The HTC Desire 12+ and Huawei Y7 Prime (2018) represent a segment of the smartphone market focused on affordability. Released around the same time, both devices aimed to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank. However, beneath the similar price points lie key differences in processing power and efficiency, making one a more compelling choice for users prioritizing long-term performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the HTC Desire 12+ is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, built on a 14nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency over the Huawei Y7 Prime’s older Snapdragon 430, fabricated on a less efficient 28nm node. While both boast similar battery endurance ratings, the Desire 12+ is better positioned for future software updates and sustained usability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, March 20. Released 2018, June 07 | 2018, March. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 158.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 157.5 g (5.57 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (LDN-TL10 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 522 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2965 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Gold | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | Desire 12 | LDN-L21, LDN-LX2, LDN-TL10 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.0dB / Crosstalk -85.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 63h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1111:1 (nominal), 2.421 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 71dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 58974 (v7)
GeekBench: 2717 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC Desire 12+
- More modern and efficient Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Potentially better long-term performance due to 14nm process
- Likely to receive more software updates
- Camera specifications are unknown
- Brand recognition is lower than Huawei in some markets
Huawei Y7 Prime (2018)
- Identical battery endurance rating to the Desire 12+
- Established brand presence in many regions
- Similar display contrast ratio for comparable viewing experience
- Older and less efficient Snapdragon 430 chipset
- 28nm process leads to higher heat and potential throttling
- Likely to have slower app loading times and less responsive UI
Display Comparison
Both the HTC Desire 12+ and Huawei Y7 Prime (2018) share an identical contrast ratio of 1111:1 (nominal) and 2.421 under sunlight, suggesting similar display panel characteristics. This indicates a comparable viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the specific panel technology (IPS, TFT) and resolution are not specified, making a detailed assessment of color accuracy and sharpness impossible. The shared contrast ratio suggests neither device excels in dynamic range, but both should be adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing features. This suggests both devices likely employ entry-level camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess image quality beyond basic expectations. The absence of details regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The lack of detail also suggests that any 2MP auxiliary cameras (often found in this price range) are unlikely to offer significant utility.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The HTC Desire 12+ utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm FinFET process. This translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Huawei Y7 Prime’s Snapdragon 430, which is manufactured on a significantly older 28nm process. While both CPUs feature octa-core Cortex-A53 architecture, the 1.8 GHz clock speed of the Desire 12+’s CPU versus the 1.4 GHz of the Y7 Prime’s CPU provides a tangible performance boost in application loading times and overall system responsiveness. The 14nm process also implies less heat generation under load, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the HTC Desire 12+ and Huawei Y7 Prime (2018) achieve an endurance rating of 63 hours. This suggests similar battery life in real-world usage, despite the Snapdragon 450’s efficiency advantage. This could be due to similar battery capacities or optimized software power management on the Huawei side. However, the Snapdragon 450’s more efficient architecture suggests the Desire 12+ will maintain its performance level for longer during sustained tasks, while the Y7 Prime might experience more noticeable performance degradation as the battery depletes. Charging speeds are not specified, making it impossible to compare 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 12+ if you need a phone that will feel responsive for longer, handle moderate multitasking without significant slowdown, and potentially receive more software updates. Buy the Huawei Y7 Prime (2018) if you prioritize a slightly more established brand presence in certain markets and are content with basic smartphone functionality, understanding its performance will age more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 430 in the Huawei Y7 Prime struggle with newer Android updates?
Yes, the Snapdragon 430 is a relatively old chipset. Newer Android versions are increasingly demanding, and the 430’s limited processing power and RAM capacity could lead to significant performance slowdowns and a less fluid user experience after updates. The Desire 12+ with the Snapdragon 450 is better positioned to handle future software updates.
❓ Does the 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450 in the Desire 12+ translate to noticeably cooler operation?
Yes, the 14nm manufacturing process is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process used for the Snapdragon 430. This means the Snapdragon 450 generates less heat for the same level of performance. This results in less thermal throttling, allowing the Desire 12+ to maintain its performance for longer periods during demanding tasks like gaming or video recording.
❓ Are the cameras on either phone capable of taking good photos in low-light conditions?
Given the lack of specific camera sensor details and the absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), it's unlikely that either phone will excel in low-light photography. Expect grainy images and limited detail in dimly lit environments. Both cameras are likely geared towards casual snapshots in well-lit conditions.
