Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. It's always interesting to see how different manufacturers approach the mid-range market, and these two phones offer a clear contrast in priorities.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Honor 70 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Honor 70 is more compact and slimmer, potentially easier to handle; ZTE is taller, wider and thicker, could feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 178g | 189g | Honor 70 is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. ZTE is slightly heavier, might be less comfortable in hand for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in day to day usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Honor 70 has a much sharper display with more detail, great for media consumption and gaming; ZTE will have a noticeably less sharp display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 267 | Honor 70 offers clearer text and sharper images due to higher PPI, resulting in a significantly better viewing experience. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Honor 70's OLED display offers better contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks; ZTE's IPS LCD will be less vibrant and may appear washed out. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Honor 70 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid, while ZTE offers a good, but not as fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, which suggests they may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Honor 70 has a significantly more powerful processor, for fast app loading, better multitasking, and gaming. The ZTE is more basic. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 240,000 | Honor 70 delivers more than double the performance, offering a smoother overall experience. ZTE will feel slower in comparison. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MP1 | Honor 70 will provide a significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE has a slightly larger battery, which might give a small advantage in battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Honor 70 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Honor 70 offers reverse charging which could be handy in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Honor 70 has a higher resolution primary sensor, ZTE has a slightly wider aperture, may perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C | 8MP | Honor 70 offers much better selfies, detailed and more crisp. ZTE selfies will be less detailed. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | None | Honor 70 offers versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens. ZTE lacks this functionality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Honor 70 includes a macro lens for close-up shots. ZTE lacks this functionality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Honor 70 supports higher resolution video recording and smooth 60fps. ZTE is more basic with 30 fps recording. |
| DXOMARK | Main: 115 (Photo: 115, Video: 129) | None | Honor 70 has been tested and scores well in camera performance. ZTE has not been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ZTE has a newer version of Android, likely with newer features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Honor 70 offers the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Honor 70 features a newer Bluetooth standard with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones support similar GPS systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM support for better flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Honor 70 offers up to 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 4/8 GB | Honor 70 offers more RAM, for better multitasking and overall smoothness. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack external storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X | Honor 70 features Hi-Res audio for better quality audio, better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | ZTE has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Honor provides basic fingerprint sensor functionality. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Honor 70 provides an additional Compass for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
- Honor 70: This phone is the clear winner in terms of display quality and overall performance. The OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a high pixel density offers a premium experience. The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset provides excellent power for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. Its camera setup is versatile, with features like 4K video recording and a dedicated wide-angle lens, making it a strong contender for multimedia users.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: The ZTE focuses on basic functionality and affordability. While it has a larger battery and a newer Android OS, it significantly trails the Honor 70 in nearly every other aspect, especially display, performance, and camera capabilities. It is a suitable option for users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, gamers, and power users who want a high-quality display, smooth performance, and versatile cameras.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, mobile gaming, social media creation, travel photography.
- Recommendation: The Honor 70 is a clear choice for those seeking a premium mid-range device with exceptional performance.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals, first-time smartphone users, or anyone who needs a basic phone for essential tasks.
- Use Cases: Calls, texts, light web browsing, basic app usage, and as a secondary phone.
- Recommendation: The ZTE Blade A75 4G is suitable for users who prioritize cost and basic smartphone functions over high performance and advanced features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- How important is display quality and overall performance to you?
- If a vibrant, high-resolution display and smooth performance are essential, the Honor 70 is the obvious choice. If you just need basic visual quality and performance, the ZTE will suffice.
- How much do you prioritize camera capabilities?
- If taking photos and videos is a key part of your mobile experience, the Honor 70’s versatile camera setup and 4K recording is far superior. The ZTE camera is ok, but will not be as versatile.
- What is your budget, and what tasks do you need your smartphone for?
- If you're on a tight budget and need a simple device for basic tasks, the ZTE Blade A75 4G might be suitable. However, if you can stretch your budget for more premium features and performance, the Honor 70 is significantly better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance User: If you need a device for demanding tasks, including mobile gaming, content creation and media consumption, the Honor 70 is the way to go.
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're primarily using your phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is a suitable choice, considering its affordability.
- Camera Enthusiast: If you love taking photos and videos, especially in different conditions, the Honor 70 is the better option due to the superior camera setup, including a versatile wide-angle lens, 4k video and many photography features.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Honor 70. The gap in performance is just too significant to ignore. As someone who uses their phone heavily for everything from content creation to gaming, the smoother experience, vibrant display, and far superior cameras on the Honor 70 are well worth the extra investment. It’s a phone that not only keeps up with daily demands, but also enhances the overall experience with its premium features. The display alone is a game-changer, and with the camera quality, it makes the entire device much more versatile. While the ZTE Blade A75 4G certainly has its place for those on a very tight budget, the Honor 70 provides a much more complete and satisfying experience.
