Okay, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi 12X and Huawei Pura 70. I'll break down the specs, translate the technical jargon, and provide a clear picture of which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, highlighting the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-05-06 | Huawei Pura 70 is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date technology and software. |
| Size | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm | The Pura 70 is larger and slightly thicker. The 12X is more compact. |
| Weight | 176g | 207g | 12X feels noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, while the Pura 70 feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | Pura 70 has more screen real estate for immersive media consumption. 12X is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | The Pura 70 offers a sharper image with more details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 460 | Pura 70 provides crisper text and visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but Pura 70 can get much brighter, making it better in direct sunlight |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70's display is significantly more visible under bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Different chipsets; 12X may offer slightly better peak performance on paper, but the real-world difference could be negligible. |
| Antutu Score | 815,210 | 768,000 | 12X has slightly higher benchmark scores. But these scores don't tell the full story of the overall user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU architectures; 12X might have the edge in graphically intensive tasks on paper, but real-world usage matters. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | Pura 70 might last slightly longer, especially with its larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both are very fast. The 12X's 67W charging is negligibly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse/Wireless Charging, Non-removable | Pura 70 offers modern charging convenience (reverse, wireless charging) that 12X lacks, more versatile. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.2µm) | Pura 70 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, allowing better light capture for better low-light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3", 0.7µm) | 13MP (f/2.4) | 12X has much higher resolution, but Pura 70 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP (f/3.4) | Pura 70 offers optical zoom capabilities, a huge advantage for versatile photography. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Pura 70 has a wider aperture on the ultrawide. |
| Macro lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | 12X has dedicated macro lens, for those who enjoy close up pictures |
| Video | Up to 8K with EIS | Up to 4K with EIS | 12X supports higher resolution video recording, but both have stabilization for smooth footage. |
| Camera Features | Various | More advanced autofocus, optical zoom | Pura 70 offers advanced features and optical zoom, making it more versatile camera phone for photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | 12X is based on an older Android version. Pura 70 runs its own HarmonyOS, which may be newer but with a different user experience |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Pura 70 offers a more recent version of Bluetooth, but real-world benefits are usually negligible. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Less Satellite Systems | Xiaomi has a slight edge for location accuracy as it includes more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM for work/personal usage. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Pura 70 has substantially more storage options, better for those who take a lot of pictures, videos and download a lot. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both offer plenty of RAM, but 12GB is recommended for power users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12X has more enhanced audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | 12X has superior screen protection, which is more durable. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | More Sensors | Huawei Pura 70 has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact: Great for one-handed use and portability.
- Strong Performance: The Snapdragon 870 is a very capable chipset for daily tasks and gaming.
- Higher Video Resolution: Offers 8K video recording for professional-level content creation.
- More Enhanced Audio: Better audio separation and immersion, with Hi-Res audio.
- Better Satellite Support: More accurate location tracking using more satellite networks.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers a more durable screen.
Huawei Pura 70 Strengths:
- Larger, Brighter Display: More immersive media consumption and superior outdoor visibility.
- More Versatile Camera: Larger sensor, wider apertures, and a telephoto lens enable better photography in various conditions.
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly better battery life and modern wireless charging capabilities.
- Significantly More Storage: The larger storage capacity options are great for those who take lots of pictures and videos.
- More Modern Features: Including a newer Bluetooth version, and modern wireless charging.
- More Sensors: A comprehensive suite of sensors to support more advanced features.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: Its camera is less versatile and the phone lacks modern wireless charging. It also has an older Android version.
- Huawei Pura 70: It is heavier, larger and its performance in benchmarks might be marginally lower than the Xiaomi 12X.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal for: Users who prefer a compact, lightweight, and powerful phone.
- Best Use Cases: Casual gaming, general usage, capturing high-resolution video, listening to music, people who value durability.
- Value Proposition: Offers great performance and audio in a more pocketable format, but camera performance might be limiting for some users.
Huawei Pura 70:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, media lovers, and users who want the latest tech.
- Best Use Cases: Photography, media consumption, demanding apps, users who want versatility with their phone.
- Value Proposition: Superior display and camera system, with modern features, that's great for photography and video, but it does come at a premium and is physically larger.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
Photography Priorities?
- If yes: The Pura 70, with its superior camera hardware and telephoto lens, is the better choice.
- If no: The 12X is sufficient for casual photography, and provides excellent video recording capabilities.
Size and Portability?
- If yes: The Xiaomi 12X is lighter and more compact, making it the better option.
- If no: The larger Pura 70 might be better if you prefer a bigger screen and don't mind a bigger phone.
Modern Features?
- If yes: The Pura 70 has more modern features like wireless and reverse charging, and comes with a more versatile camera system.
- If no: The 12X lacks some of these features, but can still be the perfect phone for many users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you prioritize ease of use, a compact design, and good performance, the Xiaomi 12X is a solid choice with good audio.
- For the Photographer: The Huawei Pura 70's superior camera system and versatile lens setup make it ideal for capturing high-quality photos.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: The Pura 70 provides a more advanced and feature-rich experience with its modern charging solutions and more comprehensive sensors.
- For the Multitasker: The 12GB of RAM on both devices will give plenty of capacity for smooth multitasking.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Huawei Pura 70. Here's why:
While I appreciate the compactness and performance of the Xiaomi 12X, the Pura 70’s camera system and versatile lens setup is a real game changer for me. As a tech journalist, I'm constantly capturing photos and videos, and the Pura 70's larger sensor, wider aperture, and telephoto lens would provide a significant advantage in various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the larger and brighter display on the Pura 70, along with wireless charging, enhances my daily usage and creative experience. The Pura 70 being newer also adds to its appeal, as I always appreciate having the latest features available to me.
While the Xiaomi 12X is a solid device, it is the versatility of the Huawei Pura 70 that wins me over, despite being a slightly larger device. I am prepared to trade a bit of portability for its superior camera system and modern features.
