Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. As a tech journalist and analyst, I'm not just looking at numbers; I'm trying to understand how these specs translate to the real world for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a structured breakdown of the key specs, complete with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Pro is significantly newer, potentially having more up-to-date features. |
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is more compact, easier for one-handed use. The Pura 70 Pro has a larger footprint. |
| Weight | 179g | 220g | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.8" | The Pura 70 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | The Pura 70 Pro's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed images. |
| PPI | 419 | 460 | The Pura 70 Pro provides slightly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Pro is significantly brighter, making it more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Xiaomi 12's chipset is built on a more efficient architecture for better performance and power use but doesn't mean it will outperform. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 869,707 | Xiaomi 12 has a better score, it would be better for gaming or other performance intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different architectures, performance varies. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | The Pura 70 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which should capture more light and detail, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | The Pura 70 Pro offers additional zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Both offer similar ultra-wide perspectives. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xiaomi 12 offers additional close-up capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | The Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution video recording. |
| DXOMARK | 113 (overall) | None | The Xiaomi 12 shows good camera performance in tests but its older. |
| Additional Features | 8K Video, OIS | Optical zoom, Dual front camera, OIS | Both offer great video and photo quality, Pura 70 pro has a dual front camera for more versatility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | The Pura 70 Pro has a larger battery, offering more battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 100W fast charging | The Pura 70 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 80W | The Pura 70 Pro has faster wireless charging speeds. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W | 20W | The Pura 70 Pro has faster reverse wireless charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | The Xiaomi 12 uses Android 12, while the Pura 70 Pro's OS is unspecified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both feature advanced WiFi for high-speed data. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 | Both offer a stable connection, with additional features for Xiaomi 12. |
| GPS | Various | Various | Both offer great GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM setups. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Pura 70 Pro offers a much larger storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both offer ample memory. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both don't offer external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 offers more audio-enhancing features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer secure biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Various | Various | Both offer a full suite of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 shines with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset which results in superior performance, especially for demanding games or applications. It is also more compact and lightweight, great for single-handed use and portability. It has Hi-Res audio and 8K video.
- Competitive Advantages: Its higher AnTuTu score translates to a smoother overall experience, and it features more robust audio capabilities. The availability of 8K video recording will be great for content creators.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Older chipset.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Strengths: The Pura 70 Pro offers a newer, larger screen, far brighter display, along with a versatile telephoto lens and superior battery life and wireless charging capabilities. Its camera system with the wider aperture and larger sensor should excel in low-light situations.
- Competitive Advantages: Its display is noticeably superior for outdoor visibility, and its camera offers more flexibility with its telephoto lens. It also has far larger storage options up to 1024 GB.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It is larger, heavier, and lacks a macro lens for close-up photography. It also has a worse performing chipset according to the scores given.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12
- Ideal Users: Gamers, multi-taskers, and those who prioritize overall performance and compactness.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-demand app usage, content creators needing 8K videos and high-quality audio recording.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro
- Ideal Users: Photographers, media consumers, and users who need long battery life and premium build quality.
- Use Cases: High-quality mobile photography, outdoor use, extended media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
When trying to decide between these two, here are three questions that can help you:
- Performance vs Camera: Do you value raw performance and gaming capabilities, or is a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens more crucial?
- Performance Focus (Xiaomi 12): If you prioritize speed and smooth performance, the Xiaomi 12 is a better option.
- Camera Focus (Huawei Pura 70 Pro): The Pura 70 Pro is a better choice for photography enthusiasts seeking flexible zoom options and great low-light capabilities.
- Size and Portability vs. Display Size and Brightness: Do you prefer a compact, lightweight phone for everyday use, or do you prefer a larger, brighter screen with more battery life?
- Compact & Light (Xiaomi 12): If you value portability, the Xiaomi 12 is a better choice.
- Large Screen & Brightness (Huawei Pura 70 Pro): If you prioritize a bigger screen, higher brightness, and better battery life, the Pura 70 Pro is more suitable.
- Software: Do you prefer Android or other systems?
- Android (Xiaomi 12): If you want the Android ecosystem the Xiaomi 12 is for you.
- (Huawei Pura 70 Pro): If the OS doesnt matter to you.
Final Verdict
After carefully considering the specifications, real-world implications, and target user profiles, it's clear that both phones have their unique strengths:
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two devices I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
Reasoning:
- While I appreciate the Xiaomi 12's excellent performance and more compact design, the Pura 70 Pro's superior display with its much higher brightness, versatile camera system with its telephoto lens, and significantly longer battery life make it the better all-around device for my personal needs. The Pura 70 Pro also has a larger storage capacity which means I wouldn't need to worry as much about filling it up. As a tech journalist and someone who frequently uses their camera, these factors mean more to me than raw performance.
- Although I would prefer the android ecosystem for its versatility, the software for the Pura 70 Pro does not matter to me as much and I am willing to try it for its other benefits.
Ultimately, your choice should come down to your personal priorities and how you plan to use your device. If you have specific needs, such as gaming or content creation (8k video), the Xiaomi 12 is a great choice, however, for all-around usage the Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers more.
