Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Huawei nova 11. These two mid-range contenders pack a punch, but they have distinct strengths. Let's break it down like we're chatting over coffee, looking at the real-world implications of all this tech.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the Honor 70 and Huawei nova 11, translating the jargon into practical terms.
| Feature | Honor 70 | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm | Nova 11 is slightly wider, but notably thinner; Honor 70 is a touch bulkier, might feel different in hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 168g | Nova 11 is lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones, neither foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually the same viewing experience, a negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Minor resolution difference, both offer sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 391 PPI | Both displays are very crisp, indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Nova 11 has dramatically brighter screen that is better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Honor 70's "+" variant offers a slight performance edge and 5G support, while nova 11 is limited to 4G |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 587,561 | Performance is nearly identical, good for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Both use the same GPU, similar gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP f/1.9, Sony IMX800, 1.0µm | 50MP f/1.9 | Honor 70 has slightly higher resolution and a superior sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.4, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C, 0.7µm | 60MP f/2.4, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A, 0.61µm | Huawei nova 11 has a much higher resolution sensor, might deliver better selfies in certain conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 | N/A | Honor 70 includes an extra wide-angle lens for broader photos; Nova 11 has a wide + Macro Lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Honor 70 offers a dedicated Macro lens; Nova 11 has a wide + macro camera |
| Wide Angle + Macro lens | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Huawei nova 11 wide + macro lens provides a different setup than Honor 70 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 720p@960fps (EIS) | Honor 70 records videos at higher resolution, while both use EIS for smoother recordings; both have slow-motion |
| DXOMark | 115 (Photo 115, Video 129) | N/A | Honor 70 has decent real world tested camera perfomance |
| Camera Features | Triple, 4K Video, EIS, Night Mode etc. | Dual, 4K Video, PDAF etc. | Both have robust feature sets, slight differences in focus systems and number of cameras |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both charge rapidly, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Both support reverse charging for accessories and have non-removable batteries for slim designs |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Honor 70 uses Android 12; Huawei nova 11 is not specified, which could mean its own HarmonyOS version. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have good Bluetooth versions for reliable wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, NavIC System etc. | Huawei nova 11 supports more satellite systems for better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow for two SIM cards, handy for travel or work-life balance. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | Same options available, plenty of storage for most users. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB/12 GB | 6 GB/8 GB/12 GB | Both offer options for multitasking; 12GB handles heavy loads. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for external storage, consider your storage needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Honor 70 has slightly better audio for audiophiles, both feature good stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Gravity | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite, with the nova 11 featuring a Gravity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Superior Main Camera: The 54MP Sony IMX800 sensor gives it an edge in image quality.
- Higher Video Quality: Records up to 4K, which is great for content creators.
- 5G Connectivity: Better for future-proofing and faster downloads.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Might last a bit longer on a single charge.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for music lovers.
- Additional Lenses: Offers a separate Wide Angle and Macro lens which is suitable for different styles.
Huawei nova 11 Strengths:
- Thinner and Lighter Design: More comfortable to carry around.
- Brighter Display: Superior visibility in sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Takes better selfies with a much higher res sensor.
- More Accurate GPS: Ideal for navigation and location-based apps.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: More versatile camera setup if you prefer flexibility.
- Gravity sensor: Suitable for more advanced gaming.
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: Slightly bulkier design and lacks the brighter screen, might struggle in direct sunlight.
- Huawei nova 11: No 5G, lower video recording resolutions and no dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70 is Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality, particularly the main sensor and low-light capabilities.
- Content Creators: Users who need 4K video recording.
- Future-Proofers: People who want 5G connectivity.
- Audiophiles: Those who require a dedicated Hi-Res audio quality.
- General Users: Those who prefer a more traditional camera system, with separate wide angle and macro lens.
- Huawei nova 11 is Ideal For:
- Style-Conscious Users: Those who value a slim, lightweight design.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who rely on accurate navigation and GPS.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who want higher-quality selfie cameras.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display for sunlight legibility.
- Gamer: Those who need the gravity sensor for advanced gaming.
- Versatile Photographers: Those who need the wide and macro lens on one lens.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
Do you prioritize camera quality, particularly for videos and low-light performance? If yes, the Honor 70 may be better due to its main camera with a larger sensor, higher video resolution and dedicated macro and wide lens.
Do you value a slim, lightweight design and a bright screen for outdoor use? If yes, the Huawei nova 11 could be more appealing.
Do you need 5G connectivity and do you prefer separate macro and wide angle lens? If yes, the Honor 70 is a better choice. Or do you prefer better GPS, and a bright display and 2 in 1 wide+macro lens? If yes, the Huawei Nova 11 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Traveling and Photography - If capturing high-quality photos and videos of your travels is a top priority, then go for the Honor 70, as it provides a versatile camera system and 4K video.
Scenario 2: Daily Use, Style and Outdoor Visibility - For everyday use, combined with style, outdoor visibility, and great selfies, the Huawei nova 11 is better.
Scenario 3: Gaming and Future-Proofing - If you want the slightly better processor and 5G support, then opt for the Honor 70, but if you need more accurate GPS and Gravity sensor, go with the Huawei Nova 11.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would lean towards the Honor 70. While the Huawei nova 11 has a few appealing features, particularly its brighter screen and slimmer design, the Honor 70 packs a superior main camera, 4K video recording, and 5G support that make it a more well-rounded phone for my needs. I also value the separate macro and wide angle lens and the Hi-Res Audio. Although it lacks a few sensors, its overall features and performance cater to my needs better.
