Alright, let's dive deep into the Honor 70 and Google Pixel 8, two very different smartphones that cater to distinct needs. I’ll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on how the specifications impact your daily experience:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Google Pixel 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | Honor 70 is taller and wider but thinner; Pixel 8 is more compact and pocketable but slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 178g | 187g | Honor 70 is noticeably lighter; Pixel 8 feels more substantial in hand. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 8 is likely to be more durable and scratch-resistant in everyday use, especially with accidental drops, providing superior protection to the screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.2" | Honor 70 offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption; Pixel 8 is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals for everyday use, though Pixel 8 has slightly better clarity due to the higher PPI. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 428 | Google Pixel 8 has slightly sharper display visuals (33 PPI difference), but may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles, common to OLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Google Pixel 8 has dramatically higher brightness, excelling in outdoor visibility. The Honor 70 may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8 is significantly faster and more efficient, handling demanding tasks and games better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 876,512 | Pixel 8 scores 46% higher, suggesting noticeably snappier performance in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8’s GPU is more powerful, ideal for graphics-intensive applications, gaming, and advanced AI tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" | Pixel 8's larger sensor and wider aperture should capture better low-light photos despite the Honor 70 having 4 more MP. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | Pixel 8's selfie camera with a wider aperture and larger sensor will likely capture more detail and perform better in low light than the Honor 70 even though it has lower MP. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" (Wide Angle + Macro) | Honor 70 has a dedicated wide angle, while Pixel 8 combines wide angle and macro into one camera, offering slightly more versatile shooting capabilities for Honor 70. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" (Wide Angle + Macro) | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens while Pixel 8 combines wide angle and macro into one camera. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 8 offers superior video quality, with smoother recordings due to OIS and HDR for better color reproduction and dynamic range. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Main: 148, Photo: 152, Video: 148 | Pixel 8’s camera performs significantly better in all aspects, indicating much better image and video quality compared to Honor 70. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Dual Camera, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), AI features | Pixel 8’s feature set leans more towards advanced computational photography, while Honor 70 offers more lens versatility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4575mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Honor 70 charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Both can charge other devices wirelessly, useful in a pinch. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Pixel 8 comes with the latest Android version and promises longer update support, making it more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Pixel 8 supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency if you have a WiFi 7 router. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Pixel 8 uses a slightly newer Bluetooth version with better power efficiency and reliability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Pixel 8 offers more precise location tracking with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 8 provides the flexibility of using a digital SIM, which is great for international travel or multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Honor 70 offers up to 512 GB storage option, which is ideal for users with lots of media files or who take high quality pictures and videos. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8 GB | Honor 70 may perform slightly better with multitasking in its 12GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, requiring you to choose the right configuration at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer a good audio experience with stereo speakers. The Pixel 8’s noise cancellation and three microphones will perform better for calls and voice notes. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for quick and simple unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Pixel 8 comes with a more complete sensor suite with barometer and thermometer that provides additional functionality for apps. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for media consumption and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is a significant advantage, allowing for very quick battery top-ups.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Potentially slightly longer battery life than Pixel 8.
- Versatile Cameras: Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lenses provide extra flexibility.
- More RAM options: Up to 12GB option that can be suitable for gamers.
- More storage options: Offers up to 512GB of storage.
Google Pixel 8 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Tensor G3 chip is significantly faster and more efficient.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits brightness is exceptionally good for outdoor use.
- Outstanding Camera Quality: Better low-light performance, superior image processing, and video quality.
- Software Support: Newer Android version with better update support.
- Advanced Features: Features such as noise reduction, optical image stabilization, and AI enhancements.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards, as well as more precise location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: While offering a bigger screen and faster charging, it falls behind in overall performance, software updates, and camera quality compared to the Pixel 8. The low display brightness is a significant drawback for outdoor use.
- Google Pixel 8: Has a slightly smaller battery capacity with slower charging speeds and less RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is Best For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a large screen and fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate the flexibility of multiple lenses, though might not need the best image quality.
- Price-Conscious Buyers: Individuals seeking a more affordable large-screen option.
- Users with High Storage Needs: Ideal for users who want up to 512GB of storage in their phones.
- Users Who Want More RAM: The 12GB RAM is suitable for gamers and those who multitask often.
Google Pixel 8 is Best For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize top-tier camera performance and AI features.
- Power Users: Individuals who value fast performance and a smooth software experience with long term support.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display visible even in direct sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who want the latest technology and software updates.
- Users with Bluetooth 5.3 & WiFi 7 router: Users who wants to utilize the latest Wifi and Bluetooth technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality to you? If you need top-tier photos and videos, the Pixel 8 is a clear winner. If you're okay with decent quality and want versatility, the Honor 70 might suffice.
- Do you prioritize screen size, charging speed or screen brightness? If a large screen and fast charging are most important, the Honor 70 is the go-to choice. If you need a screen that you can see in bright light the Pixel 8 is better.
- Are you a heavy mobile gamer or a casual user? If you need to squeeze the best performance for demanding tasks and mobile games, the Pixel 8 is the better performer. If you are a casual user who does not need a powerful processor, the Honor 70 might suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: The Google Pixel 8, with its superior camera, OIS and HDR video will ensure you capture the best shots from your adventures, and the eSim feature will be useful if you travel overseas often.
- On-the-Go Media Watcher: The Honor 70's large screen will be fantastic for your movies and the 66W fast charging means you will not need to worry about your battery.
- Power User Who Needs Multitasking: The Pixel 8 with its much better processor and long-term software support is recommended. However the Honor 70 with a 12 GB RAM is a strong competitor.
My Choice
If it were up to me, I’d choose the Google Pixel 8. The superior performance, significantly better camera quality, and long-term software support are critical for my daily needs as a tech journalist. The Pixel 8’s brighter display also makes a notable difference when using the phone outdoors. Although the Honor 70 has its perks, like faster charging, a larger screen and more RAM options, the Pixel 8 feels more like a complete package that will deliver a better user experience for me, especially when it comes to photography and video, and overall speed.
