Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Honor 70. As a tech journalist with a soft spot for practical engineering, I'm excited to break down these two contenders.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm, 178g | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and slightly lighter; Honor 70 is larger but thinner, may feel more premium in hand. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has superior screen protection from scratches and drops. Honor 70’s screen durability is unclear. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | Honor 70 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. Xiaomi 12X is more pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, clear visuals with the same pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; subtle differences in display quality unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Data is missing) | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. Honor 70 brightness is unclear. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12X offers superior processing power for smoother multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 600,525 | Xiaomi 12X has a significantly higher benchmark score indicating better real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi 12X’s GPU is more powerful, enabling higher frame rates and smoother visuals for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" (IMX766) | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" (IMX800) | Honor 70 has a slightly higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, potentially capturing slightly more detailed and better low-light photos; Xiaomi 12X has a wider aperture potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" (OV32B) | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" (OV32C) | Honor 70 has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.4), which can lead to brighter selfies, especially in low light. Xiaomi 12X has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" (OV13B10) | 50MP, f/2.2, unknown | Honor 70 has a much higher resolution wide-angle lens, capturing more detailed wide shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown | Xiaomi 12X offers better macro shots with higher resolution |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Xiaomi 12X has superior video recording capabilities, supporting up to 8K video with EIS at 24 fps. Honor 70 is limited to 4K at 30 fps. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12X offers better video stabilization, resulting in smoother, less shaky footage. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | 115 (Photo: 115, Video: 129) | Honor 70 has a DXOMark score of 115, providing an objective measure of its camera performance. Xiaomi 12X score is unknown. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both offer rapid charging; Xiaomi 12X is negligibly faster. |
| Other Features | Non-Removable | Reverse charging, Non-Removable | Honor 70 can charge other devices, while Xiaomi 12X cannot. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | Honor 70 has the newer version of Android, potentially offering better features, security, and user experience. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Honor 70 has the latest Bluetooth standard with some enhancements on the previous version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi 12X supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in challenging environments. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Honor 70 offers a higher storage option for users with large media libraries and applications. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Both have options for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support SD cards. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Xiaomi 12X provides richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos and an additional microphone for clear audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use similar fingerprint sensor tech, providing standard biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Xiaomi 12X has ultrasonic proximity virtual. Honor 70 has proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset gives the Xiaomi 12X a significant performance edge, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: With 1100 nits, the Xiaomi 12X excels in outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Video: 8K video recording and optical image stabilization make it a great choice for video enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, dual mics, and Hi-Res Audio add up to a superior audio experience.
- Solid Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus gives it better screen protection.
- More GPS systems for more reliable and accurate location tracking.
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.67" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher-Resolution Wide Angle Lens: The 50MP wide-angle lens allows for more detailed shots.
- Larger Battery: The 4800mAh battery offers slightly longer runtime.
- Reverse Charging: This feature can come in handy for charging other devices.
- Newer Android Version: With Android 12, it's likely to have improved features, security, and better user experience.
- More storage options for users who like to keep a large number of photos and apps.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12X lacks the reverse charging feature, has smaller screen, and is stuck on Android 11.
- Honor 70 lags behind in processing power and video capabilities, and its screen brightness is unknown.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who prioritize performance will appreciate the Snapdragon 870.
- Content Creators: Those needing high-quality video recording will find the 8K capability and stabilization features very useful.
- Outdoor Users: The screen's high brightness is ideal for those often using their phone in bright daylight.
- Audio Lovers: The enhanced audio features provide a more immersive experience.
Honor 70:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy streaming videos and playing games on a bigger screen will appreciate the Honor 70’s larger display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who regularly take wide angle photos will appreciate the higher resolution of the lens
- On the Go users: People who may need to charge other devices while on the go.
- Mainstream Users: The phone is a solid all-rounder for most daily tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Practical Questions:
- Do you prioritize processing power and video quality or screen size and battery life? If you need top performance and 8K video, go with the Xiaomi 12X. If a bigger screen and battery life is more important then go with Honor 70.
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in direct sunlight? The Xiaomi 12X is better for this with a much higher brightness.
- Do you need reverse charging or care about having the most up-to-date Android version? If so, the Honor 70 has a slight advantage here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: Go with the Xiaomi 12X for the better performance and superior graphics.
- For the Casual User: The Honor 70 is a great all-around option, with the larger display, and slightly better battery life.
- For the Photographer: If wide-angle lens are your priority, Honor 70 may be a better option. However, for 8k videos, Xiaomi 12X is the winner.
- For the Outdoorsy User: The Xiaomi 12X will be easier to view on a bright, sunny day.
My Pick:
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12X. While I appreciate the larger screen and reverse charging of the Honor 70, the raw processing power, superior video capabilities, brighter display, and enhanced audio features of the Xiaomi 12X align better with my needs and preferences as someone who values performance. I'm usually doing a variety of demanding tasks, including video editing and gaming, and the Xiaomi 12X is more suited for my workflow.
Both phones are excellent, but the Xiaomi 12X just edges out with its robust performance and superior technical specifications.
