Xiaomi 12SvsXiaomi Redmi K50

Xiaomi 12S

Xiaomi Redmi K50

Xiaomi 12S

The Huawei Nova 12s is a mid-range phone that packs some impressive features despite its outdated hardware. The device boasts a slim 6.88mm body profile and a stunning 6.7-inch Full HD+ display, which refreshes at 90Hz. It also comes with dual stereo speakers, making it a great choice for music lovers. However, the phone's true Achilles' heel lies in its specs. Powered by a 3-year-old Snapdragon 778G processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Nova 12s falls behind its contemporaries. Despite this, the device still manages to perform well in real-world usage, with apps launching quickly and games running smoothly. Another drawback is the phone's lack of official Google Mobile Services (GMS), which can be a significant issue for those who rely heavily on Google services. However, the micro-G framework helps mitigate this limitation by allowing users to access most essential Google apps. Camera performance is another highlight of the Nova 12s, with the main 50MP camera delivering respectable image quality and an impressive 60MP front camera taking superb selfie shots. The phone also boasts a 4,600mAh battery that easily lasts a day on heavy use. Ultimately, the Huawei Nova 12s is a solid mid-range phone that's let down by its outdated hardware and lack of GMS. While it's not worth the hefty retail price of RM2,000, it could be a viable option if priced lower, around RM1,000 or less.

Xiaomi Redmi K50

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Xiaomi Redmi K50, and unfortunately, my experience was underwhelming. Despite its impressive specs on paper, this phone failed to deliver in several key areas. The camera performance was abysmal, especially in low-light conditions. The sensor size is decent, but it seems that the software is not optimized to extract the best from it. Daytime photos are okay, but nowhere near as good as what I've seen on other phones with similar cameras. The gaming experience was actually quite enjoyable, thanks to the phone's powerful processor and snappy performance. However, only a few games, like Asphalt 9, have adapted to take full advantage of the phone's high refresh rate capabilities. Battery life is decent for general use, but drops significantly when gaming or using resource-intensive apps. The display is nice, and the speakers are quite good, making it enjoyable to watch videos or listen to music on this phone. My biggest disappointment lies in the camera performance, which I believe is a software issue rather than a hardware one. For a phone priced around $500-$600, there are better options available that offer superior camera capabilities. If you're a gamer and don't mind a mediocre camera experience, then the Redmi K50 might be worth considering. However, if you prioritize taking good photos or have high expectations for your camera, I would suggest looking elsewhere. There are simply better phones on the market that offer more value for the price.