Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Honor 70 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. I'm going to break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a look at the key specs side-by-side, along with what they mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a bit thicker, which may affect one-hand use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 178g | 199g | The Honor 70 feels noticeably lighter, making it comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer a comfortable viewing area for media and everyday tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a much sharper display with more pixels, noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 446 | Sharper text and images are evident on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1800 nits | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is far superior in outdoor visibility, significantly better in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4nm) | The Dimensity chip in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers more processing power. |
| Antutu Score | 600,525 | 803,381 | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will feel snappier for gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both GPUs handle most tasks, but the Mali in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ provides improved performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP f/1.9 (Sony IMX800) | 200MP f/1.65 (Samsung ISOCELL HP3) | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ takes much higher resolution photos with a wider aperture for better low-light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.4 (Omnivision OV32C) | 16MP f/2.4 (Omnivision OV16A1Q) | Honor 70 offers higher resolution selfies, while Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a larger pixel size, potentially leading to slightly better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | The Honor 70 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, while Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a combined wide-angle/macro |
| Portrait mode | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ provides depth effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Honor 70 has a dedicated Macro Lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both phones can shoot high-quality video; Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has more video modes |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 121 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has better overall score; Honor 70 has better video score. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video, RAW | OIS, Manual focus, PDAF | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers more flexibility in control, while Honor 70 focuses on stabilisation and raw format. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to a bit more battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ charges significantly faster, very useful for quickly topping up the battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | Honor 70 is capable of reverse charging, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ cannot. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has the latest Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ supports more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both phones offer large internal storage, but only the Honor 70 comes with a 128GB variant |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a 16GB variant, better for heavier multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both have stereo speakers. Honor 70 supports Hi-Res Audio, while Redmi Note 13 Pro+ supports Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer standard biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have comprehensive sensor suites |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and significantly brighter, making it great for outdoor use.
- Stronger Performance: The Dimensity chip and higher AnTuTu score mean better overall performance and gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging is a game changer for quick power-ups.
- Better Main Camera: The 200MP sensor and wider aperture make for more detailed photos, especially in low light.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for dual SIM versatility
Honor 70 Strengths:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly, convenient feature for on-the-go needs.
- Hi-Res Audio - Superior audio quality
- More Camera Options - Offers dedicated Macro lens
Trade-offs:
- The Honor 70, while lighter, has a less vibrant display and slower charging.
- The Redmi Note 13 Pro+, though powerful, is heavier and slightly bulkier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+):
- If you prioritize performance, gaming, and a super bright display, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the clear choice. The faster charging is ideal for users who are always on the go.
- Use Cases: Heavy app usage, mobile gaming, outdoor photography, and extended video watching.
- For the Everyday User (Honor 70):
- If you prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone with a focus on photography, the Honor 70 is a solid option. The selfie camera and reverse charging offer practical benefits.
- Use Cases: Everyday social media, casual photography, on-the-go charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to you?
- If very important: Redmi Note 13 Pro+
- If moderate: Honor 70
- How much do you value fast charging and overall performance?
- If very important: Redmi Note 13 Pro+
- If less important: Honor 70
- Is a lightweight phone with reverse charging capability more important than a superior camera and screen?
- If yes: Honor 70
- If no: Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Final Recommendation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who is constantly on the go, the brighter, higher-resolution display of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ would make it better for daily use, especially when reviewing content outside. The faster charging is also a huge win for productivity. While I appreciate the lighter weight and reverse charging of the Honor 70, the overall performance gains and camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ make it the more compelling device. As well, the newer Android OS with the future update is better in the long run. The screen protection is a bonus for a tech reviewer who often handles phones.
In the end, both are excellent mid-range phones, but the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ edges out with its superior screen, performance, and charging capabilities, making it a more versatile device for my specific use cases.
