Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Motorola Moto G73. As a tech journalist with a keen interest in how technology shapes our daily lives, I'll focus on the practical implications of these two smartphones, moving beyond the spec sheet to what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key technical differences, presented in a way that translates tech jargon into real-world implications:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | Similar size and shape; Moto G73 is slightly thicker, but not enough to make a huge difference in the hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 181g | Virtually identical weight; Both phones will feel light and comfortable in your pocket or hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Honor 70 gives you a bit more screen real estate for videos and browsing; The Moto G73 is a hair more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both deliver sharp, detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Virtually identical pixel density: Both screens look crisp and clear. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Honor 70 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast, making visuals more immersive. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and transitions; great for gaming and media consumption. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness on paper, but the OLED screen on the Honor 70 will look better in bright sunlight due to higher contrast. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Honor 70's Snapdragon is a bit faster in benchmarks leading to slightly quicker performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 497,466 | Honor 70 should feel snappier overall in regular use and during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | IMG BXM-8-256 | Different GPU configurations will perform slightly differently; Honor 70 should offer better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G73 has a slightly bigger battery for potentially longer use between charges; the difference is not huge. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Honor 70 charges much faster, saving you valuable time; a quick top-up will have a more significant effect. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Honor 70's reverse charging feature lets you top up other devices in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX800, 1/1.49", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Honor 70 captures more detail and should perform slightly better in low light due to the larger sensor. Moto G73 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OV32C, 1/3.2", 0.70µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel size | Honor 70’s higher resolution will produce more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Honor 70 provides far more detail in wide-angle shots; expect higher quality wide-angle images. Moto G73 has a larger pixel size on its sensor |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Honor 70 can capture close-up macro shots; Moto G73 cannot. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 960 fps slow-mo | 1080p@60fps, up to 240 fps slow-mo | Honor 70 captures higher resolution video, suitable for vlogging or more professional shots and can do more extreme slow-mo videos. |
| DxOMark | Main: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Not Tested | Honor 70 has been tested and scores well in photos and videos. Moto G73 has not been tested, making the Honor 70 more reliable on the camera capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Moto G73 comes with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and potential security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, ensuring fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Moto G73 has the slightly newer Bluetooth standard; both offer excellent wireless audio capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, B1, NavIC | Motorola has more GPS standards, which leads to higher precision and reliability when using GPS services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both phones allow using two SIM cards; both offer excellent cellular coverage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Honor 70 offers a 512 GB option; both devices give sufficient storage for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8 GB | Honor 70 provides up to 12GB RAM, which allows for more apps to be open simultaneously and helps with more heavy gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have stereo speakers; Moto G73 supports Dolby Atmos for a better and more immersive sound, and improved voice capture through 2 microphones, while Honor 70 has Hi-Res audio for higher-quality sound reproduction. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola's side-mounted sensor tends to be more convenient and faster. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Honor 70 additionally features a Gyroscope for enhanced gaming and AR experiences; both have comprehensive sensor suites |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar build quality, but lack specific information on the screen protection technology |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Honor 70:
- Strengths: A superior OLED display, a more powerful Snapdragon chipset, better camera system with a larger main sensor, a high resolution selfie camera, a dedicated macro camera, 4k video recording with EIS, and faster 66W charging.
- Advantages: A more vibrant screen for media consumption, smoother overall performance, better image and video quality, and noticeably quicker charging.
- Trade-offs: Older Android version out of the box and potentially slightly less battery life.
Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths: A newer version of Android, a slightly larger battery, more GPS standards for higher precision, better audio due to Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones, and a more convenient fingerprint sensor.
- Advantages: The newest Android OS is more up-to-date, slightly better battery endurance, and higher GPS reliability in comparison to the Honor 70.
- Trade-offs: An IPS LCD instead of OLED, a less capable chipset, a lower-resolution camera system, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, and performance. Great for social media enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who consumes a lot of media on their phone.
- Motorola Moto G73: A better choice for users looking for a longer battery life, the most up-to-date OS with Android 13, improved voice capture, or who value a robust GPS system. Great for outdoorsy people, long travel, and phone calls, plus people who are always using the latest technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality for you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, the Honor 70's OLED display is a clear winner.
- Do you prioritize camera quality, especially for videos? If capturing high-quality photos and videos is your priority, the Honor 70's superior camera specs are a major advantage.
- How important is the most up-to-date version of Android and GPS precision? If you value a newer Android version and robust GPS system, Moto G73 will be a better fit for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Buff: If you watch a lot of videos or play graphically demanding games, the Honor 70 is the better choice, thanks to its OLED display and stronger chipset.
- The Social Media Enthusiast: The Honor 70 is the winner here as it offers higher-quality photos and videos and excels in selfies and wide-angle shots.
- The Outdoors Adventurer: The Motorola Moto G73 provides slightly better battery life, higher precision GPS and a more up-to-date OS for long trips in areas with poor cellular coverage.
- The Value-Conscious User: If you prioritize having the latest software and the best GPS capabilities without breaking the bank the Moto G73 is the clear choice.
My Choice
If I had to pick one of these devices for myself, I would choose the Honor 70. While the Motorola G73 has its strong suits, especially with the updated operating system and its GPS, the Honor 70's OLED display is the main winner, coupled with a more powerful chipset, better camera system and 66W fast charging. These advantages align more with my daily habits and needs and provide a more premium experience, despite the slightly older version of Android.
