Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Huawei nova 12i. Both phones are vying for a spot in the mid-range market, but they approach it from different angles. Let's break down what makes each of them tick and who they might be best suited for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key technical specs, what they mean for you, and how these phones stack up against each other.
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm, 185g | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm, 199g | The Nokia X30 is noticeably more compact and lighter, which could improve comfort in daily use, especially for smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The nova 12i offers slightly more screen real estate for immersive media consumption and easier readability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both displays provide a similar level of sharpness; differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 391 PPI | Both have high pixel density; text and images will appear very sharp on both. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The AMOLED of the X30 will offer deeper blacks, richer contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD of the nova 12i. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations are similar on both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness at 0 nits; both phones will have similar screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | The Snapdragon 695 in the Nokia X30 offers better performance for gaming, faster app loading, and 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 289,000 | The X30 is clearly faster in benchmarks, translating to a smoother, more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 (Qualcomm Adreno 619) | Adreno 610 (Adreno 610) | The Adreno 619 in the Nokia X30 offers superior graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | The larger battery in the nova 12i will likely provide longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 40W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | The nova 12i should charge slightly faster with its higher wattage charger and Li-Polymer battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.64 µm (Samsung HM6) | The nova 12i boasts a higher resolution sensor, but the Nokia X30 has a wider aperture, letting more light into each image. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | The X30's selfie camera has higher resolution; the nova 12i has a wider aperture for selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | The Nokia X30 has a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The nova 12i has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, OIS, Slow-Mo: 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-Mo: 30fps | Both record at 1080p, but the X30 offers Optical Image Stabilization, and smoother slow-mo. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Nokia X30 has OIS, Night Mode and CDAF features while the nova 12i has Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The Nokia X30 will receive updates directly from Google, while the Huawei nova 12i, doesn't include the OS version in the spec. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi ac | The Nokia X30 has the latest Wi-Fi 6 which provides faster wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x | 5.0 | The Nokia X30 features Bluetooth 5.1 and APT-x for better audio streaming. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Both have 8GB for multitasking, but Nokia has 6GB variant as well. |
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The nova 12i provides a more advanced, more reliable side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Nokia X30 has more premium screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones have basic sensors, Nokia has Proximity, Gyroscope and Huawei has Compass, Gravity, Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30: Strengths
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen delivers better visual fidelity and is more power efficient.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 695 provides a smoother and faster user experience, beneficial for gaming.
- Better Camera System: Equipped with OIS, wider aperture on the main sensor, ultrawide lens and slow motion, giving better versatility and quality in photo and video capture.
- Modern Connectivity: The inclusion of Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 offers superior network speeds, and the option for high fidelity audio streaming via APT-x.
- Better Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection.
Huawei nova 12i: Strengths
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should provide significantly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: The 40W charging is a bit faster than the Nokia's 33W.
- Higher-Resolution Camera: 108MP main camera might offer higher detail in certain conditions.
- More Advanced Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs
- Nokia X30: The smaller battery and lack of a dedicated portrait mode sensor may be a disadvantage for some users.
- Huawei nova 12i: The lower display quality, slower processing speeds, lack of 5G and poorer camera system are considerable shortcomings for users seeking higher performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30: Best for users who prioritize display quality, overall performance, and camera versatility. It's a good choice for tech enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys multimedia content and photography.
- Use Case: Ideal for content consumption, social media posting, and moderate gaming.
- Huawei nova 12i: Well-suited for users who prioritize battery life and are on a tighter budget. It's a solid option for everyday tasks and light usage.
- Use Case: Best for users who require long battery life for daily use and don’t need cutting-edge features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to ask yourself:
- How important is display quality to me? If you consume a lot of video content or prioritize vibrant colors, the Nokia X30's AMOLED screen is a clear winner.
- Do I need cutting-edge performance? For smoother gaming and quicker app loading, the Nokia X30 is a better option due to its faster chipset.
- Is long battery life essential for my day? If you often find yourself away from a power source, the Huawei nova 12i's larger battery and slightly faster charging will be more beneficial.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Nokia X30 for its superior display and audio performance.
- For the Power User: Choose the Nokia X30 for its superior processing power and overall experience.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Huawei nova 12i for its larger battery and lower cost.
- For the Everyday User: Choose the Huawei nova 12i if battery life is a priority, otherwise, choose the Nokia X30 for the better user experience.
Final Choice
Personally, I would choose the Nokia X30. While the larger battery of the Huawei nova 12i is tempting, the overall package offered by the X30 is more compelling. The AMOLED display alone is a significant upgrade for daily enjoyment and the Snapdragon 695 is a much more capable processor that provides a better all-around user experience. I value the additional camera features and versatility of the Nokia. The Nokia's build also wins out with the superior screen protection of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. For me, the Nokia X30 is the winner with its superior feature set, performance and modern features.
