Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. As a tech journalist, I aim to not only lay out the specs but also explain how these differences will impact your daily use. We'll get beyond the numbers and talk real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specs, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-06-02 | 2024-01-24 | The Galaxy S24+ is significantly newer, with potentially more advanced tech. |
| Physical Size | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | Honor 70 is a bit taller, while the Galaxy S24+ is wider, making the S24+ potentially easier to handle with one hand despite its slight increase in width |
| Weight | 178g | 196g | Honor 70 is lighter, which will be noticeable during extended use, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Practically identical, small differences are negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24+ is noticeably sharper, delivering significantly crisper text and more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 513 | S24+ has superior sharpness; text and images will look much cleaner. |
| Technology | OLED | Honor 70's OLED offers better contrast and richer colors over the unspecified technology of the S24+ (although it is assumed to also be OLED or similar) | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are equally smooth for everyday scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is vastly superior in outdoor visibility; text and images will be easily readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+’s chipset is significantly faster, resulting in smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,639,695 | S24+ is drastically more powerful, delivering a much smoother experience across all tasks, from browsing to gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | S24+ has a much stronger GPU, crucial for demanding games and GPU-intensive tasks, providing higher frame rates and better visuals. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4900mAh | Very similar capacities, suggesting comparable battery endurance for typical use. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Honor 70 will charge faster, reducing time spent waiting for your phone to juice up. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass, Reverse, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | S24+ offers more flexibility in charging options, including wireless and "bypass" charging (powering the phone directly, reducing heat during prolonged use while plugged in). |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 54MP (f/1.9, 1/1.49” Sony IMX800) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57” Samsung GN3) | Honor 70 has slightly higher resolution and larger sensor on paper, but practical differences will depend on processing and optics. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2” OV32C) | 12MP (f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU) | Honor 70 offers much higher selfie resolution; S24+ has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4) | S24+ offers zoom capabilities for better flexibility in capturing images at a distance. |
| Wide-Angle | 50MP (f/2.2) | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX564) | Honor 70 provides a higher resolution on the wide angle lens. Practical differences need testing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens, although these typically provide limited use cases compared to a telephoto. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 30fps, EIS | Up to 8K 30fps, HDR, EIS | S24+ supports much higher quality video capture, including HDR, and will have better image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | S24+ is better for stable video recording. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 240fps | Honor 70 excels in slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 | N/A | Honor 70 performs well in photo and video. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, OIS, Optical Zoom | S24+ has superior image stabilization with OIS and more advanced Night mode; the S24+ includes optical zoom capabilities missing on the Honor 70. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24+ has the latest Android OS; will likely receive longer-term software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24+ offers slightly faster WiFi and access to 6 GHz band for reduced interference. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S24+ has a newer Bluetooth standard for improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, (L1+L5), (L1), (E1+E5a) | S24+ supports more GPS systems for better location accuracy in varied locations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24+ supports eSIM, which adds flexibility in carrier switching without physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both are great for storing many photos and videos; neither offer expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 12GB | S24+ is excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices lack expandable storage via microSD cards, forcing users to rely solely on internal storage and cloud solutions. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both are evenly matched in audio capabilities with identical feature scores; Honor 70 exclusively offers: Hi-Res Audio; Samsung Galaxy S24+ exclusively offers: Noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security with fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ offers superior screen protection, which means better resistance to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint | S24+ has more sensors, which enable more diverse functionality and applications. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Its lower weight makes it a great option for those who prioritize comfort during extended use.
- Fast Charging: 66W charging will get you back up and running much quicker than the S24+.
- High-Res Selfie Camera: The 32MP front-facing camera will appeal to selfie lovers.
- Solid Main Camera: The 54MP main camera, paired with a larger sensor, delivers a competitive photography experience, particularly in good lighting.
- Hi-Res Audio: This is a plus for audiophiles who want a better listening experience, which is not present on the S24+.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Strengths:
- Performance Beast: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers much faster performance across all tasks.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and vastly superior brightness deliver a much better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes optical zoom, OIS, and HDR video recording, making it a more flexible and capable photography/videography tool.
- Latest Software: Comes with Android 14 and is likely to receive more consistent and longer-term software updates.
- Connectivity Advantages: Supports WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and more GPS systems, offering enhanced connectivity options.
- Wireless Charging & Battery Features: Offers both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers more protection against everyday scratches and impacts.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Honor 70: Lacks the raw processing power and cutting-edge display technology found in the S24+, it also lacks telephoto lens and OIS for more versatility in photography.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: Is heavier, and despite having higher capacity, its charging is not as fast as the Honor 70.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70
- Best for: Users who prioritize comfort, value fast charging, and enjoy taking selfies. Ideal for users looking for a balanced mid-range option with a good enough camera for daily use.
- Use Case: A student who needs a reliable device for everyday tasks but doesn't heavily rely on demanding apps or gaming. Perfect for those who take many selfies and enjoy having a dedicated macro lens for close-ups.
Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Best for: Power users, gamers, and anyone who needs top-tier performance, a superior display, and an advanced camera system. Perfect for users who want the latest technology, including the latest software and best connectivity options.
- Use Case: A content creator who needs the best possible video and photo quality, a gamer who wants smooth and fast graphics or someone who consumes a lot of media and wants the best viewing experience possible.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How much do you value raw performance and the latest software? If performance and long-term software updates are your top priorities, the Samsung S24+ is the better option.
- How important is fast charging and lightweight design? If you prefer a lightweight phone that charges quickly, the Honor 70 will be more appealing.
- How do you use your camera? If you need the flexibility of optical zoom and are interested in video production, the S24+ is the obvious choice. But if you value high-resolution selfies and close-ups, the Honor 70 will be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious User: If price is a primary concern, and you value a lightweight design with fast charging, the Honor 70 is a great value for your money, while still offering a good display.
- Scenario 2: The Performance Enthusiast: If you absolutely need the fastest possible performance, a high-end display, and all the latest connectivity options, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the clear winner, despite it's slower charging.
- Scenario 3: The Content Creator: If you're serious about photography and videography, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a more complete package, with telephoto zoom, better stabilization, HDR capabilities, and support for high quality video up to 8K.
- Scenario 4: The Casual User: If you just need a reliable phone for daily tasks, occasional gaming, and taking photos, both devices will work, however the S24+ will offer a better experience, if budget is not an issue.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While the Honor 70 has its appeal with fast charging and a lighter build, the sheer performance jump, superior display, and more advanced camera features of the S24+ are too compelling to ignore. As a tech journalist and enthusiast, I need a device that can handle everything I throw at it, from demanding apps to high-resolution photo and video editing. The Samsung's newer software and connectivity options are also crucial for future-proofing. The price difference is substantial, but the overall experience offered by the S24+ makes it worth the extra investment for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your specific needs and preferences. But if you can afford it, the S24+ is definitely the better all-around package for demanding tasks and future proofing your device.
