Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Huawei Pura 70 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2019-09-20 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Pro is much newer, reflecting more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Pura 70 Pro is taller and slightly thicker, iPhone 11 Pro Max is a bit wider; consider hand size and pocketability. |
| Weight | 226g | 220g | Negligible weight difference; both feel substantial, but Pura 70 Pro is slightly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro offers slightly sharper images and text, but most users will not notice. |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 460 PPI | Pixel density is nearly identical, both displays are sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro offers significantly better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Different architectures make direct comparison difficult; Apple A13 Bionic is older but provides strong performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 869,707 | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a marginally better benchmark score, but real-world differences depend on specific tasks and software. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | 8 (Maleoon 910) | Different architectures; Pura 70 Pro's GPU is newer but its performance needs to be verified in specific gaming scenarios. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro has a considerably larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Pura 70 Pro can charge much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 18W Fast Charge, Wireless Reverse | 100W Fast Charge, 80W Wireless, 20W Reverse Wireless | Pura 70 Pro has more advanced charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Pro captures more detail in photos with its higher megapixel count. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Pura 70 Pro's wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.3" | Pura 70 Pro's larger sensor captures more light and detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP (Telephoto + Portrait) | 48MP (Telephoto) | Pura 70 Pro features a dedicated Telephoto Lens, while iPhone has one for Telephoto + Portrait. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro has a wider aperture for slightly better low light wide-angle photos |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Both take good selfies, Pura 70 Pro has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K | Both support 4K video recording |
| Slow Motion | 240fps | 960fps | Pura 70 Pro can record videos in a more detailed slow-motion format |
| Camera Features | OIS, Autofocus, Touch Focus, HDR, Night Mode, etc. | OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, PDAF, LAF, Night Mode, etc | Pura 70 Pro includes additional advanced autofocus and image stabilization capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13, upgradeable to iOS 18 | Unknown | The iPhone has a well-established OS ecosystem. The Pura 70 Pro's OS is not specified, making a direct comparison impossible. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax, dual-band | 802.11ax, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Pura 70 Pro has more advanced Wi-Fi connectivity features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth standard for faster and more efficient wireless connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | Pura 70 Pro supports a wider range of satellite systems, which could result in better location tracking accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone supports eSIM, which can be convenient for travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Pro offers a larger storage option; both lack expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Pura 70 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | Pura 70 Pro has a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Pura 70 Pro includes additional sensors, especially biometric ones |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Strong Performance (Despite Age): The A13 Bionic chip is still capable for daily tasks and some gaming, though it lags behind more recent flagship devices.
- Software Ecosystem: iOS offers a cohesive and mature app ecosystem with consistent updates.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility for travel and dual SIM usage.
- Dolby Atmos with Noise Cancellation Mic: Has additional Noise cancellation microphone.
- DXOMark Scores: The iPhone 11 Pro Max has scored a 122 in main camera score and selfie score, while no scores have been recorded for the Pura 70 Pro.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Released much later, with advancements in display, camera, battery, and connectivity.
- Superior Display: Higher refresh rate and much brighter, resulting in a smoother and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 100W wired and 80W wireless charging offer much faster recharge times compared to the iPhone.
- Larger Battery: The 5050mAh battery is likely to provide significantly longer battery life.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM is better for heavy multitasking and resource intensive games.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution, larger sensors, and wider apertures offer greater flexibility and better image quality in various conditions.
- Advanced Connectivity: Features more modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with broader satellite system support.
- Additional Camera Features: Additional features like PDAF and LAF, result in better camera performance
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Older chip and slower charging limit modern performance.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Unspecified OS and potential limitations in app ecosystem may be a concern for users accustomed to Google services or the iOS ecosystem.
- Camera Score: The DXOMark scores on the iPhone 11 Pro Max makes it a good contender for camera performance, while the Pura 70 Pro lacks such scores.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max - Ideal Users:
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Those who heavily rely on Apple services and prefer iOS.
- Budget-conscious iPhone Users: Users looking for a relatively affordable entry to the iPhone ecosystem, with a balance of cost and performance.
- Users who prefer simplicity: Users who value a simpler experience with the iOS interface.
- Users who value Video recording: Users who want high quality video recording.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, social media, and light productivity.
- Basic photography and videography with the benefit of simple editing within iOS.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro - Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest innovations in smartphone technology and are not as invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who prioritize camera performance and want more flexibility in shooting modes.
- Power Users: Those who need a long-lasting battery and fast charging for heavy usage.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy media on their phones and need a bright, high refresh-rate display.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.
- Outdoor use where display brightness is critical.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (iOS, iCloud, etc.) or are you open to other platforms?
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize the latest chip performance for demanding tasks, or will a phone with solid performance for everyday use suffice?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need the best camera system for professional or advanced use, or is a good general-purpose camera enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Apple Ecosystem User): If you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want a familiar experience and a good price for iPhone, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is suitable.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Camera Priority): If you want a device with a cutting-edge display, longer battery life, and advanced camera features, and the OS is not a major concern, choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious): If budget is a major concern, and you are only invested in basic phone features, iPhone 11 Pro Max is suitable due to its lower pricing in the current market.
- Scenario 4 (Advanced Phone Features): If you need a phone with advanced features like 120 Hz refresh rate and fast charging, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. My decision is driven primarily by the significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and battery performance offered by the Pura 70 Pro.
While I acknowledge the robust performance and the polished iOS ecosystem of the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the Pura 70 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate, exceptional brightness, faster charging capabilities, and the larger battery all align with my preference for a smooth and efficient user experience. The Pura 70 Pro's more advanced camera system provides more versatility for photography. Although the operating system isn't specified, I'm willing to try something different as the benefits of other features are more important to my day-to-day needs.
