Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 14 and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. I’m putting on my tech analyst hat to break down these impressive devices, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs translate to in daily use.
| Feature | Apple iPhone 14 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The Pura 70 Pro is significantly larger, meaning it's less pocketable but offers a larger display. The iPhone 14 is more compact for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 172g | 220g | iPhone 14 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Pura 70 Pro feels more substantial but can be tiresome on longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers a much more immersive viewing experience for videos and games, while iPhone 14 is better for users who want something easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro’s higher resolution gives sharper, clearer images. You'll see a noticeable difference in text and details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 460 | Both are equally sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Pro's 120Hz display provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations and gaming experience. The iPhone 14 is noticeably less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro is significantly better for viewing content under direct sunlight. The iPhone 14 might struggle outdoors on a very sunny day. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The A15 is still a powerhouse, offering excellent performance. The Kirin 9010 is not as performant as the A15. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,324,887 | 869,707 | The A15 Bionic chip outperforms the Kirin 9010 in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | Maleoon 910 | The Apple GPU provides the best in class graphics performance. The Maleoon 910 is not at par in graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Pro captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.5 | f/1.4 | Pura 70 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, which allows more light in low light resulting in better pictures |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.66" | 1/1.3" | Pura 70 Pro's larger sensor allows it to capture more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | The Pura 70 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for superior zoom capabilities. The iPhone 14 has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Both have a similar wide lens. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP, f/1.9 | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Pura 70 Pro takes slightly higher res photos. The iPhone 14 has a slightly better aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 4K | iPhone has more detailed controls over the video recording resolutions. Both phones have stabilization for smooth videos. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 133 | Not Available | The iPhone 14 has been benchmarked to have great photo and video capabilities. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 144 | Not Available | The iPhone 14 has been benchmarked to have great photo and video capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3279mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro’s larger battery capacity translates to longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Pura 70 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime waiting for your phone to charge. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 80W | Pura 70 Pro has much faster wireless charging and is able to reverse wireless charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 16 | Android (EMUI) | Different ecosystems and user interfaces; it comes down to personal preference. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Pro offers more storage at the top end. Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB | Pura 70 Pro with more RAM will result in faster multitasking and app switching. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have fast WiFi, Pura 70 Pro has additional Wi-Fi Direct, and Wi-Fi Display support |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | iPhone 14 has a newer version. Both support A2DP and AAC. Pura 70 Pro has additional support for LDAC and SBC |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, 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 more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 14 has eSIM support for easy carrier switching. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 14 has more immersive spatial audio and noise cancelation features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security | Fingerprint | Pura 70 Pro has a physical fingerprint sensor for faster access. The iPhone 14 relies on Face ID. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | The Huawei has a more comprehensive list of sensors |
2. Key Insights
Strengths
Apple iPhone 14:
- Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is a performance beast, making it incredibly fast and responsive for almost any task.
- Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple products and services is a major advantage.
- Audio: Impressive Dolby Atmos, DTS/DTS X and noise cancelation features.
- Camera (Video): Great video quality and a range of features.
- Software and Updates: Smooth and polished iOS experience with reliable and timely updates.
- Compact Size: More pocketable and easier to handle with one hand.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and extremely bright display are superior for gaming and outdoor visibility.
- Battery and Charging: Much larger battery and incredibly fast charging (both wired and wireless) are huge advantages.
- Camera (Still Photography): Higher resolution main sensor and added telephoto lens offer greater flexibility and detail.
- RAM: Has more ram for multitasking.
- Sensors: A more comprehensive suite of sensors, including a fingerprint sensor.
Competitive Advantages
- iPhone 14: The iPhone 14 excels in raw performance and overall software smoothness. It's also more pocketable.
- Pura 70 Pro: The Pura 70 Pro offers superior battery and display technology. It has a far more versatile camera, especially with the included telephoto lens.
Trade-offs
- iPhone 14: The 60Hz display feels less smooth compared to the Pura 70 Pro. Battery life is noticeably shorter, and the charging is quite slow compared to the Huawei. The camera is less versatile.
- Pura 70 Pro: The processor is not as powerful as the A15. It is significantly larger and heavier than the iPhone. The software ecosystem is not as polished as iOS.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
iPhone 14 Users:
- Apple Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Those heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem and prioritize seamless integration.
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the fastest possible app loading and gaming experience.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Those who prefer a more compact and pocketable phone.
- Video Creators: Users looking for great video performance.
- Users who need Spatial Audio: Users who would benefit from great audio.
Pura 70 Pro Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who want the best possible experience watching videos and playing games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera with great zoom and low-light capabilities.
- Heavy Users: Those who need the best battery life and fast charging for long days.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those familiar with the Android ecosystem.
- Users who need a more comprehensive set of sensors: Users who would benefit from the additional sensors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide which phone is best for you, here are three critical questions:
- What is your biggest pain point with your current phone?
- Is it battery life? Go with the Pura 70 Pro.
- Is it performance? The iPhone 14 may be a better choice.
- Is it the screen? The Pura 70 Pro has the better screen technology.
- What are your top three phone usage scenarios?
- If they include heavy gaming, multitasking or require great video, the iPhone 14 is great.
- If they involve a lot of photography, video watching on the go, or long days away from charging, the Pura 70 Pro excels.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android?
- If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem or prefer iOS, the iPhone 14 is the clear choice.
- If you are comfortable with the Android ecosystem, the Pura 70 Pro may be a good fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Power User: Prioritizes performance, multi-tasking, and a seamless software experience. Recommendation: iPhone 14.
- The Mobile Photographer: Wants a versatile camera system with great zoom capabilities. Recommendation: Pura 70 Pro.
- The On-the-Go Professional: Needs long battery life and fast charging for maximum productivity. Recommendation: Pura 70 Pro.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: Values a large, high-quality display for viewing content. Recommendation: Pura 70 Pro.
- The Audio Enthusiast: Values great audio performance with spatial features. Recommendation: iPhone 14.
Which phone would I choose and why?
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. My reasoning is as follows. While I deeply appreciate the smooth performance of Apple's ecosystem, I find that, the Pura 70 Pro's superior battery life and faster charging are critical for my usage pattern. Add that to the better display, the superior camera with its telephoto lens, and the more comprehensive set of sensors, and I find that the Huawei is the better overall device. It simply is more versatile. While the A15 on the iPhone is more performant, the Kirin 9010 is more than capable for my use. I am also not locked into the iOS ecosystem, and prefer android as a mobile operating system. For me, the Pura 70 Pro’s versatility and enhanced user experience, win out in this competition.
