Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. It's a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, pitting a solid mid-ranger against a top-tier flagship. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts; this is going to be a fun one.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for the everyday user:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider but the Pura 70 Ultra is thicker. The difference is minor; you likely won't feel much of a change in your hand |
| Weight | 188g | 226g | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long sessions, whereas the Pura 70 Ultra has a heavier, more premium feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | The Pura 70 Ultra offers a slightly larger canvas for content, but the difference is not dramatic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | The Pura 70 Ultra boasts significantly sharper visuals with its higher resolution, making text and images pop. |
| PPI | 395 | 460 | The higher pixel density of the Pura 70 Ultra means crisper details and less noticeable pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra is dramatically brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. The Redmi might struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | The Pura 70 Ultra’s chipset is far more powerful. It handles multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming with ease. The Redmi Note 12 is suitable for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Ultra's benchmark score is almost double that of the Redmi Note 12, reflecting a considerable performance gap. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Maleoon 910 | Huawei's GPU is designed for the Kirin chipset and offers far better graphical processing for smooth gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1" | The Pura 70 Ultra's larger sensor and wider aperture mean far superior low-light performance and better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Pura 70 Ultra has slightly wider aperture for better low light selfie. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.1 | The Pura 70 Ultra has an excellent telephoto lens, allowing for significant zoom capability. The Redmi Note 12 lacks a telephoto. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7" | The Pura 70 Ultra's wider lens with larger sensor means higher-quality ultrawide shots with more details and better clarity compared to the Redmi Note 12. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a macro lens. Pura 70 Ultra has no macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes | The Pura 70 Ultra records in far higher quality. It also has much better video stabilization and higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 69 (Photo: 74, Video: 49) | Mobile: 163 | The Pura 70 Ultra outscores the Redmi Note 12 by a large margin for Mobile overall. The Redmi Note 12 has better photo and video score. |
| Features | Basic Camera Features | Advanced Camera Features | The Pura 70 Ultra has advanced features like optical zoom, OIS, and multiple autofocus methods. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5200 mAh | The Pura 70 Ultra's slightly larger battery offers a bit more power, but the difference may be negligible. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The Pura 70 Ultra charges much faster than the Redmi Note 12, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Non-Removable | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | The Pura 70 Ultra offers convenient wireless and reverse charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | The Redmi Note 12 runs Android 12. The Pura 70 Ultra OS is not mentioned | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Pura 70 Ultra offers faster and more reliable WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Minor upgrade in Bluetooth version for the Pura 70 Ultra with the Redmi Note 12 having more audio codecs |
| GPS | Multiple systems | More advanced satellite systems | The Pura 70 Ultra offers far better location accuracy, especially in challenging areas like cities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Standard dual SIM functionality on both phones. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra offers a lot more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra has significantly more RAM, which improves multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra gives better audio quality and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side mounted | Basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has side mounted fingerprint sensor, which is more secure than the basic fingerprint sensor on Pura 70 Ultra |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Multiple | More sensors | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has more sensors, good for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: Its significantly lighter body makes it comfortable for extended use.
- Price Point: The Redmi Note 12 is a budget-friendly option.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Features a more advanced fingerprint sensor.
- Screen Protection: Has a better display protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Limitations:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is adequate for daily tasks but struggles with heavy gaming and multitasking.
- Camera: The camera, while decent for its class, lacks the quality and features of high-end devices.
- Display Brightness: Can be challenging to view in direct sunlight.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset offers exceptional performance for all tasks.
- Superior Camera System: The 1-inch main sensor, telephoto lens, and advanced features provide outstanding image quality.
- Brilliant Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Fast Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds with both wired and wireless options.
- Audio Quality: The presence of Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers provides much better audio experience.
- Advanced GPS: Provides better accuracy.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Limitations:
- Weight: The heavier design might not be comfortable for all users.
- Price: The Pura 70 Ultra is priced as a flagship device.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Ideal for social media, browsing, and basic productivity, but not for resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who value lightness: The lightweight body is ideal for extended use.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Social media browsing and casual photo sharing.
- Making calls, sending texts, and basic app usage.
- Ideal for users who are looking for a phone for day-to-day normal tasks.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is best for:
- Power users: Those who require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Perfect for users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Content consumers: Those who want a vivid and bright display for watching movies, playing games, and browsing.
Use Cases for Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- High-end mobile gaming and video editing.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Viewing high-quality videos and movies with excellent color and brightness.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What's my budget? The Redmi Note 12 is a budget-friendly option, while the Pura 70 Ultra sits at the high-end.
- What are my primary uses? Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and photography or just a reliable daily driver?
- What is more important, Camera Quality or Budget? The camera on the Pura 70 Ultra is far superior to the Redmi Note 12, but at a significant cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Daily Driver: If you prioritize affordability and basic usage, go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Photography & Videography Enthusiast: If you want a cutting-edge camera system, choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra will provide the superior performance needed for gaming and multitasking.
My Choice
If I were making a choice between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone enthusiast, I value the cutting-edge performance, the superior camera technology, and the exceptional display quality that the Pura 70 Ultra offers. Although the price is significantly higher than the Redmi Note 12, the leap in performance, camera capability, display quality, and other features makes it the obvious choice.
The Kirin 9010, paired with the 16 GB of RAM, ensures a smooth and responsive experience, even under the heaviest workloads. The camera system, with its 1-inch main sensor and versatile lens setup, is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts. The brighter display will be a massive plus, especially while capturing shots in bright outdoor environments. The 100W fast charging is a time-saver, something I'd greatly appreciate.
While the Redmi Note 12 is a solid budget-friendly option, the Pura 70 Ultra's performance and camera prowess make it a compelling choice for anyone who wants a top-tier mobile experience. For my daily needs, these features and better camera quality are critical, making the extra cost a justifiable investment.
