Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro. I'll be putting on my tech journalist hat and breaking down the specs to see what they mean for everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key differences between the Honor 70 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro, presented in a way that explains their real-world impact.
| Feature | Honor 70 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2024-09-09 | Pixel 9 Pro is significantly newer (over 2 years) which usually means better software, components and technology. |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | Honor 70 is taller and wider, while the Pixel 9 Pro is a bit thicker. Honor 70 is noticeably lighter which is great for long usage and will be less tiring to hold. |
| Weight | 178g | 199g | The Honor 70 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.3" | The Honor 70 provides a larger viewing area, great for media consumption, while the Pixel 9 Pro offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1280x2856 | The Pixel 9 Pro's significantly higher resolution results in a much sharper and clearer image, especially noticeable for detailed content and small text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 495 | Pixel 9 Pro's higher PPI provides a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use OLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Pixel has a much brighter display with higher contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, though the Pixel is brighter. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The Pixel 9 Pro's much higher brightness makes it significantly easier to view outdoors under direct sunlight. The Honor 70 will struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | The Pixel 9 Pro's newer chipset is built on a more efficient process (4 nm vs 6 nm), leading to better performance and energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,148,512 | The Pixel 9 Pro demonstrates nearly twice the processing power of the Honor 70, making it much faster for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G715 MC7 | The Pixel 9 Pro’s GPU is expected to handle graphics-intensive tasks much more efficiently, providing smoother gaming and video editing experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800 | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" Samsung GNK | The Honor 70 has higher resolution on paper but the Pixel 9 Pro has a larger sensor with a wider aperture which will provide superior low light performance, higher dynamic range and better bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4 | 42MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 9 Pro has higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies in various lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8 | Pixel 9 Pro has a telephoto lens for superior optical zoom capabilities, while Honor 70 lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | None | The Honor 70 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes, while the Pixel 9 Pro lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Pixel 9 Pro lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 Pro has a wide-angle + macro lens which will be more versatile than the dedicated macros lens on the Honor 70 and has a wider aperture. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | The Pixel 9 Pro offers a more advanced video recording experience, including higher resolution up to 8K and advanced stabilization features, while Honor 70 only offers 4k at 30fps with electronic stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4700mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable endurance, though the Pixel 9 Pro's more efficient processor may give it a slight edge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging, 21W Wireless Charging | The Honor 70 charges much faster, but the Pixel 9 Pro offers the added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Both offer reverse charging, but the Pixel 9 Pro offers an additional convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Pixel 9 Pro offers a newer version of Android and will be supported for longer, while the Honor 70 is running an older version. |
| Max OS version | N/A | Android 21 | The Pixel 9 Pro will receive OS updates to Android 21, whilst the Honor 70 won't go past Android 12, so the Pixel 9 Pro is definitely the better buy for long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 9 Pro has newer Wi-Fi standard offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Pixel 9 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth version offering slightly better range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | The Pixel 9 Pro provides more accurate location data through support for additional satellite systems and L1 band. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 9 Pro offers the flexibility of using eSIM for multiple carriers, while Honor 70 only offers two physical Nano SIMs. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | The Pixel 9 Pro offers a 1TB option providing more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 16GB | Pixel 9 Pro comes with more RAM, which is better for heavy multitasking, gaming and more performance-intensive activities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Both phones offer stereo speakers but the Pixel 9 Pro includes noise-cancelling microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Pixel 9 Pro has a more durable screen with more scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with more environmental sensors including a barometer for altimeter and atmospheric data, as well as magnetometer and more accurate compass. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.67" screen is great for those who prioritize media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is significantly faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall.
- Macro Camera: Has a dedicated macro camera.
- Lower weight: At only 178g it is much lighter than the Pixel 9 Pro for long usage times.
Honor 70 Weaknesses:
- Older Processor: The Snapdragon 778G+ is less powerful than the Tensor G4.
- Lower Display Brightness: Struggles in direct sunlight.
- Less Advanced Camera: Lacks advanced features such as optical zoom and OIS.
- Older Software: Ships with Android 12, and will not receive further updates.
- Lacks Screen protection: Missing premium screen protection such as the Gorilla Glass on the Pixel 9 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper, and much brighter.
- Flagship Performance: The Tensor G4 chipset delivers significantly better performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Features such as telephoto lens with optical zoom and OIS, make it extremely versatile.
- More up to date and better Software: Ships with Android 14 and will receive Android updates until Android 21, and all Google's software additions.
- Wireless Charging: Features wireless charging and a more reliable build.
- Improved Connectivity: Offers the newest standard for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth (5.3).
- Better Build Quality: Includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better screen protection.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Weaknesses:
- Smaller Display: The 6.3" display might feel small for some users who want a larger screen.
- Slower Charging: Its charging speed is slower than the Honor 70.
- No dedicated wide angle lens: Although the Pixel 9 Pro has a very similar combined wide angle and macro, it is not a dedicated camera lens.
Competitive Advantages and Trade-offs:
The Honor 70 excels in display size and charging speed. However, it sacrifices processing power, camera versatility, and overall build quality compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro prioritizes performance, a superior display, and advanced camera features, but with a smaller screen and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption, fast charging for quick top-ups, and do not need a top-of-the-line camera or the latest software.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, watching videos, and general use cases where a larger screen is preferred.
- Price-to-Value: If price is a major concern and a large screen experience is needed it could be a good option, but only if you are not concerned with software updates, display quality and camera performance.
Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, gamers, or anyone who needs a flagship phone with top-tier performance and a great camera.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography, gaming, content creation, professional use cases where a top-tier camera, performance and a better screen are important.
- Price-to-Value: The Pixel 9 Pro would have a better price-to-value ratio given the better performance, camera, software, and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these two phones, consider these questions:
- Display Preference: Do you value a larger display (Honor 70) or a higher resolution, brighter screen (Pixel 9 Pro)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a flagship-level performance for gaming and other resource-intensive tasks (Pixel 9 Pro), or is a midrange performance enough (Honor 70)?
- Camera Priorities: Is having a highly versatile and capable camera with advanced features like optical zoom important to you (Pixel 9 Pro), or are you content with a good all-around camera (Honor 70)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Media Lover: If you watch a lot of videos and want a larger display, the Honor 70 might be appealing. However, consider that the Pixel 9 Pro has a higher resolution and a brighter screen.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Pixel 9 Pro is the clear choice with its advanced camera features, better dynamic range, and overall versatility.
- Casual User: If you are not concerned about the camera, performance, display brightness or getting the newest software, the Honor 70 would be a good option as it is cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro.
- Power User: The Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice due to its superior processing power, better software, and top-tier features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would definitely go for the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Pixel 9 Pro's newer chipset, superior display, advanced camera, and longer software support make it a much better long-term investment.
- Superior Performance: The performance gap is significant, and as someone who uses my phone for everything (gaming, photography, and work), the Pixel 9 Pro's processing power would handle everything I throw at it.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto zoom and advanced video features are major plus points, allowing me to be more creative and capture quality shots in different situations.
- Display Quality: The brighter, crisper, more vibrant and higher resolution display is a huge factor for me.
- Overall Experience: Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a more complete and refined user experience, which makes it the clear winner. The trade-offs are worth it for me.
While the Honor 70 might appeal to users with a specific preference for a larger display or faster charging, the Pixel 9 Pro provides a more rounded and advanced experience. It is the better choice for anyone who wants a flagship phone with the best performance, camera, and overall experience.
