iQOO 12 vs Honor Magic6 Pro: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Flagships

Both the vivo iQOO 12 and the Honor Magic6 Pro represent the pinnacle of Android flagship performance, powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. However, these devices diverge in their approach to battery endurance, display technology, and charging capabilities, creating a compelling choice for discerning users. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a brighter display, the Honor Magic6 Pro emerges as the winner. Its 14:06h active use score and 1578 nits peak brightness provide a tangible advantage, despite the iQOO 12’s faster 120W wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 12 Honor Magic6 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - IndiaLTE
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - IndiaSA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 072024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 14Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (NanoCrystal Shield), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm or 8.4 mm162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198.5 g or 203.7 g (7.02 oz)225 g or 229 g (7.94 oz)
Display
Protection-NanoCrystal Shield
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 15 (International), OriginOS 4 (China)Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.4-2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 180 MP, f/2.6, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.49", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.93", 0.6µm, AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless (market/region dependent)5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired80W wired 66W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
Type5000 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 5600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Red, White (BMW M branding)Black, Green, Blue, Purple, White
ModelsV2307ABVL-AN16, BVL-N49
PriceAbout 640 EUR€ 455.54 / $ 899.00 / £ 598.99

vivo iQOO 12

  • Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
  • Potentially optimized for gaming performance
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides top-tier processing

  • Shorter battery life in active use
  • Less bright display compared to the Magic6 Pro
  • Lacks wireless charging

Honor Magic6 Pro

  • Longer battery life (14:06h active use)
  • Significantly brighter display (1578 nits)
  • Versatile charging options (80W wired, 66W wireless, reverse wireless)

  • Slower wired charging compared to iQOO 12
  • Potential for more complex software experience
  • Camera details are currently unknown

Display Comparison

The Honor Magic6 Pro boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 1578 nits compared to the iQOO 12’s 1425 nits. This 10% increase in peak brightness translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize high-refresh-rate panels, the specific panel technology (LTPO vs. standard OLED) isn’t specified, but the brightness difference is a clear advantage for the Honor. The impact is significant for users who consume content outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks specific camera details beyond 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Given the flagship positioning, both phones likely feature multi-camera systems with advanced features. However, without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. We can assume both will offer high-quality image and video capture, but the Honor Magic series has historically emphasized computational photography, potentially giving it an edge in image processing.

Performance

Both the iQOO 12 and the Honor Magic6 Pro are equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), featuring the same CPU configuration: 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This means raw processing power will be virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from thermal management and sustained performance, areas not detailed in the provided data. However, the iQOO brand historically focuses on gaming, suggesting potential optimizations in this area, though without specific data, it's speculative.

Battery Life

The Honor Magic6 Pro delivers a longer active use battery score of 14:06h, exceeding the iQOO 12’s 13:30h. This roughly 30-minute advantage suggests better power efficiency or a slightly larger battery capacity (not specified). The iQOO 12 compensates with significantly faster 120W wired charging, while the Magic6 Pro offers 80W wired, 66W wireless, and even 5W reverse wired charging. The iQOO 12 will achieve a full charge much quicker, but the Magic6 Pro provides more versatile charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO 12 if you prioritize the absolute fastest wired charging speeds and are comfortable with slightly shorter battery life. It’s ideal for power users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day. Buy the Honor Magic6 Pro if you value extended battery endurance, a significantly brighter display for outdoor visibility, and the convenience of both fast wired and wireless charging options, making it the better choice for travelers and everyday users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Honor Magic6 Pro's 66W wireless charging significantly impact charging speed compared to wired?
While 66W wireless charging is fast, it's still slower than the iQOO 12's 120W wired charging. Expect a full wireless charge to take considerably longer, but it offers convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging. The Magic6 Pro's 80W wired charging is still respectable, but the iQOO 12 will be noticeably faster when plugged in.
❓ Given both phones have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, will demanding games run identically on both?
While the core processor is the same, sustained performance can differ due to thermal management. The iQOO brand often prioritizes gaming, potentially indicating better cooling solutions. However, without detailed thermal testing data, it's difficult to definitively say which phone will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods during intense gaming sessions.
❓ How does the difference in display brightness affect everyday use beyond direct sunlight?
The 1578 nits peak brightness of the Honor Magic6 Pro also benefits indoor viewing in brightly lit rooms. Content will appear more vibrant and punchy, and the screen will be easier to see. The iQOO 12's 1425 nits is still excellent, but the difference is noticeable in challenging lighting conditions.