Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor 70 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. These two phones represent different segments of the market, and understanding their strengths will help you decide which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their specifications, focusing on the practical implications for you:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | Honor 70 is slightly taller and thicker, while the S23+ is wider. Differences are noticeable but not critical for overall feel in hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 196g | Honor 70 is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ likely to be more durable in terms of screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Both have similar screen real estate; negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp enough for most users; slight difference in vertical pixel count, not noticeable in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 393 PPI | Nearly identical sharpness; difficult for the average person to distinguish. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Very similar display quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ has significantly better visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | S23+ offers a major leap in performance; noticeable in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 600,525 | 1,508,732 | S23+ is significantly faster; smoother multitasking and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 | S23+ has a vastly superior GPU; better graphics in games and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 54MP | 50MP | Honor 70 captures slightly more detail but the difference won't be noticeable in daily use cases. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX800 | Samsung GN5 | Different sensors. Both are good in daylight. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | S23+ has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Main Camera Size | 1/1.49" | 1/1.57" | Honor 70 has a larger sensor, which may result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 32MP | 12MP | Honor 70 captures higher resolution selfies, but quality is also dependent on sensor and post processing. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S23+ selfie camera captures slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP | S23+ has a telephoto lens; provides better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | 12.2MP | Honor 70 captures higher resolution wide-angle photos, but quality is also dependent on sensor and post processing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | No | Honor 70 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS | 8K@30fps HDR EIS | S23+ records at higher resolution with HDR, but both do 4k and offer digital stabilization |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 133 | S23+ camera scored better overall. Honor 70 showed better video and photo performance in the DXOMark tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4700mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; real world use will be close. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges faster, allowing for less downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 10W | S23+ supports wireless charging which is convenient for some people |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | S23+ comes with a more recent version of Android and will likely receive more software updates. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones have similar Wi-Fi capability |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S23+ has the newer version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23+ has more comprehensive satellite support for enhanced accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual SIM + eSIM | S23+ supports the newer eSIM standard. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both have the same max storage. Honor 70 offers a lower-cost 128 GB model. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8 GB | Honor 70 has more RAM in some variants, for better performance with demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ features Dolby Atmos for enhanced spatial audio. Both have great speakers. |
| Other | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Basic biometric security on both. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | S23+ offers Barometer for altitude tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70: Strengths
- Lighter Build: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
- Fast Charging: 66W charging gets you back in action quickly.
- Higher Resolution Front and Wide-Angle Cameras: Potentially more detailed photos under ideal conditions.
- Macro Camera: A dedicated lens for close-up shots.
- Lower Entry Price: Generally more affordable than the S23+.
Honor 70: Limitations
- Older Chipset: Snapdragon 778G+ is good, but not as powerful as the S23+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- Lower Brightness: Not ideal for bright outdoor conditions.
- Basic Build: No mention of screen protection.
- Lacks Telephoto Lens: Limited zoom capabilities.
- Slower Video Recording: Does not support high-quality 8k.
Samsung Galaxy S23+: Strengths
- High Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a powerhouse for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Superior Display: Brighter screen and likely better color accuracy.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, enhanced video recording (including 8K), and better low-light performance.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, better satellite navigation.
- Superior Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for excellent screen protection.
- Up-to-date Android OS: Android 13 out of the box and four major software upgrades promised.
Samsung Galaxy S23+: Limitations
- Heavier Build: Can be less comfortable for prolonged use.
- Slower Charging: 45W charging is slower than the Honor 70.
- Higher Price: Costs significantly more than the Honor 70.
- No Macro Lens: Close-up capabilities limited without a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Ideal User for the Honor 70:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for good features at a reasonable price.
- Everyday Users: Need a phone for social media, browsing, and casual photography.
- Those who value comfort: Prefer a lighter and more portable device.
- Users who value front facing camera resolution.
- Users who enjoy macro photography.
Ideal User for the Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Power Users: Need a phone for demanding games, multitasking, and video editing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera with zoom capabilities and high video quality.
- Outdoor Users: Require a display that's easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Users who value the most up-to-date features: Want the best in tech and software.
- Users who need wireless charging.
- Users who need optical zoom.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance for you?
- If you play graphic-intensive games or use demanding apps regularly, the S23+ is the clear winner.
- What is your budget?
- If you're on a tight budget, the Honor 70 offers good value. The S23+ comes at a premium.
- How do you typically use your phone’s camera?
- If you often take zoomed-in shots or use video recording, the S23+ is superior. If macro photography is important to you, the Honor 70 has a dedicated lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you prioritize battery life, social media, and casual photography, the Honor 70 offers great value at a more affordable price.
- Tech Enthusiast: If you desire the best performance, camera capabilities, and display quality, then the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the obvious choice.
- Photo Enthusiast: If the main focus of your device use is the camera, then the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is going to be a much better experience due to the higher quality optics and telephoto lens.
- Budget Gamer: If you prioritize cost, and are a moderate gamer, the Honor 70 will be better for you. However, if you are a dedicated gamer and want the best quality experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the only option.
My Choice and Why
For me, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the clear choice. Although it is more expensive, the performance increase offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a major advantage for me as I use my phone extensively for both work and play. The vastly superior display and camera system with the telephoto lens also makes it a much better option as I always enjoy capturing photos and video. The superior build quality with the Gorilla Glass screen protection gives me the confidence to take the phone anywhere. Although the charging speed is slower, I'm fine with the compromise given the huge improvements across other aspects of the device. The slightly heavier design also doesn't bother me as I would rather have a more premium device. While the Honor 70 is a fantastic phone, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ meets my needs more holistically as a "no compromise" device.
