Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Honor 70 and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. I've put on my tech journalist hat, and I'm ready to break down these specs and see how they translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, highlighting what each one means for you, the user:
| Feature | Honor 70 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Nubia is noticeably larger and thicker, making it less pocketable and harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 178g | 246g | Honor 70 is significantly lighter, better for extended use and less fatiguing in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | Nubia offers a slightly larger screen, great for immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Nubia has a slightly sharper display, leading to more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 400 PPI | Both offer very similar pixel density, meaning sharpness is nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are minimal to the average user. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones deliver smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Nubia's significantly higher brightness ensures excellent visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nubia's chipset offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 2,017,588 | Nubia scores over three times higher, indicating a substantial performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | Nubia's GPU provides much superior graphics performance for demanding games and apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 6000mAh | Nubia's larger battery should offer longer battery life, especially with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 66W | 80W | Nubia's faster charging means less time tethered to the wall. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Honor 70 can charge other devices wirelessly, a useful feature for some. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800 | Nubia's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4" | Honor 70 has higher resolution selfies, but Nubia’s larger sensor and wider aperture mean potentially better quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | Nubia’s telephoto lens offers a dedicated zoom capability absent on the Honor 70. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50E | Nubia's wider aperture and larger sensor could result in better low-light and dynamic range. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Honor 70 includes a basic macro lens for detailed close-ups, absent on the Nubia. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, EIS | Nubia’s superior video capabilities include 8K recording and 4K 120fps capture, for much better video quality |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video | OIS, Manual focus, Laser autofocus, Under display camera | Nubia boasts advanced optical stabilization and extra features for enhanced photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Nubia has a more up-to-date operating system, with the latest features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Nubia's Wi-Fi 7 provides potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | Nubia’s Bluetooth 5.4 offers faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5, L1+L2+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | Nubia's wider range of satellite systems should give superior location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Nubia offers a higher maximum storage option, more suitable for media hoarders and power users. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8/12/16/24 GB | Nubia's higher RAM options ensure smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the ability to expand storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nubia has more immersive sound with DTS/DTS X and 3 mics for voice clarity. Honor 70 offers Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nubia offers superior screen protection, giving increased protection against damage from scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, RGB | Nubia has additional sensors for more functionality |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70:
- Strengths: Lightweight design, more pocketable, good selfie camera resolution, reverse charging, Hi-Res Audio support.
- Competitive Advantages: Its lighter and thinner profile make it more comfortable to use and carry.
- Trade-offs: Significantly lower performance, basic camera capabilities compared to the Nubia, lower battery capacity and brightness.
- Limitations: Older Android version and lack of expandable storage.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: Significantly superior performance, much brighter display, larger battery, advanced camera system (including telephoto and OIS), 8K video recording, more up-to-date software, and faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers flagship-level performance and advanced camera features.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier design, with no macro lens.
- Limitations: It's heavier and bulkier, making it less portable and comfortable for prolonged one-handed use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 70:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a lightweight design, a good selfie camera, and a more affordable price.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, social media, and casual photography. A good all rounder.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, photography and videography enthusiasts, and anyone who needs maximum performance and battery life, and excellent screen brightness for outdoor use.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, professional-quality photography and videography, heavy multitasking, and extended use without frequent charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize peak performance, or is casual usage more your style?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need advanced camera features like telephoto zoom and 8K video, or will a basic setup suffice?
- Size and Portability: Do you prefer a lightweight phone that's easy to handle, or are you comfortable with a larger, heavier device that offers more features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User: If you're a casual user who primarily browses the web, uses social media, and takes occasional photos, the Honor 70 will likely meet your needs. It's more affordable and easier to handle.
Scenario 2: Power User: If you're a power user who games, edits videos, or needs the best performance for resource-intensive apps, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear choice.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize excellent camera quality, including zoom capabilities and advanced stabilization, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra's feature-rich camera is the way to go.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I'm always looking for the best combination of power and innovation. While the Honor 70 is certainly a capable mid-ranger, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra represents a clear step up in several crucial aspects:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a beast, which translates to faster everything, making it great for testing out the latest and most demanding apps and games. The AnTuTu scores are no joke and will allow for a much more future proof device.
- Display: The much brighter AMOLED display with higher resolution ensures that it remains visible in all lighting conditions and delivers vibrant images.
- Camera System: The versatility and quality of the camera system, including the telephoto lens, optical image stabilization, and 8k video recording capabilities, make it a much more powerful tool for both photography and video capture.
- Battery & Charging: The much larger battery capacity and faster charging are very welcome for a device I would be heavily using on a daily basis.
While I appreciate the lighter design and the reverse charging of the Honor 70, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra's superior performance, display, and camera capabilities would make it a more suitable companion for my needs. Yes, it's a bit bulkier and heavier but its clear advantages make that a trade-off I am happy to make!
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, but the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the winner for me.
