Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 and Honor 70. As a tech journalist, it's my job to go beyond the specs and figure out what these phones really offer for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown, translating tech specs into real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 | Honor 70 is taller and wider, making it less pocketable for some, while Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Weight (g) | 179 | 178 | Virtually identical; both are light enough to use comfortably throughout the day. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 is more likely to survive drops and scratches thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | Honor 70 offers a more immersive experience; Xiaomi 12 is better for one-handed use due to its smaller display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are crisp enough for daily use. |
| PPI | 419 | 395 | Xiaomi 12 is slightly sharper, but the difference is hard to notice with naked eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. (Honor 70 info missing) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster and more efficient for gaming and heavy tasks due to a more powerful chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 600,525 | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly better overall performance with nearly double the score, which means smoother day-to-day. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi 12 has a higher-end GPU, translating to smoother and more detailed graphics when gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766) | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49", IMX800) | Honor 70's sensor is slightly larger. Xiaomi 12 has a slightly wider aperture which means better low-light performance |
| Rear Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4) | 50MP (f/2.2) | Honor 70 offers higher resolution wide-angle shots. |
| Rear Macro | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14", Samsung JD1) | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2", OV32C) | Xiaomi 12 has slightly larger sensor that allows more light. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Xiaomi 12 offers professional-grade video capture with 8K recording and higher frame rate slo-mo. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | Main: 113 (Photo: 118, Video: 121) | Main: 115 (Photo: 115, Video: 129) | Honor 70 excels in video, while Xiaomi 12 does slightly better in photo tests, but the difference is negligible overall |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, 8K video | No OIS | Xiaomi 12 offers better stabilization and faster focus, especially in challenging conditions. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4800 mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly bigger battery, which might provide a little extra juice. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 66W wired | Xiaomi 12 is much more versatile thanks to much faster wired and wireless charging, and reverse charging. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Honor 70 offers a 512 GB model for users who need more storage, but both phones lack the expandable storage |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Both offer sufficient options for multi-tasking and demanding apps. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer modern Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi 12 has more accurate GPS thanks to supporting dual-band GPS and NavIC. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 Mics | Hi-Res, Stereo | Xiaomi 12 offers slightly more immersive audio due to Dolby Atmos and dual microphones for better call quality. |
| Software | Android 12 | Android 12 | Similar operating system experience. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: This phone is a performance powerhouse. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip means it's incredibly fast, handles demanding games like a champ, and it has superior charging capabilities. The smaller size and higher-quality screen make it a pleasure for daily use.
Honor 70: This phone boasts a larger display and an excellent video camera, as evidenced by its higher DXOMark score. It also has a slightly bigger battery, potentially offering more extended use. The Honor 70 aims for a balanced experience that doesn't push the boundaries of performance, but does what it does pretty well.
Competitive Advantages:
- Xiaomi 12: Wins in performance, display brightness, wireless charging, camera features (OIS, PDAF), and GPS accuracy. It's the phone for those who want top-tier specs and speed.
- Honor 70: Offers a larger display and better video recording performance. It may be better for media consumption and content creation.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12: Its smaller size may not be ideal for those wanting large screen experience. The bigger battery on the Honor 70 is slightly better but this is cancelled out by a worse charging speed.
- Honor 70: Its performance isn't on par with the Xiaomi 12, its display is unknown in terms of protection and brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Power Users: If you demand top-notch performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest tech and want features like wireless charging and dual-band GPS will be drawn to this phone.
- On-the-Go Professionals: The fast charging and smaller form factor make it ideal for a professional using their phone all day.
Honor 70:
- Media Consumers: If you prioritize screen real estate for watching videos and browsing, the Honor 70's larger display is advantageous.
- Content Creators: The better video camera is perfect for social media or anyone who needs to film on the go.
- Budget-Conscious Users: If the price is a major factor and you're willing to sacrifice some performance, the Honor 70 can be a good option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance for you?
- If you need a powerhouse for gaming, multitasking, and performance intensive apps, choose the Xiaomi 12.
- If you’re comfortable with slightly less raw power, the Honor 70 will still be fine.
- What size screen do you prefer?
- If you prefer a larger screen for media and content consumption, the Honor 70 is the better option.
- If you prefer a more compact phone, the Xiaomi 12 is the one for you.
- How crucial is video quality and stabilization?
- If video recording quality is important, the Honor 70 is a good option.
- If you prioritize a higher resolution camera with more features like OIS, the Xiaomi 12 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Heavy Gamer: Xiaomi 12 - unmatched performance and smooth gameplay.
- Casual User: Honor 70 - bigger display, excellent video camera, good balance.
- Content Creator: Honor 70 - better video quality.
- Business Professional: Xiaomi 12 - faster performance and fast charging.
Final Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi 12.
The combination of the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, higher display brightness, and extremely versatile fast charging options makes it a no-brainer for my personal needs and usage patterns. I also frequently record video and appreciate a higher resolution video, which the Xiaomi 12 provides. I value performance, versatility and reliability over larger screens when it comes to a smartphone, which the Xiaomi 12 nails. While the Honor 70 has its strengths, they do not outweigh the performance-focused Xiaomi 12 for me.
The Xiaomi 12 is simply more refined and feature rich in what I would call a smartphone and for my daily needs it would be better suited for me.
