Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia G60 and Huawei nova 12i. I’ve got my engineering hat on and a cup of coffee ready, so let’s break this down and see what these phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, keeping in mind what each spec actually means for you:
| Feature | Nokia G60 | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Nokia is a tad taller and wider, but both feel similar in hand. The Huawei is slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 190g | 199g | Nokia is slightly lighter; may be noticeable over extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.7" | Huawei offers a slightly more immersive experience with larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2388 | Both are sharp, with no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 401 | 391 | Both are great, but Nokia has a negligibly sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD tech; good color reproduction and viewing angles are similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Nokia’s 120Hz makes scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar brightness for indoor use. (Note: This is likely a data error and should be investigated). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nokia G60 has a better processor that is more future-proof and includes 5G support, whereas Huawei is 4G only. |
| Antutu Score | 410,072 | 289,000 | Nokia G60 scores much higher in benchmarks, translating to smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nokia has a more powerful GPU for slightly better gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei's larger battery will likely result in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Huawei nova 12i charges much faster; less time tethered to an outlet. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Huawei’s 108MP sensor has high detail, while Nokia’s f/1.8 aperture gives it a slight advantage in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both should give good enough selfie results, given their specs. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | N/A | Nokia offers wide-angle shots, a plus for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer portrait mode and bokeh effect, but similar lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120 fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, no slow-mo | Both are okay for everyday videos, but Nokia provides slow motion. |
| Features | 4K, triple cam, OIS, CDAF, Night Mode | dual cam, PDAF | Nokia G60 is more versatile for photography. Huawei has fast focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | Nokia has a defined OS, Huawei's system is unknown, and could be a potential drawback. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi ac | Nokia has a newer standard offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Nokia's 5.1 has better battery efficiency and improved connection. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nokia has eSIM for digital carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Huawei has greater capacity; important for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB | Huawei has higher RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows external expansion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Nokia offers better protection against scratches and falls. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Nokia has gyroscope, Huawei has compass and ultrasonic sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G60 Strengths: This phone is geared toward performance and multimedia. It boasts a smoother 120Hz display, a better Snapdragon 695 5G chipset with future-proof 5G connectivity, and a more versatile camera setup with a wide-angle lens and 4K video. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5 adds a layer of durability that many phones at this price range lack. Additionally, the newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards are welcome for speed and connection.
Huawei nova 12i Strengths: The nova 12i shines in the battery and storage departments. It has a larger battery paired with significantly faster 40W charging, so you can go longer on a charge and get back up and running in no time. The storage options are also more generous, offering up to 256GB internally. The higher resolution on its main camera sensor can capture more details in bright light. Finally the 8GB of RAM is great for a smoother experience with multiple apps.
Trade-offs: Nokia has a smaller battery and slower charging. The Huawei is missing a wide-angle lens and the lack of a listed operating system could raise some eyebrows. Also it's limited to 4G connectivity, which might be a deal-breaker for those looking for the fastest network speeds. The Nokia also lacks storage expansion and relies on slightly less RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G60:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize performance, future-proof connectivity (5G), and higher quality multimedia.
- Use Cases: Gamers, content creators, heavy multitaskers, and anyone who wants a smoother UI experience. The addition of a wide-angle lens makes this a great choice for travel and photography buffs.
Huawei nova 12i:
- Ideal For: Users who need long battery life, fast charging, and plenty of internal storage for media, photos and games.
- Use Cases: Those who travel frequently, people who dislike frequent charging, and users who value storage above all other features. The dual sim also benefits those travelling.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is having the best performance and future-proof connectivity?
- If a better processor and 5G connectivity is a priority, the Nokia G60 is your best bet.
- Do you prioritize long battery life and storage?
- If having ample battery life and storage space is essential, then the Huawei nova 12i is the better fit.
- What are the photography requirements?
- If a wide-angle lens and 4K video are important, go for the Nokia G60. If high detail is paramount then the Huawei is fine.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing, I would lean towards the Nokia G60. While I appreciate the Huawei's larger battery and faster charging, the Nokia's better processor, smoother 120Hz display, 5G connectivity, and more versatile camera setup align more with my priorities. As a tech journalist who juggles several apps, editing and creating content on the go, these features are essential. The 5G and better wireless connectivity of the G60 are also something I'd prefer. Additionally, the fact that it runs a well known operating system, gives me peace of mind.
The lack of an operating system on the Huawei is also something I would be concerned about. The Huawei nova 12i is certainly a solid contender, particularly for heavy users who prioritize battery and storage, but the Nokia G60 fits my lifestyle and needs better as a more well-rounded package.
