Huawei nova 12s vs Xiaomi 13T Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 12s and Xiaomi 13T Pro represent compelling options. The nova 12s aims for a balance of style and efficiency with its Snapdragon 778G, while the 13T Pro aggressively targets performance with the Dimensity 9200+. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Snapdragon 778G in the nova 12s, and the 120W charging is a game-changer, fully charging the device in just 19 minutes. While the nova 12s offers a respectable experience, the 13T Pro delivers a more future-proof and powerful package.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 12s Xiaomi 13T Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 192023, September 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 13Available. Released 2023, September 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back or silicone polymer back, plastic frame
Dimensions161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm (6.35 x 2.95 x 0.27 in)162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)200 g or 206 g (7.05 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1084 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.3 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120HzAMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LImmortalis-G715 MC11
OSEMUI 14, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 4K/1080p@30fps HDR10+, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; 10-bit LOG, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single-20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, HDR10+
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC (L5), BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent), Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 3-62% in 15 min, 3-100% in 30 min Reverse wired120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, White, GoldAlpine Blue, Meadow Green, Black
ModelsFOA-LX923078PND5G
PriceAbout 300 EUR$ 370.00 / £ 482.55 / € 301.99
SAR EU-1.00 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)

Huawei nova 12s

  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on Huawei's design language)
  • Efficient Snapdragon 778G processor for everyday tasks
  • 66W fast charging offers reasonable top-up speeds

  • Significantly less powerful than the Dimensity 9200+
  • 4G connectivity limits future-proofing
  • Limited camera capabilities compared to the competition

Xiaomi 13T Pro

  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ processor for gaming and demanding apps
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging for minimal downtime
  • Bright and vibrant display for immersive viewing

  • May run warmer under sustained load (requires further testing)
  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
  • Potentially higher price point than the nova 12s

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1094 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over the nova 12s (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this segment). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the 13T Pro’s higher brightness and potential for higher refresh rates (spec not provided, but common in this class) contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rate switching rather than variable refresh rates for power saving.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera analysis is limited by the provided data. However, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is likely to offer a more versatile camera system, benefiting from the processing power of the Dimensity 9200+. While sensor sizes and apertures aren't specified, the 13T Pro’s chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The nova 12s likely focuses on Huawei’s established image processing style, which often prioritizes vibrant colors and pleasing aesthetics, but may lack the computational photography capabilities of the 13T Pro.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 13T Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4nm) is a substantial leap ahead of the Huawei nova 12s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm). The Dimensity 9200+ features a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.35 GHz, offering significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. The 4nm process node also translates to improved thermal efficiency, meaning the 13T Pro is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Snapdragon 778G, while capable, is geared towards efficient performance rather than outright speed. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding games and resource-intensive applications.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 13T Pro’s 120W charging is a standout feature, achieving a full charge in just 19 minutes. This is dramatically faster than the Huawei nova 12s’ 66W charging, which takes 30 minutes to reach 100%. While the 13T Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 11:50h and endurance rating of 102h suggest excellent battery life. The faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery capacity, offering a convenient top-up solution. The nova 12s’ 66W charging is still respectable, reaching 62% in 15 minutes, but falls short of the 13T Pro’s speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 12s if you prioritize a sleek design and are comfortable with a more modest processor for everyday tasks and light gaming. It's a good fit for users who value brand familiarity and don't require top-tier performance. Buy the Xiaomi 13T Pro if you demand raw power for gaming, demanding applications, and appreciate incredibly fast charging. This is the phone for users who want a flagship-level experience without the flagship price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9200+ in the Xiaomi 13T Pro get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9200+ is a powerful chip, its 4nm process node and Xiaomi’s thermal management system are designed to mitigate overheating. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat. Expect some throttling after extended periods, but the 13T Pro should maintain a playable frame rate for most titles. Independent thermal testing is recommended for definitive results.
❓ The Huawei nova 12s only supports 4G. How much of a limitation is this in 2024?
The lack of 5G support is a significant drawback for the Huawei nova 12s, especially considering the increasing availability of 5G networks. Users in areas with 5G coverage will experience considerably slower data speeds compared to devices with 5G connectivity. This limitation impacts streaming, downloading, and online gaming, making the nova 12s less future-proof.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the Huawei nova 12s slow compared to the 120W on the Xiaomi 13T Pro?
Yes, the difference in charging speed is substantial. While 66W is still considered fast charging, the Xiaomi 13T Pro’s 120W charging is significantly quicker, fully charging the device in just 19 minutes versus 30 minutes for the nova 12s. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.