Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. These two mid-range contenders pack quite a punch, but understanding their nuances is key to choosing the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, along with the practical implications for everyday users:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm, 178g | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm, 188g | Huawei slightly larger and heavier; Honor 70 feels a touch more compact and lighter for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | Huawei has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2652 | Huawei's higher resolution means sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 395 | 429 | Huawei’s higher PPI results in slightly sharper details; finer details in visual content. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent contrast and power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth, fluid experience, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Huawei nova 11 Pro is far more visible in direct sunlight; Honor 70 display lacks a brightness rating in the specs. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Snapdragon 778G 4G | Honor 70 offers slightly better performance and has 5G support; Huawei is limited to 4G, which might be a deal breaker for some. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 592,297 | Both perform similarly; handles daily tasks and moderate gaming with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Identical graphics performance; smooth gameplay in most titles at moderate settings. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Huawei nova 11 Pro charges significantly faster, a real time-saver. |
| Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | Both offer the flexibility to charge other devices; standard battery build. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 54MP f/1.9, Sony IMX800 | 50MP f/1.9 | Honor 70 has slightly higher resolution and a superior sensor, offering better dynamic range. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.4, OV32C, 1/3.2" | 60MP f/2.4, OV60A, 1/2.8" | Huawei has a much higher resolution and a larger sensor; better for detailed selfies and low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 | Not included | Honor 70 offers a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not included | Honor 70 provides additional macro shooting capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not included | 8MP f/2.2 | Huawei Nova 11 Pro offers a combined wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K 30fps | Up to 720p 960fps | Honor 70 shoots higher quality video with its 4k capabilities; Huawei nova 11 Pro boasts high frame rates with 720p. |
| DXOMARK | 115 (main), 129 (video) | Not Available | Honor 70's camera is tested, offering some insight into the quality; Huawei's camera lacks external validation. |
| Features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Dual camera, PDAF, dual front camera | Honor 70 focuses on versatility with a triple camera setup. Huawei offers dual cameras with phase detection autofocus for speedy focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | Huawei’s OS is unspecified, which might limit access to certain Google services. Honor 70 provides a more open ecosystem. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band | Both offer similar modern Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have modern Bluetooth for efficient audio streaming. |
| GPS | Standard suite | Enhanced suite | Huawei has better GPS functionality with more satellite support for enhanced location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both offer ample storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Both are well-equipped for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Honor 70 offers a more premium audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors for secure access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Gravity | Huawei nova 11 Pro has a gravity sensor for more robust motion detection. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset ensures faster network speeds.
- Versatile Camera System: The triple-camera setup, especially the 50MP wide-angle lens, offers greater flexibility in photography.
- High-Quality Video: 4K recording capabilities make it suitable for content creators.
- Hi-Res Audio: Superior sound quality for audio enthusiasts.
- Android Ecosystem: The open Android ecosystem offers more flexibility with Google services.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Strengths:
- Stunning Display: Higher resolution and much better brightness for excellent visibility in any lighting conditions.
- Superior Selfie Camera: The 60MP front-facing camera with a larger sensor results in high-quality selfies.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging drastically reduces the time needed to recharge.
- Enhanced GPS: Better location accuracy, which is ideal for navigation and tracking.
- Gravity Sensor: A gravity sensor is included for more robust motion detection and other features.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Honor 70: Display brightness is unknown; while it supports 4K video, it seems to lack the 960 fps slow-motion capabilities of the nova 11 Pro.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro: Lacks 5G support, the OS is unknown, and the rear camera is not as versatile. Its video recording capabilities seem inferior to the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who need 5G speeds for browsing, downloads, and streaming.
- Photo and Video Creators: Users who appreciate a versatile camera system and high-quality video recording.
- Audio Lovers: Those who appreciate the Hi-Res Audio feature.
- Android Purists: Users who prioritize an open ecosystem and access to Google services.
Huawei nova 11 Pro is best for:
- Selfie Lovers: Users who prioritize a high-resolution front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who would benefit from the faster charging speeds and better GPS accuracy.
- Outdoor Users: Users who will appreciate the brighter display in sunlight.
- Fast Paced Users: Those who appreciate a slightly improved display experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these two phones:
- How important is 5G connectivity for you? If 5G is critical, the Honor 70 is the clear choice. If not, the Huawei is still a contender.
- Do you prioritize selfie quality and fast charging, or video quality and versatility in rear cameras? The answer will point you to either the Huawei or Honor, respectively.
- Do you value an open Android ecosystem? Honor 70 provides access to the Google Play Store while the Huawei nova 11 Pro's OS is unspecified.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a social media influencer who loves taking high-quality selfies and needs quick charging, go for the Huawei nova 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2: If you're a content creator that values versatile cameras, high-quality video, and excellent audio, the Honor 70 is your pick.
- Scenario 3: For a tech-savvy user who wants a balance between performance, connectivity, and versatility, the Honor 70 has a slight edge due to 5G and the open Android ecosystem.
- Scenario 4: If the most important is visibility under bright sunlight and you are not using 5G often, Huawei Nova 11 Pro will do a great job.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Honor 70. The slightly better rear camera and 4K video capabilities, coupled with 5G support and Hi-Res Audio, make it more appealing to me for creative and tech-forward usage. The open Android ecosystem is important to me as well. While the Huawei's brighter screen and front-facing camera are tempting, the lack of 5G and the unknown OS are significant drawbacks for my use case. The Honor 70 provides a well-rounded experience that more closely aligns with my needs.
