The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Huawei nova Y70 Plus, relying on Huawei’s Kirin 710A chipset, aims for reliable performance. However, the newer Infinix Note 12 (2023) enters the fray with MediaTek’s Helio G99, promising a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, significantly outperforms the Huawei nova Y70 Plus’s Kirin 710A. While the Y70 Plus offers a familiar Huawei experience, the Note 12’s superior processing power and faster charging make it the more compelling choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Europe | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 66 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Africa | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 01 | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | MGA-LX9, MGA-LX9N, MGA-LX3 | X676C |
| Price | £ 195.00 / € 119.94 | About 220 EUR |
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Familiar Huawei software experience
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region)
- Reliable, if not exceptional, performance for basic tasks
- Older Kirin 710A chipset is less efficient
- Slower 22.5W charging
- Limited gaming performance compared to the Note 12
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- More powerful and efficient MediaTek Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Less established brand recognition
- Software experience may not appeal to all users
- Potential for more aggressive background app management
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for both, the focus here is on the chipset's impact on display responsiveness. The more powerful GPU in the Helio G99 will likely translate to smoother scrolling and potentially higher frame rates in games, even if the panels themselves are similar. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both are likely 60Hz, limiting the visual benefit of the G99's processing power.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Helio G99’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely enable faster image capture and more sophisticated image processing algorithms on the Infinix Note 12 (2023). This could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction, particularly in low-light conditions. The Y70 Plus’s Kirin 710A, while capable, will be limited by its older architecture. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests neither prioritizes high-quality macro photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Huawei nova Y70 Plus’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm process node of the G99 provides superior power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and sustained performance. The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally more advanced than the Y70 Plus’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G99 offer a substantial performance boost per core, impacting app launch times and multitasking. This translates to a noticeably snappier experience on the Infinix Note 12 (2023).
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) features 33W wired charging, significantly faster than the Huawei nova Y70 Plus’s 22.5W charging. This means the Note 12 can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio G99 chipset will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life on the Note 12, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The faster charging is a key advantage for users who frequently need to top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y70 Plus if you are deeply embedded in the Huawei ecosystem and prioritize a known software experience, even at the cost of raw performance. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and faster charging speeds, and are comfortable with a less established brand. The Note 12 offers a more modern chipset and a better overall user experience for demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99's 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Kirin 710A's 14nm process. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the G99 is less prone to throttling and should maintain higher frame rates for longer periods. The Note 12 also likely incorporates thermal management features to further mitigate heat buildup.
❓ Is the Huawei nova Y70 Plus still a good option for basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and social media?
Yes, the Kirin 710A is perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking. If your primary use case is limited to these basic functions, the Y70 Plus remains a viable option, especially if you prefer the Huawei software experience.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 12 (2023) support popular games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps or higher) will depend on the game settings and the specific device configuration. While the G99 can handle the game, you may need to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience. The Note 12's GPU is a significant upgrade over the Y70 Plus, making it a more suitable choice for mobile gaming.
