Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Honor X8b. We've got two interesting contenders here, each with its own set of strengths. I'll be your guide, breaking down the specs and translating them into what they actually mean for your day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor 70 | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Honor X8b is slightly wider but noticeably thinner; might feel sleeker in hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 166g | Honor X8b is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Almost identical screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Near-identical resolution; expect similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Pixel density is virtually the same; displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are high-quality display tech; expect vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Honor 70's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b's display will be significantly brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Honor 70's chip is significantly more powerful, supporting 5G; Honor X8b limited to 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 250,000 | Honor 70 provides a much smoother, faster experience; better for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 610 | Honor 70 has superior graphical capabilities for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP (f/1.9) | 108MP (f/1.75) | Honor X8b has higher resolution, wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4) | 50MP (f/2.1) | Honor X8b has higher resolution, wider aperture for brighter selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Honor 70's wide-angle lens is significantly superior. |
| Macro | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Honor 70 shoots higher quality videos (4K), useful for more cinematic footage. |
| DxoMark | 115 (Mobile) | N/A | Honor 70's camera has been tested for mobile performance, X8b is not. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery for a bit more usage per charge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast | 35W Fast | Honor 70 charges much faster, less time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Honor 70 offers reverse charging, can top up other devices. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor 70: The Honor 70 is a clear winner in the performance and multimedia categories. It boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset, which translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking capabilities. Its 120Hz display and superior video recording capabilities make it a multimedia powerhouse. The better wide angle lens is a big plus. The faster 66W charging is also a convenient feature.
- Honor X8b: This phone comes with a more recent release date and is designed with a focus on visual quality and design. The AMOLED display’s 2000 nits brightness and the enhanced 108MP main camera with its wider f/1.75 aperture suggest better performance in challenging lighting conditions. The front camera resolution and aperture are improved as well. It's slimmer and lighter, which might appeal to those who prioritize portability.
Trade-offs:
- The Honor 70 has superior performance, faster charging, and better multimedia capabilities, but may not be as bright in direct sunlight and has a less impressive main camera compared to the X8b.
- The Honor X8b boasts a superior display brightness and a higher-resolution main and selfie camera but is less capable in terms of performance, charging speed, and wide angle lens. It also lacks the advanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, as well as the better video features found in the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70: Best for power users, gamers, and multimedia enthusiasts. If you frequently use your phone for gaming, editing videos, or any demanding application, the Honor 70 is the more suitable choice. It's also ideal for those who value quick charging and a more advanced display experience. Its 5G capability is a bonus for faster internet speeds and future-proofing.
- Honor X8b: Ideal for users who prioritize style and great screen visuals, especially in bright environments. If you value a bright screen for outdoor use and good camera performance in terms of resolution (though not necessarily image quality), and prefer a sleek, light design, the X8b is a solid contender.
Use Cases:
- Honor 70: Gaming, video editing, streaming content, intensive multitasking, faster content downloading on 5G network.
- Honor X8b: Social media, photography, outdoor use, reading, casual browsing, everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the Honor 70 is the clear winner.
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If yes, the superior screen brightness of the Honor X8b could be a game-changer.
- What is your primary use case? If you are a gamer, choose the Honor 70. If you want great selfies and mainly use your phone outdoors, the Honor X8b might be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: Honor 70. Its powerful chipset, higher refresh rate, and better GPU will deliver a superior gaming experience.
- For the Casual User Who Loves Taking Photos: The Honor X8b is an option, but only if you prioritize higher resolution. The Honor 70 with it’s tested and well performing sensor is also an option.
- For the Frequent Traveler: Consider the Honor 70 if you need better performance and are fine with slightly less screen brightness. The 66W charging is also a great asset.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Honor 70. While the Honor X8b's brighter display and higher-resolution cameras are enticing, the overall performance and multimedia capabilities of the Honor 70 are more important to me. I value the smoother experience that the Snapdragon 778G+ provides, the higher refresh rate display for seamless navigation, and 4K video recording for creative projects. Plus, the faster charging and 5G compatibility are very appealing. While the X8b would perform better in direct sunlight, the tradeoffs are too big to ignore. I appreciate both phones, but as a tech journalist who uses their phone for various performance and multimedia related tasks, the Honor 70 suits my needs better.
