Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Apple iPhone 14 Pro and the Honor 90. We'll break down the specs and focus on what they mean for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-16 | 2023-06-07 | Honor 90 is newer, meaning it has more recent tech, but not always better in performance. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable/hinge mechanisms. |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is larger, which might be less comfortable for small hands. Both are similar in thickness. |
| Weight | 206g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Honor 90 offers a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1179x2556 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a slightly higher pixel count; good for detail, but the difference is not very noticeable. |
| PPI | 460 | 435 | iPhone 14 Pro has slightly sharper display with higher pixel density, but not a huge difference in real life. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent color reproduction and deep blacks; similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays are smooth; good for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 2000 nits | 1600 nits | iPhone 14 Pro offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition | iPhone 14 Pro's chip is significantly faster in real-world use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,474,011 | 701,227 | iPhone 14 Pro offers a much better overall performance; a big difference for gaming. |
| GPU | Apple (5-core) | Adreno 644 | iPhone 14 Pro's GPU provides much better graphics performance for demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3200mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 has a much larger battery which should lead to longer battery life, depending on the usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Honor 90 charges much faster; less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | No | iPhone 14 Pro has wireless charging options, which the Honor 90 lacks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" | 200MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | iPhone 14 Pro has a smaller resolution but larger sensor, leading to better low-light shots |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 90 has a higher resolution front camera, but the iPhone has a wider aperture for low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 14 Pro offers optical zoom for sharper distant shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 14 Pro captures wider perspectives. |
| Depth Camera | No | 2MP | Honor 90 has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, while iPhone does it with software processing. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | No | 12MP | Honor 90 has a dedicated macro camera for extreme close up shots, lacking in iPhone. |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 4K@30fps | Both record 4K but iPhone offers HDR and higher fps, whereas Honor 90 has electronic image stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 146 | 122 | iPhone 14 Pro has much better camera quality based on DxOMark testing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 16, max 18 | Android 13 | Different operating systems: personal preference plays a huge role here. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both use similar standards, but Honor 90 has additional features like Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | iPhone 14 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, which is potentially better in efficiency. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone offers eSIM which can be convenient when switching carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB - 1TB | 256GB - 512GB | iPhone has more storage options, up to 1TB. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB-16GB | Honor 90 offers more RAM, useful for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Mic | iPhone 14 Pro has better audio quality due to additional features. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | Honor 90 has a convenient fingerprint sensor, which the iPhone lacks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Apple iPhone 14 Pro has additional environmental sensors, while Honor 90 has a biometric fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 14 Pro:
- Strengths: The iPhone 14 Pro boasts superior performance with the A16 Bionic chip, excellent camera quality (especially in low light), a brighter display, and a more refined user experience with iOS. It also offers wireless charging, which is lacking in Honor 90.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier processing power, better camera overall, more robust video recording, excellent build quality, and tighter software integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Smaller screen, slightly heavier, less battery capacity, and no fingerprint sensor.
Honor 90:
- Strengths: The Honor 90 has a larger display, lighter weight, much bigger battery, and faster charging. It also offers a high-resolution selfie camera and a fingerprint sensor for quick access.
- Competitive Advantages: Much longer battery life, larger screen size, and more affordable for it's feature set.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Lower overall performance, not as good camera quality, less bright screen, and no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
iPhone 14 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for demanding apps, gaming, and professional use.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially in low-light, and want excellent video recording capabilities.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate the seamless integration.
- Users who want a smaller form factor
Honor 90 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and shows and value a large display and long battery life.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a dependable phone that won't die before the end of the day and want a smooth experience.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a feature-rich device at a more affordable price.
- Users who value a bigger phone and large display
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- What's your priority: power or battery? If it's raw performance, go for the iPhone. If you prioritize long battery life and a large screen, the Honor 90 is your pick.
- How important is camera quality? If you want the best camera on a mobile phone, the iPhone 14 Pro is the clear winner. If you don't prioritize it as much, Honor's 90 camera is not bad for everyday use.
- Which OS do you prefer? iOS is known for its simplicity and strong ecosystem, while Android offers more customization and flexibility.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- If you're a gamer or video editor: The iPhone 14 Pro is a better choice because of its superior performance.
- If you're a student or a busy professional: The Honor 90's long battery life and fast charging can be a game changer.
- If you love photography: The iPhone 14 Pro will deliver much better results.
- If you love watching movies: Honor's large display will be more immersive.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro. While the Honor 90 has impressive battery life and a larger screen, the iPhone 14 Pro's superior performance, camera quality, and integration with the Apple ecosystem align more closely with my needs as a tech journalist and mobile enthusiast. I often need to test demanding applications, capture high-quality photos and videos, and I personally appreciate the refined experience that the iOS offers.
