Alright, let's dive deep into the Honor 70 and Motorola Edge 40 Pro. I'm going to put on my tech journalist hat and break this down for you like we're just chatting over coffee, but with all the technical details you'd expect from a seasoned engineer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what it all means for you, the user:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2023-04-04 | The Edge 40 Pro is about 10 months newer, likely incorporating more recent advancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones with no foldable features. |
| Physical Size | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | Similar dimensions, but the Edge 40 Pro is slightly thicker which might impact how it feels in your hand. The 70 is a tiny bit taller than the Edge 40 Pro. |
| Weight | 178g | 199g | The Honor 70 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both have the same large screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical screen sharpness - expect the same level of detail on both phones. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Practically the same screen clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | The Edge 40 Pro is noticeably smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Edge 40 Pro is much brighter, providing significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Edge 40 Pro is significantly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,532,500 | The Edge 40 Pro benchmark results are over 155% faster which gives you far better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 | The Edge 40 Pro has a more powerful GPU, meaning better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4600mAh | The Honor 70 has a marginally larger battery, but the difference in real-world battery life is likely small. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 125W fast charging | The Edge 40 Pro charges much faster, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging | 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging, Non-removable | The Edge 40 Pro offers both wireless and wired reverse charging capabilities for greater flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP f/1.9, 1/1.49" sensor | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | The Honor 70 has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, but the Edge 40 Pro has a wider aperture. In practice they will be close but with different flavors. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.4, 1/3.2" sensor | 60MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | The Edge 40 Pro has a significantly higher-resolution and a larger sensor which should provide a boost in image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP f/1.6, 1/2.93" sensor | The Edge 40 Pro has an additional telephoto camera for zooming capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | Comparable wide angle capabilities though with different sensors. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | The Honor 70 includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | The Edge 40 Pro has a clear edge with higher resolution and HDR recording. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 130 | The Edge 40 Pro scores higher on DXOMark, especially in photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradeable to 16 | The Edge 40 Pro has a newer OS which provides more features and a longer support window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Edge 40 Pro uses the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Edge 40 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Edge 40 Pro has better GPS capabilities for accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 40 Pro has an eSIM for digital flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512 GB | The Honor 70 gives the option for 128 GB while both max out at 512 GB |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 12 GB | The Edge 40 Pro has a consistent 12 GB of RAM which means better multitasking for everyone. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The Edge 40 Pro offers a slight edge with its enhanced spatial audio, superior voice capture, and better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint security technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 40 Pro gives much greater screen protection from scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both phones have the usual suite of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70:
- Strengths: Its main appeal lies in its sleek, light design and that it has a very decent camera. The lower weight means that it is more comfortable to hold for long periods. The main camera also has a larger sensor than the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, while the screen is slightly brighter.
- Competitive Advantages: The Honor 70 has a macro camera and slightly larger battery. It is a good choice for people who prioritize style and photography.
- Trade-offs: It falls short in performance and screen quality compared to the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, it uses older technology.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Strengths: This is a powerhouse with top-tier performance, an amazing display, and great cameras, all coupled with super fast charging. It has an overall premium feel.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge 40 Pro boasts the latest chipset, a higher refresh rate, superior screen brightness, a telephoto lens, and faster charging. It excels at everything, especially gaming, media consumption, and demanding tasks.
- Trade-offs: It's a bit heavier and lacks a dedicated macro camera. It is a bit more expensive as it sits in the higher-end of devices.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70 is Ideal for:
- Style-conscious users: Those who prioritize a lightweight and attractive design.
- Everyday photographers: People looking for a capable main camera and some extra macro lens functionality.
- Budget-minded buyers: Individuals seeking a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank.
- Casual gamers: Users who play less demanding games and are not pushing the limits of the phone’s hardware
Motorola Edge 40 Pro is Ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
- Media enthusiasts: People who value a smooth and vibrant display for videos and gaming.
- Photography buffs: Those seeking the best possible image quality and versatile camera options including a telephoto lens.
- Users who want future-proofed devices: The latest OS and features make it a good option if you plan on keeping your phone for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is top-tier performance? If you are a gamer or a user who needs speed and the ability to multi-task, the Edge 40 Pro is the clear winner. If you are more of a casual user and don't need the fastest phone out there, the Honor 70 is a solid choice.
- What is your budget? The Edge 40 Pro comes at a higher price, while the Honor 70 offers a more cost-effective option. The price is the biggest decision point here.
- Which features do you prioritize? If a lightweight design and a macro lens are must-haves, go for the Honor 70. If you need the best display, telephoto zoom, top performance, and the latest standards, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro wins.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Gamer: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro. Its superior chipset, GPU, and refresh rate provide an unparalleled gaming experience.
- The Casual User: The Honor 70. It offers a good balance of features and style at a more affordable price.
- The Mobile Photographer: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro for more versatility. The Honor 70 is still good for casual picture taking.
- The Heavy Multi-tasker: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro due to its ample RAM and performance.
My Choice and Why
If it were me, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While I appreciate the lighter design of the Honor 70, I'm a sucker for cutting-edge technology, and the Edge 40 Pro’s performance boost, superior screen, and better camera versatility are just too compelling to ignore. The extra cost is justified for the added power and longevity, I prefer to buy less frequently and always have top-tier performance. I also value the faster charging, which is useful in real-world use.
The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is a true flagship in almost every sense. The Honor 70 is a decent device, but the Edge 40 Pro’s capabilities make it the more practical choice for me.
