Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Huawei Pura 70. I'll put my engineering hat on and get into the nitty-gritty, but I’ll also keep it real and focus on how these specs actually translate into your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is larger overall, which might feel bulkier in the hand or pocket, while Pura 70 is more compact. |
| Weight | 188g | 207g | The Redmi Note 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 (Screen) | Unknown (Screen) | Redmi Note 12’s screen has a known protection, while Pura 70’s screen build is unknown |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both are large enough for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1256 x 2760 | The Pura 70's display is significantly sharper, resulting in better clarity for text, images and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 460 | The Pura 70’s higher pixel density means sharper, more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70’s display is much brighter and more legible in direct sunlight, making it better for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Kirin 9000S1 | The Kirin 9000S1 in the Pura 70 is a much more powerful chip, resulting in faster performance for apps, games and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 768,000 | The Pura 70 offers far superior performance in benchmarks, suggesting smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Maleoon 910 | Pura 70's GPU suggests better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Main Sensor | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.20µm) | Pura 70's has wider aperture, larger sensor, and pixel size, allowing more light in, which translates to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP (f/3.4) | Pura 70's Telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The Pura 70’s wide-angle lens offers higher resolution, meaning better quality ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Redmi Note 12 can take macro photos using its dedicated macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.45, 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Pura 70 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfie. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K | Pura 70 is capable of much higher resolution videos, providing sharper footage with more detail. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Pura 70 offers superior video stabilization, resulting in smoother videos when filming on the move. |
| Camera Features | Standard Features | 4K, OIS, Optical Zoom, CDAF, LAF, Dual Front Camera | Pura 70 has more advanced camera features, including better stabilization, optical zoom and higher-quality videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both offer similar capacity; real-world battery life will depend on usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Pura 70 charges much faster, which means less time plugged into a charger. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W | Pura 70 supports Wireless charging, which adds more convenience. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Non-removable | Pura 70 has several extra battery features. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Unknown | Android 12 (Redmi Note 12) vs unknown OS (Pura 70) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Pura 70 supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Pura 70 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS | Pura 70 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support: Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Pura 70 offers higher capacity options for users who store lots of files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | The Pura 70 has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking and the capacity to run demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Pura 70 has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 has more advanced security using a side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Lighter and more comfortable for extended use, has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, macro camera and lower price tag.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a balanced feature set for its price point with a focus on a smooth display. Good for general use where raw power is not critical.
- Trade-offs: Lower processing power, lower screen resolution and lower camera specs when compared to the Pura 70.
Huawei Pura 70:
- Strengths: Significantly more powerful processor, sharper display with better outdoor brightness, more versatile camera system, superior video recording and has wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Excels in performance and high-quality camera output, it’s the clear choice for photography enthusiasts and heavy users.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, slightly less battery capacity, unknown screen protection and possible higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, and those who prioritize lightweight design.
- Use Cases: Browsing, social media, streaming videos, casual gaming, and everyday photography.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value, as it brings an overall good user experience at an affordable price.
Huawei Pura 70:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile photographers, gamers, professionals who need high performance and top camera quality.
- Use Cases: High-performance gaming, professional photography and videography, advanced multimedia consumption and heavy app multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Offers top-tier features and capabilities, which is likely reflected in the price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
How important is camera performance to me? If you're someone who takes a lot of photos and videos, the Pura 70's enhanced system will be a better fit.
Do I prioritize a lightweight design or top performance? If you need a phone that is easy to use one-handed the Redmi Note 12 is the best fit. However, if the raw performance is more important the Pura 70 is the right choice.
What is my budget? The Redmi Note 12 will likely be more budget-friendly, while the Pura 70 is a premium device with premium pricing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and casual browsing, the Redmi Note 12 will serve you well.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: For better screen quality and superior audio, the Pura 70 is the stronger choice.
- Mobile Photographer: If you are serious about mobile photography and videography, the Pura 70 will likely be the better option, thanks to its advanced camera system and 4K recording.
- Gamer: If you plan to play demanding games, the Pura 70's superior processor and GPU will offer a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd choose the Huawei Pura 70. While the Redmi Note 12 offers a good all round experience, I'm very interested in the photography capabilities and the raw power that Pura 70 brings to the table. As someone who values technology and performance, the benefits of its superior processing power and more refined camera system outweigh the extra weight and cost. Also, I do think that the Pura 70 is a future-proof phone. I do understand that this phone may not be for everyone, but for me, it's worth it!
