Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Asus ROG Phone 8. It’s a classic David versus Goliath scenario, where one phone focuses on affordability and battery life, and the other is a powerhouse designed for performance. Here’s a structured look at how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-01 | 2024-01-18 | The ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, boasting more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Nova Y70 Plus is slightly larger and heavier, which may affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 199g | 225g | The Nova Y70 Plus is notably lighter, which may make it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.78" | Both offer large displays for immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The ROG Phone 8 offers significantly sharper visuals with much higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 260 | 388 | The ROG Phone 8 has a noticeably clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The ROG Phone 8's AMOLED panel delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the Nova Y70 Plus's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 8's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother and more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The ROG Phone 8 is far more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The ROG Phone 8 offers vastly superior processing power, ensuring smoother performance for demanding apps, games, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 2,020,000 | The ROG Phone 8 delivers far better performance across the board. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 750 | The ROG Phone 8 provides significantly better graphics performance, important for gaming and media editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Both main cameras are similar, but the ROG Phone 8 uses better sensor technology and larger pixel sizes. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP | The ROG Phone 8 has a far more capable selfie camera for high-quality video calls and social media content. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 (Combined Macro) | The Huawei has a dedicated Wide Angle Lens, while the Asus has a combination wide angle + macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a dedicated sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | The ROG Phone 8 can capture close-up shots with its macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 720p@480fps | The ROG Phone 8 is capable of capturing higher-resolution and higher frame-rate videos with superior image stabilization options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5500mAh | The Huawei has a slightly bigger battery, which may offer longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The ROG Phone 8 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 14 | The ROG Phone 8 has modern Android version. | |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 | The ROG Phone 8 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The ROG Phone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version that consumes less energy and provides better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The ROG Phone 8 features more comprehensive satellite support for precise location tracking. |
| Storage | 64 GB/128 GB | 256 GB | The ROG Phone 8 has significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB | The ROG Phone 8 has significantly more RAM that ensures better multitasking and smooth performance. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic Features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | ROG Phone 8 has better audio quality with stereo speaker and DTS/X technology. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei has more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 has better scratch resistance on its display. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Long Battery Life: The larger 6000mAh battery offers extended usage time, perfect for users who prioritize battery endurance.
- Lightweight Design: Lighter at 199g for comfortable extended holding.
- Affordable: This phone is targeted at budget-conscious users looking for a good display and long-lasting battery.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides basic biometric security.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and high RAM ensures top-notch performance, making it an excellent choice for gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- Superior Display: The 165Hz AMOLED display is brighter, sharper, and smoother, providing a premium viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Better camera sensor technology, high resolution selfie, and advanced video capabilities, makes it a more versatile photography and videography device.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging dramatically reduces downtime, a feature essential for power users.
- Modern Connectivity: The ROG Phone 8's Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer the latest in wireless connectivity.
- Better Audio: Has stereo speakers and DTS/X technology.
- Gyroscope and Compass: Has Gyroscope and Compass which are needed for advanced gaming.
Significant Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Suffers from lower display resolution, a less powerful processor, and an older chipset. Its camera quality is not as high as the ROG Phone 8.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: The phone is heavier and pricier. Battery capacity isn't as large as the Huawei nova Y70 Plus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize battery life and affordability over top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos where longevity and a bigger screen are key. This phone would be great for a person who does not play demanding games and does not need to do serious photo/video editing.
- Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Ideal For: Mobile gamers, tech enthusiasts, and power users who demand the best possible performance and a premium experience.
- Use Cases: Perfect for demanding games, high-definition media consumption, and professional photo/video editing, along with users who want the very best wireless experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
What's my budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus will suit you well and has very good battery life. The ROG Phone 8 is a premium device with a price tag to match.
How important is gaming/performance? If you are a serious mobile gamer or require peak performance for other demanding tasks, the ROG Phone 8 is a no-brainer. If you’re a casual user, the performance boost offered by the ROG Phone 8 might be more than you need.
What do I value the most?
- If you value long battery life and affordability: Go with the Huawei nova Y70 Plus.
- If you value performance, a premium display, and a better camera: Go with the ROG Phone 8.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: Wants a reliable phone for daily use that has a long battery and a large display. Recommendation: Huawei nova Y70 Plus.
- The Mobile Gamer: Needs top-tier performance, a high refresh rate display, and advanced gaming features. Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8.
- The Creative Professional: Needs a top-tier camera, high-quality display, and a very performant phone. Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8.
What would I choose and why?
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Huawei Nova Y70 Plus definitely has its strengths, especially in battery life and affordability, the ROG Phone 8 simply offers a superior overall experience. I value the advancements that the ROG Phone 8 brings to the table such as the incredibly smooth 165Hz AMOLED display, the lightning-fast performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and the highly advanced camera system. Additionally, the superior wireless capabilities, the high quality audio, the gyroscope and the compass make it a fantastic phone that could enhance not only my daily tasks but also my gaming and media editing experience. Although it does not have the largest battery compared to the Huawei, the fast 65W charging ensures that downtime is minimized and the phone can quickly be charged during breaks or between tasks. While I appreciate a good budget phone, the ROG Phone 8 provides the cutting-edge technologies I find most compelling.
