has a depth sensor for portraits and has a wider front facing camera aperture for better low-light selfies, while Xiaomi has a macro lens to compensate.
- Display and Design: The Xiaomi's AMOLED display offers a much better visual experience with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. Additionally, its lighter and more compact build makes it much easier to handle.
- Software: Xiaomi runs Android 13 out of the box which is newer and more feature rich compared to the outdated software on the Huawei Nova Y70 Plus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User: If you value performance, a crisp display, fast charging, and a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the obvious choice. This is the device for you if you are a gamer or a heavy media consumer.
- For the Battery-Conscious User: If battery life is your top priority and you don't mind a less powerful phone, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus might work for you. It's best suited to very light usage and extended days away from a charger.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: Both of these are budget-friendly smartphones, though the Xiaomi typically offers a greater value proposition given it’s superior performance, camera, and display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself when deciding between these two:
- How much do I value screen quality? If you care about a sharp, vibrant display with good visibility outdoors, the Xiaomi is the only option.
- How important is raw performance? If you’re a gamer or multitasker, the Xiaomi's superior processor and RAM make a big difference.
- How much do I prioritize battery life vs charging speed? If you can handle slower charging and prefer extra battery capacity then the Huawei might suit you; however, Xiaomi’s faster charging makes the smaller battery less of a limitation.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Casual User (Social Media, light browsing)
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The smoother display and user experience makes this the more comfortable everyday device.
Scenario 2: The On-The-Go Gamer or Media Buff
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Its superior performance and more vibrant screen will make it a better experience.
Scenario 3: The Power User on the Go
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. It’s the clear winner for multi-tasking and all-around performance. Its faster charging also helps mitigate the lower battery capacity compared to the Huawei.
The Final Choice:
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S without hesitation. The significantly better display, much faster performance, and superior camera system simply outweigh the Huawei's slightly larger battery. In my experience, a great display and smooth performance are far more impactful in daily usage than a bit of extra battery life. The Xiaomi is the clear winner in my book offering a much more compelling package of modern technology and better overall value. While the Huawei has its merits, it feels like it's trying to compete in a space where it is outclassed. The Xiaomi feels like the more modern smartphone that offers the more enjoyable experience.
