Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and the Google Pixel 8a. I'll break down the specs, analyze their implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison, focusing on what these specs mean for your everyday use:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Google Pixel 8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | Honor 70 is taller but thinner; Pixel 8a is more compact but slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 178g | 188g | Honor 70 is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable over long periods of use. |
| Build | Unknown protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Pixel 8a has a more robust screen with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.1" | Honor 70 provides a larger screen, great for media consumption; Pixel 8a is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp with the same resolution, meaning similar text and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 430 PPI | Pixel 8a will appear slightly sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED displays with great contrast and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations due to the 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not specified - both phones seem to not have this information available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Google Tensor G3 | Tensor G3 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 876,512 | Pixel 8a has a much higher benchmark score, translating to better real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Tensor G3 has a more advanced GPU, good for better gaming and graphic performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 54MP | 64MP | Pixel 8a offers more detailed images due to slightly higher resolution. |
| Main Sensor | Sony IMX800 | Sony IMX787 | Pixel 8a main sensor has an advantage in size, potentially better low light performance |
| Main Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 0.70 µm | Honor 70 has larger pixel size, potentially better in low-light settings |
| Main Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.89 | Very similar, with a slight edge to the Pixel 8a for its slightly wider aperture. |
| Front Camera Res | 32MP | 13MP | Honor 70 has a higher-resolution front camera for potentially sharper selfies. |
| Front Sensor | Omnivision OV32C | Sony IMX712 | Pixel 8a has a larger sensor and bigger pixel size for selfies |
| Front Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Pixel 8a has a slightly wider aperture which may perform better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | Included as part of ultra-wide camera | Honor 70 includes a dedicated wide-angle lens; Pixel 8a combines this in its ultra-wide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Included as part of ultra-wide camera | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro camera; Pixel 8a uses its ultra-wide for macro shots. |
| Ultra-wide camera | Not specified | 13MP | Google Pixel 8a has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@60fps (OIS) | Pixel 8a has higher frame-rate 4K videos and optical image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| DXOMARK Score | Mobile: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Mobile: 136, Photo: 141, Video: 128 | The Pixel 8a scores higher overall in Mobile and Photo scoring, whilst Honor 70 scores slightly higher in video score |
| Camera Features | Digital Stabilization | Optical Stabilization | Pixel 8a includes optical stabilization for smoother videos and clearer photos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges significantly faster, a big plus for busy users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Pixel 8a has a newer Android version with more modern features and longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Pixel 8a supports newer WiFi 6E for faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 8a has a newer Bluetooth version with improved efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 8a supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8a includes eSIM for easier digital switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Honor 70 offers more storage options with up to 512GB, beneficial for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 8GB | Honor 70 offers RAM variants up to 12GB, beneficial for heavy multitaskers and gamers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Pixel 8a has clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture; Honor 70 offers Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Pixel 8a has additional environmental sensors, useful for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70:
- Strengths: Larger display, potentially longer battery life, faster charging, higher-resolution front-facing camera, and more internal storage options.
- Competitive Advantages: Its larger screen is great for media consumption, and the 66W charging is a big time-saver. The higher RAM options will appeal to power users.
- Limitations: Older chipset, weaker camera performance, and older Android version, and lacks screen protection technology.
Google Pixel 8a:
- Strengths: More powerful chipset, better overall camera performance (especially photos), more up-to-date software with longer update support, and enhanced screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: The Tensor G3 chip offers a better performance, and the Pixel's renowned camera excels in low-light conditions.
- Limitations: Smaller display, slightly lower battery capacity, and much slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, need fast charging, and appreciate the front facing camera. Also good for people who need lots of internal storage and are always on the move.
- Use Cases: Perfect for binge-watching, heavy multitasking, casual gaming, and on-the-go productivity.
Google Pixel 8a:
- Best Suited For: Users who want the best camera experience, especially in low-light conditions, prefer a more compact phone, and value a smoother and more performant experience. Also great for people who like regular and frequent software updates.
- Use Cases: Ideal for photography enthusiasts, those who prefer one-handed use, and users who value the latest software experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen size and battery life to you? If you prioritize a larger screen for media and want the best battery life, the Honor 70 will be better. If you prefer a more compact phone with a great camera, the Pixel 8a is your pick.
- How much do you value performance and software updates? If you desire a more performant phone with latest software, the Pixel 8a is much better, whereas the Honor 70 has less power and runs an older software.
- What is your budget and what features are you willing to compromise on? If you need a large screen, quick charging, and plenty of storage, the Honor 70 is better. If you need top-notch camera quality, better software, and a better screen protection the Pixel 8a will be your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Pixel 8a – Its camera excels in various conditions and has OIS.
- Frequent Traveler: Honor 70 – Faster charging will be useful for people on the move.
- Mobile Gamer: Pixel 8a – Better performance, GPU, and software for smooth gameplay.
- Media Consumer: Honor 70 – Larger screen for enjoyable movie/show watching.
- Tech-Savvy User: Pixel 8a - Latest Android software with a solid update schedule.
My Choice
If I were to pick one, I'd choose the Google Pixel 8a. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates a balance of performance, features, and quality, the Pixel 8a’s strength in its computational photography and processing power outweighs the Honor 70’s advantages of a bigger screen and faster charging. I'm constantly using my phone for photography, and the Pixel's camera system is a big draw. Also, the Tensor G3 chipset makes a noticeable difference in everyday performance, and the software updates are essential to me. While I do appreciate a big screen and quick charging, the Pixel 8a's more balanced approach and its focus on core performance and quality make it the better choice for me.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both are solid phones, but they cater to different priorities, so choose wisely.
