Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei nova Y90. As a tech journalist, I'm all about cutting through the marketing buzz and getting to what truly matters: how these phones perform in your hands, day in and day out.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, presented in a way that translates tech jargon into real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably smaller and more pocketable, while the nova Y90 is larger, which could be better for media consumption but less convenient to carry. |
| Weight | 179g | 195g | Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Huawei nova Y90 offers a larger screen, better for movies and games; Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both are very similar, providing sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 391 PPI | Xiaomi 12's slightly sharper display provides a bit more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12's AMOLED panel delivers deeper blacks, vibrant colors and is more power-efficient for dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is vastly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12’s flagship chipset provides far superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| Antutu Score | 1,150,831 | 249,000 | Xiaomi 12 obliterates the nova Y90 in performance, indicating smoother and faster operations. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi 12 handles graphically intensive tasks (like gaming) much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm pixels | Xiaomi 12's main camera with a larger sensor and pixel size, will capture more light and detail, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1, 0.70µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12's selfie camera will capture more detailed photos with its higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 offers greater versatility with an ultrawide angle lens |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 lets you capture close-up details with dedicated macro lens. |
| Secondary/Tertiary | None | 2MP, f/2.4 / 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 has additional depth/macro sensors. These are generally lower quality than dedicated Macro Lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps w/ HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12's video capabilities are vastly superior, making it a better choice for content creation. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K video, OIS, more | Basic photo features | Xiaomi 12 has way more features that enhance the camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei nova Y90 has a bigger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges faster despite a smaller battery. |
| Battery Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse | None | Xiaomi 12 offers advanced battery features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 has the advantage of Android OS | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 supports newer, faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC | 5.0, EDR | Xiaomi 12 supports advanced audio codecs for better wireless sound quality |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Huawei nova Y90 has better sensor implementation |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a beast, offering unmatched speed for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. This phone is designed to handle whatever you throw at it.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits of brightness is significantly superior, offering vibrant colors, smoother visuals, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera: The larger sensor and pixel size in the main camera capture more light and detail. The inclusion of a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, alongside vastly better video recording capabilities make it more versatile.
- Advanced Battery Features: Faster charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging add significant convenience.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: A bigger battery means potentially longer usage between charges. This can be a deciding factor for users who prioritize battery life over everything.
- Affordability: Typically, the nova Y90 is more budget-friendly, offering a decent experience for the cost-conscious.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: A more ergonomic position for unlocking the phone.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: The smaller battery is a trade-off for a more compact size. The price point will generally be higher due to higher specifications.
- Huawei nova Y90: The performance is significantly weaker, the display is not as good and the camera is less versatile. Also, the lack of an OS is a major issue.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Performance Enthusiast (Xiaomi 12): If you're a gamer, a heavy multitasker, or someone who demands top-tier performance, the Xiaomi 12 is your best choice. The device excels in gaming, video editing, and running demanding apps. This is the phone for those who want the best possible experience.
- For the Battery Life Seeker (Huawei nova Y90): If your priority is long-lasting battery life, and you need a device that can get you through a day of moderate usage with some to spare, the nova Y90 is the better choice. It’s also more affordable, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
- For the Casual User (Possibly Huawei nova Y90): If you’re not a power user, the nova Y90 will serve you well for browsing, social media, and basic camera usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is top-tier performance to me?
- If crucial, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- If less important, the nova Y90 may be sufficient.
- Do I prioritize battery life or screen quality/brightness?
- If battery life is a must-have, the nova Y90 has a bigger battery.
- If screen quality is a top priority, the Xiaomi 12's superior display is a no-brainer.
- How much is my budget?
- If you want to save money, the Huawei Nova Y90 is likely more affordable.
- If you are willing to pay more for higher specs, the Xiaomi 12 should be your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on the go - The Xiaomi 12 will deliver a superior gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: All-day battery with budget in mind - the Huawei nova Y90 has a bigger battery and will be more affordable.
- Scenario 3: Content creation on mobile - the Xiaomi 12 provides the most advanced video, photo and audio capture capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Watching videos outdoors - the Xiaomi 12 will have superior screen visibility with its high brightness.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would personally go for the Xiaomi 12. While the Huawei Nova Y90 has a larger battery, the lack of a real OS is a deal-breaker for me and it simply does not hold up in terms of features. I am always looking for the most cutting-edge performance and features, and the Xiaomi 12 delivers that in spades with its powerful processor, stunning AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and advanced battery features.
As someone who uses their smartphone daily for everything from resource-intensive tasks like video editing to more standard uses like navigating with GPS and listening to music, the Xiaomi 12's robust performance, high quality display, better wireless audio support and overall versatile feature set aligns best with my needs.
I hope this detailed analysis provides you with the information you need to make the best decision for yourself!
