Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. We're not just looking at specs; we're looking at what these phones mean in your hands, day to day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Ultra is significantly newer, with more up-to-date components. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldables. |
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Similar size, but the Pura 70 Ultra is slightly thicker and has a different grip in hand due to the width difference. |
| Weight | 204g | 226g | The Xiaomi 12 Pro is notably lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.8" | Both have large, immersive displays, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1260x2844 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a noticeably sharper display. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 460 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro will likely look crisper and more detailed, especially when viewing text or images up close. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid animations and smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it more suitable for outdoor use in direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's chipset is generally considered faster due to smaller nm manufacturing, for smoother performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 869,707 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has better overall performance, with noticeable difference when playing demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Both phones offer robust graphics capabilities. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | 50MP, f/1.6, 1" Sony IMX989 | Pura 70 Ultra's main sensor is much larger, allowing more light in, which translates to better low-light performance. Wider f/1.6 aperture helps in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP, f/2.4 Omnivision | Xiaomi has higher resolution, however the Pura 70 Ultra offers wider aperture and better low light pictures. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.1 Omnivision | The Pura 70 Ultra offers optical zoom, missing on the Xiaomi 12 Pro. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7" Omnivision OV40A | Pura 70 Ultra's wide-angle sensor is larger, with a lower resolution, better low light performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | None | Xiaomi 12 Pro has an extra sensor dedicated to portraits |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K (unspecified) | The Xiaomi 12 Pro can record at higher resolutions, while both provide good video recording features. |
| DXOMark Main Score | 129 | 163 | The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra’s camera has better image quality overall. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 136 | 0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro performs better on photo test. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 125 | 0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro performs better on video test. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless | 100W Wired, 80W Wireless | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has slightly faster wired charging, but Pura 70 Ultra's wireless charging is significantly faster. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unspecified | Software experience will differ significantly with the operating system. |
| OTHER | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 512 GB/1024 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 16 GB | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly more RAM, making it better suited for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly better for audio, with high-res audio and dual mics. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its faster processing (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), higher resolution display, and a more detailed main camera sensor with larger pixel sizes. Its rapid 120W wired charging is also a significant perk. It has a more complete set of audio features, making it ideal for immersive listening.
- Competitive Advantage: Its higher benchmark scores, sharper display, and faster wired charging give it a performance edge.
- Trade-offs: Battery capacity is smaller, and its camera's low-light performance isn't as strong as the Pura 70 Ultra. The lack of a telephoto lens is a notable omission.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
- Strengths: The Pura 70 Ultra boasts a significantly larger camera sensor (1-inch), a brighter display, a larger battery, and faster wireless charging. Its 16 GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking, even with the largest files.
- Competitive Advantage: Its exceptional camera hardware and brighter screen make it ideal for photography enthusiasts and those who frequently use their phone outdoors. The larger battery also means more hours between charges.
- Trade-offs: It has a lower display resolution, a lower overall performance score, and is heavier than the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The older chip, while good, is outshone by the Snapdragon in benchmarks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Best for users who prioritize fast performance, sharp visuals, and rapid wired charging. This device suits gamers, power users who need to multitask, and anyone who values a lightweight design. It's also ideal for those who regularly consume a lot of content on their phone's display.
- Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Ideal for photography enthusiasts, users who need a long-lasting battery, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors. This phone is the go-to for capturing stunning low-light photos and is the better option for those with demanding software needs, given its 16 GB of RAM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is camera quality, particularly in low-light conditions? If low light and photo quality are a top priority, the Pura 70 Ultra is the better pick.
Do you need top-tier gaming performance and sharp visuals? If yes, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s Snapdragon chipset and higher resolution display will suit you.
What kind of battery performance and charging speeds do you need? For maximum battery life and faster wireless charging, go for the Pura 70 Ultra. If you prioritize fast wired charging, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Mobile Photographer: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the obvious choice with its massive sensor, better low-light capabilities, and telephoto lens.
For the Mobile Gamer: The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s superior chipset will provide the most fluid experience.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast: The Pura 70 Ultra's brighter screen, better battery, and robust camera makes it the best option for use in direct sunlight.
For the Multi-Tasker: The Pura 70 Ultra’s 16 GB of RAM will enable seamless transition between apps.
Personal Choice:
For me, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the more compelling choice. While I appreciate the performance of the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the Pura 70 Ultra's superior camera technology, combined with its incredible low-light capabilities, is just too hard to pass up. As someone who often finds myself taking photos in less than ideal lighting conditions, the Huawei’s camera is the game-changer. The improved battery life and display brightness are also great additions. Although it has a less powerful processor, its overall advantages win me over. The lack of expandable storage is not ideal, but the 512GB version will be enough, even with a lot of photos.
