Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and figure out which phone is the better fit for different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table breaking down the key specs of the Honor 70 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, focusing on their real-world implications.
| Feature | Honor 70 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 7 Pro is larger, slightly bulkier. Honor 70 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 178g | 212g | Honor 70 is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes; difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro’s higher resolution leads to noticeably sharper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 395 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro offers much higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper, crisper display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display technologies, both offering rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro's higher brightness is crucial for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Google Tensor G2 | Pixel 7 Pro’s custom chip leads to better performance and AI/ML capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro scores significantly higher, indicating smoother operation, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G710 MP7 | Pixel 7 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive apps and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800, 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", Samsung GN1, 1.20µm | Pixel 7 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", OmniVision OV32C, 0.70µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22µm | Pixel 7 Pro's sensor is larger, leading to better low light shots despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM1, 0.80µm | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities not available on the Honor 70. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3", Sony IMX381 Exmor RS, 1.55µm | Honor 70 boasts a higher-resolution sensor but Pixel 7 Pro has a larger pixel size and better sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, EIS; slow-mo 960fps | 4K@30/60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS; slow-mo 240fps | Pixel 7 Pro offers better stabilization, higher frame rate options and HDR recording support. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 | 147 | Pixel 7 Pro has significantly better overall image quality. |
| DXOMark Photo | 115 | 148 | Pixel 7 Pro performs much better in photo tests. |
| DXOMark Video | 129 | 143 | Pixel 7 Pro has better video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially giving it a bit more runtime. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 23W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless | Honor 70 charges much faster with its 66W charging, but Pixel 7 Pro offers wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro comes with a newer version of Android and guaranteed OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax, MIMO | 802.11ax | Similar WiFi standards, Honor 70 has Wi-Fi MIMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.2, LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.2 for stable and efficient connections |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro supports more GPS systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 Pro supports eSIM for dual sim usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer similar storage options, meeting various user needs. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 7 Pro provides sufficient RAM for demanding apps, and the honor does too depending on the variant chosen. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage wisely. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel 7 Pro has an edge in audio, with additional microphone, noise cancellation and clear sound capture |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer standard fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Pixel 7 Pro offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, including environmental ones. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lightweight & Compact: The Honor 70 stands out for its comfortable handling due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile.
- Fast Charging: With 66W fast charging, it refills the battery considerably faster than the Pixel 7 Pro.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens allows for detailed close-up photography.
- Hi-Res Audio For anyone using high quality audio devices
Google Pixel 7 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: Its higher resolution and brightness offer an exceptional viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Stronger Performance: The Tensor G2 chip provides a noticeable edge in speed and AI capabilities.
- Premium Camera System: Boasting better sensors, an optical zoom lens, and excellent image processing.
- Better Video: The video stabilization, higher frame rate options, and HDR recording, make the Pixel 7 Pro a superior choice for videography.
- Software Advantage: Comes with a newer version of Android and guaranteed OS upgrades.
- Wireless Charging: Offers 23W Wireless charging, which the Honor does not.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus gives significantly better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: Lacks wireless charging, optical zoom, and has a lower-resolution display.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Is heavier, bulkier, and has slower wired charging compared to the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize a light, compact phone with fast charging and good main camera performance. Also budget conscious buyers.
- Best For: Everyday use, social media, and casual photography, and users who want a device with a more comfortable in hand feel.
- Use Cases: Students, those who value a comfortable phone for day-to-day tasks, and users who want a good camera at a mid-range price.
Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts and power users who demand the best display, camera, and performance.
- Best For: Professional photography, videography, gaming, and those who require the latest software features and AI capabilities.
- Use Cases: Content creators, photographers, gamers, and users who prioritize a premium, feature-rich experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is a top-tier camera and video experience for you? If it's a primary need, the Pixel 7 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you prefer a light and compact phone, or are you willing to carry a heavier device for enhanced features? If you value portability and ease of use, the Honor 70 wins out.
- Is wireless charging a must-have feature for you, and what do you value most between charging speed and wireless capability? if wireless charging is a must have, go for the Pixel, if speed is important, choose the honor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The Honor 70 provides a great balance of features, a good camera, lightweight design, and faster wired charging, making it perfect for daily use at a lower cost.
- For the Content Creator: The Google Pixel 7 Pro, with its superior display, advanced camera, and video capabilities, is the better investment.
- For the Budget-Conscious: If cost is a factor, the Honor 70 is the more affordable option, offering good core features at a lower price point.
- For the Power User: The Pixel 7 Pro's enhanced performance, premium features, and guaranteed OS updates make it a premium choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go for the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Here’s why:
While I appreciate the Honor 70's lightweight design and fast charging, the Pixel 7 Pro's overall package is more compelling for my needs. As someone who values a superior display, top-notch camera and video performance, and the latest software features, the Pixel 7 Pro delivers an uncompromising experience. The stronger performance of the Google Tensor G2, coupled with the advanced camera system, makes it my choice. The larger screen, with its higher resolution and brightness, is crucial for my content consumption, and the better video capabilities makes it a more suitable tool for videography. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro provides the latest software updates, making it a future-proof investment, not forgetting the significantly better screen protection.
The Pixel 7 Pro is definitely more expensive, but for me, it's an investment that's worth it for the superior experience it provides.
