Okay, let's break down the Honor 70 and Nothing Phone (1), putting on my tech journalist hat and getting into the nitty-gritty. We'll go beyond the spec sheets and look at what these numbers mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | The Honor 70 is taller and thinner; Nothing Phone (1) is wider and slightly thicker, making Honor 70 feel more pocketable but both are comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 178g | 193.5g | Honor 70 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue over extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) provides superior screen protection, likely making it more durable against scratches and impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Honor 70 provides a slightly larger canvas for media and gaming, but the difference is subtle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; the same resolution on slightly different screen sizes gives almost the same pixel density (sharpness). |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Virtually identical pixel density, so visual clarity is comparable. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED panels, resulting in rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly better outdoor visibility with higher brightness, ensuring comfortable readability under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Identical processors mean similar performance levels in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 624,253 | Negligible performance difference, both phones handle tasks smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Graphics performance is the same, ensuring similar gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" (Sony IMX800) | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" (Sony IMX766) | Honor 70 has a larger sensor that captures more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance. Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" (Omnivision OV32C) | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" (Sony IMX471) | Honor 70's higher megapixel count allows for more detailed selfies; Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly wider aperture and a bigger sensor. |
| Wide-Angle | 50MP, f/2.2 | - | Honor 70 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. Nothing Phone (1) uses its primary sensor for wide angle shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. Nothing Phone (1) uses its wide-angle for close up. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | - | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" (Samsung S5KJN1) | Nothing Phone (1) uses its 50MP for wide-angle and Macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR & EIS | Both offer crisp 4K video recording but Nothing Phone (1) captures HDR video. Both have EIS but only Nothing Phone (1) has Optical Stabilization (OIS). |
| DXOMark | Overall: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | - | Honor 70’s camera scores show good performance, but Nothing Phone (1) hasn't been tested by DxOMark, making a direct comparison difficult. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, which may result in longer battery life in practice. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 5W, No charger in box | Nothing Phone (1) offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, but does not include a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both start with Android 12, but Nothing Phone (1) gets updates up to version 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Both offer great wireless audio connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) supports more satellite systems, potentially providing better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Honor 70 offers a 512 GB variant for heavy users who require more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM options for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Honor 70 offers Hi-Res audio capabilities, while Nothing Phone (1) boasts 3 microphones, which is better for audio recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security features. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; RGB | Nothing Phone (1) has a dedicated RGB sensor for more accurate color readings. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor 70: This phone shines with its larger sensor main camera, dedicated wide-angle and macro cameras, larger battery, and significantly faster charging. The Hi-Res audio is a nice bonus for audiophiles. It is also slightly lighter.
- Nothing Phone (1): It stands out with its innovative transparent design, brighter display (crucial for outdoor visibility), wireless charging, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and HDR video, and better GPS capabilities. It is also guaranteed to get updates up to android 15.
Practical Differences:
- Daily Usage: The Honor 70 might feel more comfortable in the hand due to its lighter weight, and its faster charging is a big plus for busy days. The Nothing Phone (1)'s brighter display is a big advantage for people who spend time outdoors in bright conditions.
- Photography: The Honor 70 provides more flexibility with its wide angle and macro cameras, but Nothing Phone (1)'s main camera has OIS and HDR video recording which might be a deciding factor.
- Battery: While both offer solid battery life, the Honor 70 should last slightly longer, with its bigger battery and significantly faster charging will help users top up the battery faster.
- Durability: Nothing Phone (1) has more durable Gorilla Glass 5 on the display.
Trade-offs:
- Honor 70 lacks wireless charging and may not be as robust in screen protection.
- Nothing Phone (1) has slower wired charging and a smaller battery. It also does not include a charger.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70:
- Best for: Users who prioritize battery life, faster charging, and a more versatile camera system with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. It's ideal for general use, media consumption, and those who want a lighter device with Hi-Res audio support.
- Use Cases: Excellent for capturing travel photos, everyday shots, and watching content. The lighter design makes it good for long-term use.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Best for: Users who value a unique design, want the most versatile display, need better outdoor visibility, and require wireless charging and better GPS. The focus on design and the inclusion of OIS and HDR video recording makes it a good choice for content creators.
- Use Cases: Perfect for outdoor use, content creation, photography and for users who appreciate innovative design and future proofing with up to android 15 updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If fast charging and maximum battery longevity are crucial, the Honor 70 is a clear winner. If wireless charging and better GPS is more important, go with Nothing Phone (1).
- What kind of photography and video do you prioritize? If you prefer wide angle and macro and higher resolution selfies, the Honor 70 is better. If you value optical stabilization and HDR video, choose the Nothing Phone (1).
- Do you prioritize design and unique features? If a unique design with a transparent back, wireless charging, and a brighter screen is more appealing, the Nothing Phone (1) is the choice for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you're a heavy user who needs long battery life and quick charging, the Honor 70 is the better choice, given it's larger battery and faster charging speed.
- The Creative Photographer: If you love exploring unique photography options, Honor 70 is good with its multiple lens and high resolution sensors. However, if you need OIS and HDR video recording capabilities, Nothing Phone (1) is the best choice.
- The Outdoor Adventurer: The Nothing Phone (1)'s brighter display and robust build with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 makes it the most suitable device for someone who spends time outdoors.
- The Design Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone (1)'s unique design is for people who want something different.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Nothing Phone (1). While the Honor 70 offers some compelling advantages like the higher battery and faster charging, the Nothing Phone (1) feels like the more innovative choice. I value a phone that stands out in terms of design, and the transparent design is refreshing. The brighter display is also more useful to me as someone who spends time outdoors. The OIS and HDR video capabilities are also more valuable to me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your needs and preferences. Both are solid mid-range contenders, so you can't go wrong, but my preference goes to the Nothing Phone (1) for its uniqueness and balance of features.
