Okay, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12 and Huawei Pura 70, breaking down what makes each of these phones tick, and more importantly, how they fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key technical specifications, and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm | The Pura 70 is noticeably larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, while the Xiaomi 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 179g | 207g | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | The Pura 70 offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | The Pura 70 has a sharper display, offering a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 460 PPI | The Pura 70's higher pixel density makes images appear slightly crisper and text sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; subtle differences might appeal to display purists. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70's much higher brightness ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Different processors, the Xiaomi is faster on paper, while real-world performance may vary. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 768,000 | The Xiaomi 12 is expected to be snappier in tasks, with smoother app loading and operation in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs, performance will vary across graphic-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | The Pura 70 has slightly more capacity, potentially offering a bit more battery life for regular usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging, with Xiaomi 12 being a tad quicker. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Both offer fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W | 7.5W | The Xiaomi 12 can charge other devices slightly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3", Omnivision OV50H | The Pura 70 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, promising better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP, f/2.4, Omnivision | The Xiaomi 12 boasts a higher-resolution selfie camera, which may capture more detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/3.4 | The Pura 70 offers optical zoom capabilities; the Xiaomi 12 does not have a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 slightly wider aperture could offer a very minor edge in low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 can take close-up photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @24fps | Up to 4K @?fps | Xiaomi 12 enables higher-resolution video recording for professional use. |
| DXOMark Score | Overall: 113 (Photo: 118, Video: 121) | Not Listed | The Xiaomi 12 has a DXOMark score, offering insights into its camera performance, while the Pura 70 is unlisted. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | Different operating systems with different user interfaces and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE , AptX | 5.2 | Both have advanced Bluetooth features; the Xiaomi 12 has additional LE and AptX support. |
| GPS | Extensive Support | More extensive | Both provide accurate location tracking; Pura 70 includes E5b |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices offer the functionality to support dual sim cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Pura 70 offers significantly more storage, which is great for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both phones can handle multitasking, with the 12GB of ram a great advantage |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly better edge on audio with its Hi-Res Audio certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 provides better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both are equipped with the basic sensor package; Xiaomi 12 has a better Proximity Sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Xiaomi 12 is easier to handle and carry, which is ideal for users who prioritize comfort and portability.
- Strong Performance: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it should deliver faster performance for apps and games, this is backed by a much higher Antutu Score.
- Better Camera Specs: The 32MP selfie camera and ability to record 8K videos are not something the Pura 70 can match. It also has a macro lens for those close-up shots, something that Pura 70 lacks.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging provides a slight edge over the Pura 70's 65W, potentially saving you some time.
- Better Audio System: The Xiaomi 12 features Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones, offering a richer audio experience.
- Better Display Protection: With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the screen is better protected.
Huawei Pura 70 Strengths:
- Larger and Sharper Display: The Pura 70's larger display with higher resolution offers a more immersive viewing experience and with a brightness of 2500 nits, it ensures great visibility even under sunlight.
- Better Main Camera Hardware: A larger sensor and wider aperture mean improved low-light photos and videos and with the addition of a telephoto lens, this allows for optical zoom, which is great for photos.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage is great for users with large media libraries and a 256GB base storage which is double the base of the Xiaomi 12.
- More extensive GPS System: The addition of E5b allows for greater accuracy
- Better Wide Angle Camera: The Huawei Pura 70 has a slightly wider aperture.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller display, less storage and lacks a telephoto lens.
- Huawei Pura 70: Slower performance and lack of a Macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Users who value portability: The smaller size and lighter weight make it great for one-handed use and carrying in your pocket.
- Gamers and performance enthusiasts: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers solid performance for smooth gaming and multitasking.
- Content creators: The ability to shoot in 8K will be a valuable asset.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Hi-Res Audio and a dual-mic system make it a great choice.
- Users on a budget The Xiaomi 12 may be cheaper, making it better for budget conscious consumers.
Huawei Pura 70 is ideal for:
- Media consumers: The larger, sharper, and brighter display will be great for enjoying videos, photos, and games.
- Photography enthusiasts: The larger sensor, wider aperture, and telephoto lens make it a great choice for photography.
- Users needing ample storage: The option for 1 TB of internal storage is essential for storing large media libraries.
- Users who need a brighter screen: The 2500 nits of brightness will mean great visibility on a sunny day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize portability and performance, or screen size and camera features?
- If portability and performance are your priorities, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice.
- If a large, bright screen and versatile camera are most important, the Huawei Pura 70 is the winner.
How much storage do you need?
- If you require a large storage space the Pura 70 offers up to 1TB of storage.
- The Xiaomi 12 may be a suitable choice for lighter users
What is your budget?
- The Xiaomi 12 could be more affordable, which could make it a better option.
Personal Choice
If I had to pick between these two phones, I would lean towards the Huawei Pura 70. While I do appreciate the compact nature and performance of the Xiaomi 12, the larger, brighter display and much more impressive main camera of the Pura 70 appeal more to my personal priorities. I tend to watch a lot of videos on my phone, so a high-quality display is paramount. Additionally, I enjoy mobile photography, so the Pura 70's better low-light capabilities and optical zoom are more valuable to me than the 8K video capability. I also prioritize storage and so the option of 1TB is much more appealing to me.
While the Xiaomi 12 is a great phone that excels in performance and portability, I find myself needing the features that the Pura 70 offers just a little bit more.
