Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Huawei Pura 70. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world performance, and figure out which phone might be your perfect match.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm | Xiaomi is taller, slightly larger volume, both are similar width and thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 207g | Both are nearly the same weight, comfortable to hold and use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.6" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger display for more immersive content viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1256x2760 | Xiaomi offers sharper, more detailed visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 521 | 460 | Xiaomi’s screen is noticeably sharper, better for detailed text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and fluid animations are identical on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei is significantly brighter, essential for outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Kirin 9000S1 | Different chips: Xiaomi has faster benchmarks, while Huawei’s is not as powerful according to Antutu scores. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 768,000 | Xiaomi is noticeably faster, better for intensive tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU configurations, impacts graphics rendering and gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" OV50H | Huawei has a wider aperture for better low-light, Xiaomi has larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP, f/2.4, Omnivision | Xiaomi has significantly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/3.4 | Huawei has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi offers much higher resolution wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated portrait mode for better depth of field. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | Xiaomi has higher resolution video, both have slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark | 129 (Mobile) | N/A | Xiaomi's camera is evaluated and has a decent score, Huawei’s not tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4900mAh | Huawei has a slightly larger battery that may last a little longer. |
| Charging | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless | 65W Wired, 50W Wireless | Xiaomi charges significantly faster with its wired charging, both have similar wireless. |
| Features | Surge P1 chip, 10W Reverse wireless | 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Xiaomi has extra wired charging feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | (Unspecified) | Different operating systems. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards for faster connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, AptX | 5.2, | Both have similar bluetooth features, Xiaomi has extra LE and AptX codec. |
| GPS | Multi-band | Multi-band | Both have accurate GPS systems for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Huawei has more storage options for those needing lots of space. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi has extra audio features for high quality sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Ultrasonic proximity, Barometer | Proximity | Xiaomi has extra sensors for environmental measurements. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: This phone is a powerhouse when it comes to raw performance and display clarity. It shines with its superior benchmark scores, higher resolution display, and lightning-fast 120W wired charging. The camera setup is also impressive, offering 8K video capabilities, a high-resolution wide-angle lens, and very detailed selfie camera.
- Huawei Pura 70: The Pura 70 focuses more on the user experience, with a focus on camera and battery life. Its screen gets much brighter, a huge plus for outdoor use, and it features a telephoto lens for better zoom. Battery life is slightly better due to the larger cell, and its camera has wider aperture and additional focus features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Gamers, power users, content creators, and anyone who needs the absolute best performance and a razor-sharp screen. If you prioritize speed, video quality, and display detail, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is your go-to.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, detailed photo editing, watching high-resolution content, fast charging for busy lifestyles.
- Huawei Pura 70:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and users who value long battery life and a bright screen. If you need great zoom capabilities, better low-light performance and enhanced visibility in sunlight, the Pura 70 is an excellent choice.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography, outdoor shooting, long days away from a power source, navigating in bright sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, here are three practical questions:
- Do you prioritize performance and resolution above all else? If the answer is yes, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better choice with its superior processing power and sharper display.
- Do you often use your phone in bright sunlight or take photos often? If so, the Huawei Pura 70’s higher screen brightness and excellent zoom camera will be more appealing.
- How important is charging speed? The Xiaomi 12 Pro's 120W wired charging is ridiculously fast if speed is important to you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Speed Demon: If you're constantly pushing your phone to its limits, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's raw power and faster charging are unmatched.
- The Outdoor Photographer: The Huawei Pura 70 is tailored for capturing incredible shots in any light and offers better outdoor usability due to the brightness of the screen.
- The All-Rounder: If you want the best balance between performance and user-friendly features, the Huawei Pura 70 will be a good choice with its very good camera and solid performance.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12 Pro for a few reasons. While the Huawei Pura 70 has some compelling advantages like the telephoto lens and brighter screen, my primary focus when looking at smartphones is raw performance and screen quality. The Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution display and significantly higher Antutu score, combined with the very fast 120W charging and a really good main camera, make it more appealing to my specific needs. The 8K video capture is a nice bonus as well. Although the Huawei Pura 70 is newer with some upgrades, I feel the Xiaomi 12 Pro still offers superior technology for my needs in terms of performance, display, and video.
