Alright, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Honor 90. I've broken down their features and analyzed what they truly mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and thicker; Honor 90 is more compact. |
| Weight | 204g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter for comfortable, extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown (Screen) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.7" | Both have similar large displays for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1200 x 2664 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a much sharper, more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 435 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech means vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro is much faster with superior gaming and multitasking performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 701,227 | Xiaomi 12 Pro excels in demanding tasks, whereas Honor 90 is suitable for general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 644 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's GPU is much more capable for graphics-intensive apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | 200MP, 1/1.4" Samsung ISOCELL HP3 | Honor 90 has higher resolution, but Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 50MP | Honor 90 captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | None | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers an ultrawide lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 2MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a better portrait lens for depth effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP | Honor 90 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro can record high-res video and has more versatile video capture features. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 129 | 122 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better camera system for photo, Honor 90 has better video performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 has a larger battery capacity which could lead to slightly longer use time. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charge | 66W Fast Charge | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster for less downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Wireless, 10W Reverse | No Wireless | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more versatile charging with wireless and reverse capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Honor 90 comes with a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar capabilities on both devices. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Similar capabilities on both devices; Honor 90 adds EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more satellite systems for higher location accuracy. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Honor 90 offers more storage options out of the box. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Honor 90 has a 16 GB RAM option, better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more advanced audio features for immersive experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar basic fingerprint sensor technology for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Sharper Display: With a higher resolution and pixel density, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is noticeably sharper, making text and images more crisp and detailed.
- Advanced Camera Features: The main camera, though with lower resolution, boasts a larger sensor, which can result in better low-light performance and a more versatile array of lenses (including a dedicated wide-angle and portrait) for varied shooting scenarios. It also has 8K video support.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: The 120W wired charging is exceptionally fast, and the device includes 50W fast wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers contribute to a more immersive audio experience.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Includes environmental sensors (Barometer) and a more advanced sensor suite for advanced features.
Honor 90 Strengths:
- Lighter & More Compact Design: A lighter build and slightly more compact dimensions make the Honor 90 easier to handle for extended periods.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers slightly more battery capacity for extended use.
- Higher-Resolution Main Camera: The 200MP main camera captures incredibly detailed images, while the 50MP front camera produces high-resolution selfies.
- More Storage Options: You get more internal storage out of the box and can choose the 512GB option for more space.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, which means more recent software features and support.
- EDR Support: The Bluetooth 5.2 supports Enhanced Data Rate.
- 16 GB RAM Option: Available with a 16GB ram configuration that will be suitable for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Macro lens: The device has a dedicated wide-angle macro lens for close up shots.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- It's heavier and thicker than the Honor 90.
- The main camera, while having a larger sensor, has a lower resolution compared to Honor 90.
- It ships with an older version of Android.
Honor 90:
- It has lower performance due to the less powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip.
- The display has a lower resolution and pixel density, making it less sharp than Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- It lacks advanced features such as wireless charging and an ultrawide lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality, especially in low light, and want versatile camera options, including a dedicated wide-angle lens and a powerful portrait lens.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who value a premium display experience with high resolution and sharp detail, complemented by excellent audio quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate advanced features like ultra-fast charging, wireless charging, and a comprehensive sensor suite.
Honor 90 is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Those seeking a reliable smartphone with a solid camera, capable of daily tasks, and good battery life.
- Selfie Lovers: Users who prioritize high-resolution selfies and want a device with high-resolution front camera.
- Casual Photographers: Individuals who primarily take photos in good lighting conditions and do not need advanced videography capabilities, but want to have access to a macro lens for close-up shots.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a well-rounded phone with a balance of features and a more affordable price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between these two capable smartphones, here are three practical questions:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? If your top priority is raw speed and graphics performance for tasks like gaming and multitasking, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better pick. If you want a slightly longer lasting battery, the Honor 90 should be the pick.
- Is display sharpness or image resolution more important to you? If you desire the sharpest display with great detail and pixel density, Xiaomi 12 Pro is your choice, especially for text and small graphics. If you need high-resolution images and higher-resolution front-facing camera, Honor 90 is your device.
- Do you need advanced features like wireless charging and 8K video? If you want the convenience of 50W fast wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging, 8K video recording, and all the advanced audio features, then the Xiaomi 12 Pro should be your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: If you are a mobile gamer, pick the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU will offer smooth gaming.
- For the Social Media Sharer: If you love taking pictures and videos for social media, the Honor 90 has the edge due to its main camera, while Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a great all-around experience with a versatile lens system, especially for low light conditions and video.
- For the Power User on the Go: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is better because of its fast charging capabilities and wireless charging options.
- For the Everyday User: The Honor 90 provides a well-rounded experience with better battery, lighter design and the latest Android software.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd pick the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist, I consistently push devices to their limits. The Xiaomi 12 Pro's superior performance, sharper display, and advanced features—like the versatile camera array, 120W fast charging, and wireless options—all cater to my demanding needs. While the Honor 90 is a solid mid-ranger, its limitations in processing power and display quality make it less appealing for me personally. I'd be willing to trade the slightly longer battery life for the performance and overall capabilities of the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The comprehensive sensor suite on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is also a considerable advantage.
In conclusion, while both phones have their strengths, they cater to different user priorities. By understanding your needs, you can confidently choose the device that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
