Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Motorola Edge (2022). I'm going to break down the tech specs into something we can all wrap our heads around, focusing on how these numbers translate to real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, side-by-side, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2022-09-22 | Motorola is a bit newer, which could mean slightly more up-to-date software features out of the box. |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | Very similar size, both are easy to handle, with the Edge being marginally shorter but a hair wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 178g | 170g | Motorola Edge (2022) is slightly lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Both offer immersive displays, with a very minor size difference that's unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both deliver sharp and clear visuals; ideal for media consumption and browsing. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Both have similar pixel densities ensuring crisp text and detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's higher refresh rate provides a slightly smoother scrolling and gaming experience, although the difference might be subtle. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither has a defined brightness rating, which can make comparisons tricky but also not a differentiating factor. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Both are capable mid-range chips; the Snapdragon tends to offer strong, reliable performance with a focus on efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 522,375 | Honor 70 edges out in benchmarks, translating to potentially smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Different GPU configurations; both are capable but might perform differently in specific graphical tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Motorola has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges much faster, a significant convenience for those always on the go. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Motorola Edge (2022) has wireless charging capability, a handy addition. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50A) | Honor 70 has higher resolution, while Motorola has a slightly wider aperture and slightly smaller sensor; both should take great shots. |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2" OV32C) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Both offer high-resolution selfies, with a very marginal advantage in aperture on the Honor 70. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/1.5, 1.12µm pixel size) | Honor 70 offers a much higher resolution wide angle lens, great for landscape photos. Motorola offers a wider aperture. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 20MP (f/2.4, 1/2.83" OV24B1Q, 0.9µm) | Motorola has a much higher resolution macro sensor, useful for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@120fps | Both record up to 4K, Motorola has faster 1080 recording. Both include EIS but the Motorola has a definitive "Yes" in regards to its use. |
| DXOMARK | 115 (Mobile), Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Not Available | Honor 70 has a decent camera rating according to DXOMARK, while the Motorola Edge (2022) hasn't been tested. |
| Camera Features | RAW, Night Mode, Ultra Stable | OIS, PDAF | Each has unique advantages; Honor's include RAW capture and better night modes, while Motorola offers optical image stabilization and better autofocus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Upgrade to 13) | Motorola offers one future OS update, while Honor's upgrade path is not detailed, which can be important for longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Both have modern WiFi standards, Honor with additional MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE | Honor 70 supports better audio codecs for high quality bluetooth. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola includes eSIM support, offering more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Honor 70 offers a higher storage capacity variant. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Honor 70 can be configured with more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Motorola offers an enhanced spatial audio experience, while Honor provides Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Sensor | Basic Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola's screen has better scratch resistance than the Honor, which is not protected. |
| Sensors | Standard Set | Standard Set, Barometer, Magnetometer | Motorola includes extra sensors for better gaming and environmental tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70:
- Strengths: The Honor 70 shines with its superior performance, faster charging, a higher-resolution main and wide-angle camera, and the option for more storage and RAM. Its Hi-Res audio and good DXOMARK rating make it a good choice for media consumption.
- Advantages: It offers a better balance of power and media consumption capabilities, alongside very fast charging and good camera output for the price.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the extra sensors and slightly weaker display protection.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: Motorola's offering stands out with its smoother 144Hz display, larger battery, wireless charging capability, and better macro camera. It has also a more future proof software support and better overall audio profile.
- Advantages: The Motorola Edge is tailored for those who value smoother scrolling, reliable battery life, wireless charging and a complete sensor suite.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging speed and lacks the raw power and camera resolution of the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Gaming/Multitasking): The Honor 70 is a better fit. Its superior performance, faster charging, and potentially more RAM make it ideal for handling demanding games and heavy multitasking.
- For the Media Enthusiast (Video/Photos): The Honor 70 shines due to its higher resolution cameras and good DXOMARK rating. However, the Motorola is not far behind and offers a better and faster refresh screen. It would depend if you take more videos or photos.
- For the On-The-Go User (Long Battery Life): The Motorola Edge (2022) is the better choice. Its larger battery combined with wireless charging can keep you going longer through the day.
- For the Budget-Conscious User (Value): Both phones offer great features for their price point. The Honor 70 is a more "premium" phone, but the Motorola Edge (2022) offers great value for money with its wireless charging, larger battery and smoother display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and fast charging above all else?
- If yes, go with the Honor 70.
- Do you prefer smoother animations, longer battery life, and wireless charging?
- If yes, opt for the Motorola Edge (2022).
- Is a higher resolution camera a key factor for you?
- If yes, the Honor 70 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: You're a student or young professional who uses their phone constantly throughout the day for work and entertainment:
- Recommendation: The Honor 70 with its faster charging is the better choice, as you can quickly top up your device, keeping you productive.
Scenario 2: You are a frequent traveller who values battery life and multimedia capabilities:
- Recommendation: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the best fit. Its larger battery ensures you can stay powered up.
Scenario 3: You are a serious mobile gamer who demands top performance and the smoothest gameplay:
- Recommendation: The Honor 70 stands out with better benchmarks and is better suited for playing demanding games.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Honor 70. While the Motorola Edge (2022) is a great phone, my personal preference is performance, fast charging and better camera quality, all of which the Honor 70 excels at. The slightly better benchmarks are important for me, and I would prefer a higher-resolution main and wide-angle camera. The ability to get a full charge in a short amount of time is also a significant advantage for my busy lifestyle. Additionally, despite the lack of screen protection, I am careful with my phones, and would rather prioritize a better camera sensor and performance.
In short, the Honor 70 aligns more closely with my priorities, and I think it would be a great companion. However, it is important to evaluate the pros and cons of each phone and pick the one that better suits each individual's needs.
