Alright, let's dive into this comparison between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Huawei nova Y70 Plus. It's a classic David versus Goliath scenario – a flagship powerhouse versus a budget-friendly contender. Buckle up, because the differences are significant.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table breaking down the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm, 204g | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm, 199g | Xiaomi is more compact and slightly heavier; Huawei is bigger and lighter, might feel bulkier but not significantly in the hand |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown | Xiaomi offers superior scratch and drop resistance on its display. Huawei's protection remains unspecified. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.75" | Minimal difference in size; Both phones offer immersive displays. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi delivers a significantly sharper, clearer display; Huawei will appear less detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 260 PPI | Xiaomi offers far superior text and image clarity; Huawei might look pixelated on close inspection. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. Huawei's will look duller and with weaker contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi’s screen is much smoother for scrolling and animations. Huawei's will not be as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter and more usable in direct sunlight. Huawei brightness information is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Xiaomi offers flagship-level speed, multitasking, and gaming. Huawei is slower and may struggle with demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 103,500 | Xiaomi is drastically faster and more responsive in all tasks. Huawei will lag noticeably. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G51 MP4 | Xiaomi handles intensive graphics and gaming with ease. Huawei is significantly weaker in graphic processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, Sony IMX707) | 48MP (f/1.8) | Xiaomi has a larger sensor and more light sensitivity for superior image quality. Huawei has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14", 0.7µm, Samsung JD1) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Xiaomi takes higher-resolution selfies with better detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi's wide-angle is significantly higher resolution with more detail. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi takes much higher resolution portrait photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi records far higher resolution, sharper videos with better stabilization. Huawei is limited in this area. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 129 (Photo:136, Video: 125) | Not tested | Xiaomi has much higher rated camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 6000mAh | Huawei offers a larger battery which might translate to better battery life. |
| Charging | 120W Fast, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 22.5W Fast | Xiaomi charges much faster with wired and wireless options. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | Xiaomi has a known and defined software. Huawei operating system is not provided. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | 802.11n | Xiaomi has faster, more reliable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi offers a more modern and efficient bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | Comprehensive Multi-System | Basic GPS | Xiaomi provides better location accuracy thanks to the multi-system. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB, No Expandable | 64/128 GB, No Expandable | Xiaomi offers more storage at higher tier options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4 GB | Xiaomi provides significantly more memory for more responsive multitasking and performance. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio features | Xiaomi produces a much more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side mounted fingerprint | Huawei has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Extensive Sensor Suite | Basic Sensor Suite | Xiaomi includes more advanced sensors for better navigation, gaming and more. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Display King: The AMOLED display with its high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and superior brightness is in a different league. It's a treat for the eyes.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Pro: A versatile and powerful camera system with high-resolution sensors across all lenses, delivering outstanding images and video.
- Charging Champion: The 120W fast charging is incredibly convenient and rapid, ensuring you’re never waiting long for a full battery.
- Advanced Features: Features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a comprehensive GPS system set it apart in terms of connectivity and functionality.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Battery Life Champion: The large 6000mAh battery is its key selling point, promising excellent battery life for those on the go.
- Budget-Friendly: Likely more affordable, offering a basic smartphone experience for users on a tight budget.
- Decent Main Camera: The 48MP main camera offers respectable performance for the price.
- Side Mounted fingerprint: Offers a modern and efficient way to unlock the phone.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lower battery capacity compared to the Huawei.
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Lower resolution display, significantly slower performance, a basic camera system and lacking advanced features such as wireless charging, better video quality, enhanced audio experience, and more modern connectivity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who demand the best performance and latest features.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who need smooth, lag-free gaming experiences.
- Photography Lovers: Those who prioritize high-quality photography and videography.
- Power Users: People who need fast processing speeds, excellent multitasking and top tier features.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Users:
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Users who prioritize affordability and a long-lasting battery.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who need a simple device for everyday tasks and basic photography.
- Battery Life Seekers: People who need a device that lasts through a busy day and even longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
What's Your Priority: Performance or Battery Life?
- If you want a device with top-tier performance and superior features, choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. If battery life is your main concern, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus might be suitable.
How Much Do You Value Display Quality?
- If you appreciate a vibrant, sharp, and fluid display for media consumption and gaming, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear choice. If you are ok with a lower resolution and brightness, the Huawei may be a good option.
What’s Your Budget?
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a flagship device and comes at a flagship price. The Huawei is more budget friendly with very limited features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming: If you’re a mobile gamer, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is far superior. The faster processor, superior graphics, and high refresh display are crucial for optimal gameplay.
- Scenario 2: Photography: For users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, with its versatile and powerful camera setup, is the winner.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use and Budget: For basic everyday tasks on a budget with emphasis on a long-lasting battery, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus can get the job done but will be a much slower phone.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption: If you love watching videos, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s superior display will give you a much better experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The primary reason for my choice comes from the need for a top tier display, performance, and camera. I can live with a slightly lower battery capacity, I don't like lagging phones, and I do value high quality photos.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro is simply in a different league, providing flagship features, performance, and camera capabilities that the Huawei simply cannot match. The display alone is enough to justify its higher cost, given the enhanced experience when compared to the Huawei, and everything from the powerful performance and impressive camera to the incredibly fast charging and modern features adds to the user experience. The Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a decent budget phone with a great battery, but as a tech journalist, the Xiaomi 12 Pro would be my daily driver.
