Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Honor 90. I’ll break down their specs, discuss real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is noticeably taller and slightly wider, Xiaomi 12 is a bit thicker. |
| Weight | 179g | 183g | Both feel very similar in hand, negligibly different in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Honor 90 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 provides sharper visuals with more pixels. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 435 | Similar sharpness, but the difference is not significant for the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a flagship-level processor, Honor 90 offers a capable mid-range chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 701,227 | Xiaomi 12 is much faster, better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 644 | Xiaomi 12 has a more powerful GPU, enhancing graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | 200MP (f/1.9, 1/1.4") | Honor 90 has far higher resolution, but sensor size difference is less significant. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 50MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90 takes higher resolution selfies, potentially more detailed. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 includes a dedicated wide angle lens, great for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90 includes a dedicated portrait lens for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP (f/2.2) | Honor 90 has a single lens covering both wide-angle and macro, good versatility. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 supports higher quality video recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Ultra Stable Video | Front Flash | Xiaomi 12 has better stabilization, Honor 90 has a selfie flash. |
| DxOMark Score | 113 (Mobile) | 122 (Mobile) | Honor 90 has superior overall camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W (Fast Wireless 50W) | 66W | Xiaomi 12 offers slightly faster charging and wireless charging, Honor 90 charges fast. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 has wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Honor 90 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both include Bluetooth 5.2, Honor 90 has a better version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Honor 90 has bigger options for internal storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Honor 90 offers an additional higher RAM option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Noise Cancellation Microphone | Xiaomi 12 has better audio with Stereo speakers, while Honor has a better mic. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor, offering standard security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection, Honor 90 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi 12 has more sensors for improved functionality and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides top-tier performance, significantly outperforming the Honor 90 in benchmarks. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a superior gaming experience.
- Premium Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offers a much richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Video: With support for 8K recording and advanced stabilization features like OIS, the Xiaomi 12 excels in video capture.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Enhanced gyro and proximity sensors offer better gaming and interaction.
- Fast Wireless Charging 50W wireless charging is incredibly convenient, along with reverse charging capabilities.
Honor 90 Strengths:
- Impressive Display: The larger, higher-resolution, and significantly brighter display makes the Honor 90 ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Superior Camera (on paper): The 200MP main camera and 50MP front camera offer better image details, and the DxOMark scores confirm better overall performance.
- Modern Software: Running the newer Android 13, it will have the latest features and updates.
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery provides better longevity.
- Expanded Storage/RAM Options: Honor 90 offers 512GB storage and up to 16GB of RAM.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 While powerful, it lacks the larger screen and battery capacity of the Honor 90. Its camera, while great, lags in DxOMark scores.
- Honor 90: The mid-range chipset means its performance can't match the Xiaomi 12, and it lacks many of the camera features found on the Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Power Users/Gamers: Those who prioritize performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and advanced stabilization.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate immersive audio and Hi-Res playback quality.
- Honor 90:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, high-quality display for movies and videos.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want high-resolution cameras for detail-rich shots.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who want a reliable phone with a long battery life and a good screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw processing power? If you're a gamer or power user, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. For most other use cases, the Honor 90 is more than capable.
- Do you prioritize a bigger, brighter display over performance? If you watch a lot of content, especially outdoors, the Honor 90 is a better fit. If you are fine with a smaller display, the Xiaomi 12 will do just fine.
- Is having a top-tier camera essential? While both cameras are great, the Honor 90 has a higher resolution on paper and on DxOMark scores, but the Xiaomi has better recording with 8K and more video features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12. Its superior chipset and GPU will deliver a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler and Media Consumer: Choose the Honor 90. Its large, bright display and bigger battery make it ideal for enjoying content on the go.
- Scenario 3: Social Media Influencer/Amateur Photographer: Choose the Honor 90. It provides higher-resolution images and better DxOMark scores, and the front flash is great for selfies.
- Scenario 4: Tech Enthusiast/Power User: Choose the Xiaomi 12. Its top-tier performance, advanced video features, and wireless charging will better suit this use case.
My Choice
If I were making the choice, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12. Here's why:
- Performance is King: As a tech journalist and analyst, I often find myself running multiple apps, switching between tasks, and needing snappy responsiveness. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers the power that I need for my use case.
- Solid Camera for Content: While the Honor 90 has higher resolution, the video capabilities and stabilization of the Xiaomi make a significant difference for the content I create.
- Premium Audio Experience: I often listen to podcasts and music while working, so the Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio are a great benefit.
- Wireless Charging: The added convenience of wireless charging is very useful for me.
While the Honor 90 excels in display quality and camera resolution, the performance, video recording, and audio of the Xiaomi 12 align better with my needs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most in a smartphone, but hopefully, this comprehensive breakdown helps guide you to the right decision.
