Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm, 178g | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm, 203g | The Honor 70 is noticeably lighter and narrower, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 14 Plus is a bit wider, which can feel bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones use a standard design (no foldables here!). |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both offer large screens for immersive viewing. The 0.03" difference is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1284 x 2778 | The iPhone 14 Plus has a much sharper display (more pixels) leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 458 PPI | The iPhone 14 Plus has higher pixel density resulting in a sharper display with more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED technology for excellent color and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Honor 70's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother, offering a more fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The iPhone 14 Plus is dramatically brighter, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Honor 70 brightness is not specified which could be a disadvantage |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | The iPhone 14 Plus’s A15 chip is significantly more powerful, providing a much snappier and more responsive experience in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,330,312 | The iPhone 14 Plus scores more than double, indicating superior performance across the board, especially in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | The iPhone 14 Plus’s GPU offers better graphic performance for graphically intensive applications, especially in gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP (f/1.9), 1/1.49", 1.0µm | 12MP (f/1.5), 1/1.66", 1.9µm | The Honor 70 has a higher megapixel count, but the iPhone 14 Plus's larger pixels and wider aperture often result in better low-light performance and detail. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.4), 1/2.55", 1.4µm | The Honor 70 boasts higher resolution, but Apple's optimized processing may provide superior real-world performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4), 1/3.2", 0.7µm | 12MP (f/1.9) | The Honor 70 offers higher resolution, the iPhone 14 Plus has a wider aperture to let more light, making it suitable for low-light settings. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Honor 70 includes a macro lens for close-up shots, a feature the iPhone 14 Plus lacks. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps HDR with OIS | iPhone 14 Plus offers higher frame rates, HDR recording and OIS (Optical image stabilization) for smoother video recording. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 133 | The iPhone 14 Plus outperforms the Honor 70 in camera quality, according to DxOMark. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | Not Available | 144 | The iPhone 14 Plus offers a much better front camera |
| Features | Triple camera, EIS | Dual camera, OIS | Both have their own stabilization features; Honor 70 offers more cameras while iPhone 14 has Optical Image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4325 mAh | The Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, which might give it a bit more longevity. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi Wireless | The Honor 70's 66W fast charging will juice up the phone much faster than the iPhone, while the iPhone 14 Plus offers wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | iOS 16 | Different OS ecosystems offer distinct app availability, UI, and general usage experiences. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6 | The Honor 70 includes WiFi Direct and Display while the iPhone only has standard Wi-Fi 6 compatibility |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC | Bluetooth 5.3 | The iPhone has a newer Bluetooth version, the Honor has additional codecs for higher quality audio |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The iPhone 14 Plus has QZSS, which gives it more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM capabilities, with the iPhone including an eSIM for digital connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both phones offer the same storage capacities. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 6 GB | The Honor 70 offers more RAM options for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose storage carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X | The iPhone 14 Plus has an advantage in audio offering spatial sound features while the Honor 70 provides Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Face ID | The Honor 70 offers a fingerprint sensor while the iPhone 14 Plus offers basic security features. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Motion, Proximity, Environmental | The iPhone 14 includes an environmental sensor and the Honor 70 includes a biometric sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: It’s significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is a significant advantage, getting you back up and running in no time.
- More RAM: The Honor 70 has more RAM, which is excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Macro Lens: It has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots which the iPhone 14 Plus lacks.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers significantly better performance for gaming, heavy apps, and overall snappiness.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a much clearer, crisper display.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility with 1200 nits of brightness.
- Better Camera Performance: Though lower megapixel count, the iPhone 14 Plus generally performs better in most camera tests, particularly in low light and video.
- Advanced Video Recording: Includes HDR, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and high frame rates
- Superior Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS/ DTS X
- Better Bluetooth: Comes with the newer Bluetooth 5.3 version
- More satellite systems: Includes QZSS for better location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Provides eSIM capabilities for easier switching between carriers.
- Higher DxOMark scores: The iPhone 14 Plus shows a significantly higher score for both back and front cameras.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Honor 70: Compromises on processing power, display quality (lower pixel density), and camera performance to offer a lighter device, fast charging, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- iPhone 14 Plus: The iPhone is heavier, has a lower refresh rate display, no macro lens, and slower charging speeds but offers superior processing power, camera performance, and audio quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Everyday Users on a Budget: Those who prioritize affordability, a lighter device, fast charging, a smooth display, and some creative options like a macro lens.
- Multimedia Consumption: Users who enjoy watching videos and browsing but may not be heavy gamers or require top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those who prefer the Android ecosystem, its customization, and flexibility.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus is best for:
- Power Users and Professionals: Those who demand top performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and professional applications.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality camera performance, especially in low-light, and excellent video recording capabilities.
- iOS Ecosystem Fans: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer its user experience and software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- Performance Priority? If you need the best possible processing power and performance for gaming or heavy applications, the iPhone 14 Plus is the clear winner. If you are looking for everyday smooth performance for social media and browsing, the Honor 70 is a good choice.
- Ecosystem Preference? Do you prefer the Android or iOS ecosystem? Choose based on the OS and the apps available for it.
- Camera and Video Quality? The iPhone 14 Plus offers better quality and features in the camera and video department.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The On-the-Go Creator: If you are a content creator or enjoy taking lots of pictures and videos, prioritize the iPhone 14 Plus.
- The Everyday Browser: If you are a casual user who prioritizes a smooth display and good battery life but doesn't need the highest performance, the Honor 70 is a solid choice.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you play demanding games, the iPhone 14 Plus is the clear choice due to its powerful processor and GPU.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally pick the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. As a tech journalist and someone who often uses my phone for work-related tasks, including photo and video editing, I value performance and camera quality above all else. The A15 Bionic chip's superior performance and the enhanced camera system of the iPhone 14 Plus would greatly benefit my workflow and overall experience. While I appreciate the Honor 70's lightweight design, smooth display, and fast charging, the iPhone 14 Plus better aligns with my specific needs and usage habits. For me, it's about the balance of raw power, overall camera quality and the software ecosystem. The slightly larger form factor and weight aren't a deal breaker, since what the iPhone 14 Plus offers in power, camera features and overall performance is more valuable.
