Xiaomi Redmi K70 vs. vivo iQOO 12 Pro: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon Power

The Xiaomi Redmi K70 and vivo iQOO 12 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive flagship smartphone space. The K70, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offers a strong value proposition, while the iQOO 12 Pro, with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, aims for outright performance leadership. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo iQOO 12 Pro emerges as the superior choice. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides a noticeable performance uplift, especially in sustained workloads, and the addition of 50W wireless charging adds significant convenience. However, the Redmi K70 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K70 vivo iQOO 12 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 292023, November 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 29Available. Released 2023, November 14
Body
Dimensions160.9 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.33 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)164.6 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm or 8.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight209 g (7.37 oz)205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz)
Display
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 4000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, HyperOSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 (International), OriginOS 4 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, ulti-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), AF
Video8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC3+, 100% in 18 min120W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Blue/Green, PurpleBlack, Red, White (BMW M branding)
Models23113RKC6CV2329A
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 650 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K70

  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast 120W wired charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Older Snapdragon generation

vivo iQOO 12 Pro

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
  • 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless
  • Superior performance in demanding tasks

  • Higher price point
  • Potential for increased thermal throttling under extreme load (though mitigated by Gen 3 optimizations)

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Redmi K70’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will deliver a smooth visual experience, but the iQOO 12 Pro’s 8 Gen 3 offers a more responsive feel, particularly in graphically demanding games. The iQOO 12 Pro’s chipset is better equipped to handle complex rendering tasks, potentially resulting in higher and more stable frame rates.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, iQOO phones often prioritize camera performance, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely result in better image processing capabilities, including faster autofocus and improved low-light performance. The Redmi K70 will still deliver excellent image quality, but the iQOO 12 Pro has the potential for a more refined and versatile camera experience. The inclusion of a dedicated ISP in the Gen 3 allows for more complex computational photography algorithms.

Performance

The iQOO 12 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Redmi K70’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The Gen 3 features the newer Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, compared to the K70’s 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3. This, combined with the improved Cortex-A720 performance cores (3x3.2 GHz in iQOO vs 2x2.8 GHz A715/A710 in Redmi), translates to a roughly 10-20% performance increase in CPU-bound tasks. The iQOO 12 Pro’s GPU also benefits from architectural improvements, offering superior graphics performance. The 4nm process node in both chips contributes to thermal efficiency, but the Gen 3’s optimizations should result in less throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Both phones feature 120W wired charging, promising a full charge in approximately 18 minutes. However, the iQOO 12 Pro distinguishes itself with the addition of 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. This provides significantly more flexibility for users who prefer cable-free charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the iQOO 12 Pro’s more efficient chipset and charging options offer a more convenient and versatile power solution.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K70 if you need a powerful flagship experience without breaking the bank, and are comfortable with relying solely on wired charging. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a balance of performance and affordability. Buy the vivo iQOO 12 Pro if you demand the absolute best performance available, value the convenience of wireless charging, and are willing to pay a premium for the latest Snapdragon technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the iQOO 12 Pro noticeably improve gaming performance compared to the Redmi K70?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a 10-20% performance uplift in both CPU and GPU performance. This translates to higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and better sustained performance in demanding titles. The improved thermal management of the Gen 3 also helps to minimize throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 50W wireless charging on the iQOO 12 Pro significantly faster than standard wireless charging?
Absolutely. 50W wireless charging is considerably faster than the typical 15-25W wireless charging found on many other smartphones. It allows you to top up your battery quickly without the hassle of cables, making it a very convenient feature.
❓ Does the Redmi K70 support any form of fast charging besides the 120W wired?
No, the Redmi K70 only supports 120W wired charging. It lacks wireless charging capabilities, which is a key differentiator for the iQOO 12 Pro.
❓ How does the CPU architecture difference between the Cortex-X3 and Cortex-X4 cores impact real-world performance?
The Cortex-X4 in the iQOO 12 Pro is a newer generation core designed for improved single-core performance and efficiency. While the clock speed difference is only 0.1 GHz, the architectural improvements result in a noticeable boost in responsiveness and speed for tasks like app launching and web browsing.