Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Honor 70. I've got my engineering hat on and a user's perspective firmly in mind, so let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | Xiaomi is slightly bigger and thicker; Honor 70 is more compact and arguably more comfortable. |
| Weight | 204g | 178g | Honor 70 is noticeably lighter for comfortable all-day use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Both large and immersive, negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a significantly sharper, crisper display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 395 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher PPI means text, images, and videos are visibly more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide great contrast, deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is MUCH brighter and suitable for direct sunlight; Honor 70's brightness data is missing, which is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Xiaomi has a flagship chipset, offering significantly more power and speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 600,525 | Xiaomi performs MUCH better in benchmarks, indicating snappier multitasking and demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi provides superior graphics for gaming and video editing |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28") | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49") | Honor 70 has slightly higher megapixel count, but Xiaomi has larger sensor size, which impacts low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14") | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2") | Xiaomi has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Wide-Angle | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/2.2) | Similar wide angle lenses in both. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76") | N/A | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor, useful for enhanced portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Honor 70 features a macro lens for extreme close-ups while the Xiaomi does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro excels in video with higher resolution options; both have EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | 115 (Photo: 115, Video: 129) | Xiaomi scores better for photos overall, Honor for video; consider your priorities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4800mAh | Honor 70 offers a slightly larger battery, which might translate to slightly longer battery life, all other things being equal. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 66W Fast Wired | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster charging (both wired and wireless) and reverse wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 | Identical OS at launch, but will likely get different software update schedules going forward. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Honor 70 offers a larger max storage option, although neither are expandable. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both are capable of smooth multitasking, but higher RAM is beneficial. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Xiaomi has better audio features. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Display Dominance: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make the Xiaomi's display significantly superior, especially for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a massive leap in performance, suitable for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Charging: With 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, the Xiaomi 12 Pro recharges much faster, getting you back in action in a fraction of the time, and includes reverse wireless.
- Camera Versatility: Better main sensor, a dedicated depth sensor, and excellent video capabilities make the Xiaomi an appealing option for photo enthusiasts.
- Additional Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and two microphones add an extra level of immersion and quality to the audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection against scratches and cracks.
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Honor 70 is easier to handle and carry around for longer periods, a plus for those preferring a smaller form factor.
- Larger Battery (Potentially): With a 4800 mAh battery, you might squeeze out a bit more runtime, although this will depend on actual usage.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens offers a different perspective with its very close-up capabilities.
- Storage Options: The availability of a 512 GB configuration is a plus for those who want more storage without having to rely on the cloud.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Honor 70 Display: The Honor 70's display falls behind the Xiaomi 12 Pro's in sharpness and brightness, it's missing critical brightness information, making it difficult to be confident about its outdoor usage.
- Honor 70 Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ is a capable mid-range chip but pales in comparison to the Xiaomi's flagship processor.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro Size: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is larger and heavier, which might not appeal to everyone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best for:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who demand the fastest performance and the highest visual fidelity.
- Media Enthusiasts: Anyone who watches a lot of videos and wants a top-tier screen experience and superior audio.
- Photography & Videography Hobbyists: Users who appreciate excellent camera quality, enhanced features, and versatile video recording.
- Users needing fast charging: Those who hate to wait long to get their phone charged again.
Honor 70 is best for:
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those seeking a lighter and more compact phone for comfortable daily use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a decent camera experience without the need for pro-level features.
- Users Needing More Local Storage: Those who require a 512 GB option on their device.
- Budget Conscious Users: This device tends to be less expensive, offering solid mid-range performance at a lower price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
- How Important is Performance to You? If you need top-tier speed for demanding apps and games, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner. If your needs are more basic, the Honor 70 might suffice.
- How Much do You Value the Display Quality? If you spend hours watching videos or working outdoors, the Xiaomi's brighter, sharper display makes a significant difference, but if you just browse social media and text, the Honor 70's screen may be acceptable.
- What are Your Battery and Charging Habits? If you often find yourself running low on power, the Xiaomi’s faster charging is a big win, but if you need more juice the Honor 70 might be more desirable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The On-the-Go Creator: If you’re making social media content or taking videos outdoors, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s higher quality screen and video capabilities, and better battery/charging setup will be more suitable.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: If you prioritize comfort, casual use, and a lighter phone, the Honor 70 should be sufficient.
- Scenario 3: The Gaming Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12 Pro's superior chipset and GPU is better suited for gaming than the Honor 70.
- Scenario 4: The Price-Conscious User: If budget is the main constraint, the Honor 70 can still meet most user needs.
What I Would Choose & Why:
If I were choosing between these two, I would opt for the Xiaomi 12 Pro without hesitation. As someone who deeply values display quality for media consumption, appreciates top-tier performance, and frequently relies on my phone for photography, the Xiaomi 12 Pro just ticks all the right boxes. The vastly superior screen brightness makes a big difference in everyday use, the enhanced video recording features are important, and the significantly faster charging keeps me on the go. Yes, it’s a larger and heavier phone, but the sheer capabilities it offers outweigh the physical trade-offs for my use cases.
While the Honor 70 is a competent mid-ranger and is lighter, I simply wouldn't want to sacrifice the higher resolution, faster charging, and much better processing power of the Xiaomi 12 Pro. As a tech enthusiast, these are simply too important to ignore. If I had a tighter budget then I would consider the Honor 70.
