Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Huawei nova Y90. I'll break down the specs, highlight what they mean for you in real-world use, and then give my take on which phone might be the better fit for different folks.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of each phone, alongside a breakdown of what those specs mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | 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 12X is more compact and pocketable. Huawei is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Huawei nova Y90 offers a larger screen; Xiaomi 12X is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both offer a sharp image. Minor difference. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 391 PPI | Xiaomi 12X has slightly sharper images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12X provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 249,000 | Xiaomi 12X is drastically faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi 12X has a much more powerful GPU for smooth graphics and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.88 (Sony IMX766) | 50MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi 12X utilizes a larger sensor (Sony IMX766), offering slightly better detail and low-light performance. Huawei nova Y90 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12X captures much more detailed selfies. Huawei Nova Y90 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12X can capture wide scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12X offers close-up photography capabilities. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 has a depth-sensing camera. |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X offers high-res video with image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Huawei nova Y90 should offer longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Xiaomi 12X will recharge faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12X comes with a well-defined operating system. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi 12X has faster, more reliable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12X offers a slightly newer standard with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Xiaomi 12X offers more accurate location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256 GB | 128 GB | Xiaomi 12X has options for more storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12X has significantly more RAM, enabling better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi 12X delivers a much more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei nova Y90 has a slightly more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Motion | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass | Xiaomi 12X has an additional gyroscope. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset blows the Snapdragon 680 in the nova Y90 out of the water, resulting in faster apps, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED display offers much better color, contrast, and brightness compared to the LCD panel in the Huawei.
- Excellent Camera System: The Xiaomi 12X provides high-resolution photos, a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and 4K/8K video recording. Its selfie camera is also vastly superior.
- Faster Charging: With 67W charging, you'll be back in action much quicker.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers enhance your listening experience.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 and more satellite systems for precise location tracking.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides more robust protection
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The larger screen offers more immersion.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- Slightly wider Aperture in Main and Selfie camera: May give it an edge in low light.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be seen as more convenient than a basic sensor.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Xiaomi 12X's smaller battery may mean slightly less battery life than the Huawei nova Y90, despite having more efficient display tech.
- The Huawei Nova Y90's lack of video stabilization and slow-motion capabilities is a significant drawback compared to the Xiaomi 12X
- The Huawei nova Y90 is significantly less powerful, especially when it comes to gaming.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need smooth, fast performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU handle graphically intensive games much better.
- Media Consumers: The high-quality display and audio make watching videos and listening to music a joy.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Offers great camera flexibility, especially with its wide and macro capabilities.
- People who need great Outdoor Visibility The 1100 nit brightness will make using the phone in bright light a breeze.
- Users who value a more robust, durable phone The Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection is a big plus.
Huawei nova Y90 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize battery life and aren’t pushing their phone too hard.
- Media Consumers who want a big display: The larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience, but at the cost of display quality.
- Users on a Budget: The nova Y90 may be more affordable.
- Users who value a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: As opposed to the more basic sensor of the Xiaomi 12X.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you?
- If you need a snappy, responsive phone for gaming or heavy app use, choose the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you only use basic apps and mainly need to browse the web and check emails, the Huawei nova Y90 could suffice.
What are your display and media consumption needs?
- If you value a vibrant, sharp display with excellent colors, the Xiaomi 12X is the better choice.
- If a large screen is most important and image quality is not a huge priority, the Huawei nova Y90 has the edge.
How important is battery life vs. charging speed?
- If you prioritize all-day battery, the Huawei nova Y90 is the one to go with.
- If you don’t mind plugging in a little sooner for a faster recharge, the Xiaomi 12X could be better suited to your lifestyle.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power Gamer/Media Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12X for its superior performance, display, camera, audio and connectivity.
- The All-Day Battery User: The Huawei nova Y90 will likely keep you running for longer on a single charge.
- The Casual User on a Budget: The Huawei nova Y90 might be a good option with its bigger screen if budget is a main concern.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12X's display brightness will be greatly appreciated.
- The Tech Fan Choose the Xiaomi 12X for its all around better tech.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. The performance difference is just too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 870 is a beast, ensuring that the phone will remain snappy for years to come. Moreover, I really value the AMOLED display for its superior color accuracy and vibrancy, as well as the significantly better camera and video capabilities, especially considering that I capture a lot of content for my work and general use. While the Huawei nova Y90 offers a larger battery, the faster charging speeds of the Xiaomi 12X, combined with its superior performance, imaging capabilities, and screen make it a much more compelling package for my needs. And let's face it, I love to game, so the much more powerful GPU is a must. Finally, I prefer the more compact design and lower weight of the Xiaomi 12X.
In the end, the right choice depends on individual needs and priorities, but for me, the Xiaomi 12X offers the superior all-around experience.
