Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Asus Zenfone 10. It’s a classic David versus Goliath scenario, where we have a budget-friendly contender against a powerful compact flagship. Let’s break down the details to see who wins in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with a focus on the practical implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | The Huawei is much larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. The Asus is more compact and pocketable, ideal for users who prefer smaller phones. |
| Weight | 199g | 172g | The Asus is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. The Huawei will feel heavier in comparison. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 5.92" | The Huawei offers a larger display, ideal for media consumption. The Asus provides a compact display more suitable for single-handed operation. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Asus has a much sharper display with noticeably higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text, sharper images, and more detail. The Huawei may look less crisp. |
| PPI | 260 | 445 | The Asus display will be much crisper and detailed. Text and images will look noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Asus’s AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better viewing angles, and power efficiency for dark themes. The Huawei's LCD display is more basic. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Asus offers dramatically smoother animations and scrolling, making for a more fluid user experience, especially in gaming. The Huawei display is limited to standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Asus display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see under bright sunlight. The Huawei’s display may struggle in outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Asus has a vastly more powerful and energy-efficient processor, ensuring smoother app launching, multitasking, gaming and overall responsiveness. The Huawei chipset is much weaker. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 1,532,000 | The Asus is in a different performance league, capable of handling demanding games and tasks without breaking a sweat. The Huawei will struggle with intensive use. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Adreno 740 | The Asus’s GPU allows much higher graphical fidelity in gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4300mAh | The Huawei boasts a significantly larger battery and, coupled with the less demanding processor, likely offers longer battery life for standard use. |
| Charging | 22.5W | 30W | The Asus charges slightly faster than the Huawei, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | The Asus provides additional charging convenience with wireless charging and reverse wired charging capabilities which the Huawei lacks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | The Asus has a slightly higher resolution with a larger sensor for better overall quality in terms of dynamic range, detail and low light performance. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C | The Asus has a much higher resolution front camera, perfect for high quality selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Huawei has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Huawei includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode shots. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10 | The Asus offers a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS; 4K@60fps HDR, EIS | The Asus allows for much higher video resolution and advanced stabilization, offering superior video capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), PDAF Omnidericional, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Asus has advanced camera features and better capabilities for videography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | - | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Asus provides a more modern Android experience with guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The Asus supports faster Wi-Fi standards, providing better performance for large downloads and high bandwidth usage, including Wi-Fi 7. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The Asus has a newer Bluetooth standard for better efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Asus has enhanced positioning using more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128 GB | 128 GB/256GB/512GB | The Asus offers more storage options with much higher capacities. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/16GB | The Asus provides much greater RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage which may be a limiting factor for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Asus offers much higher audio fidelity, clearer calls, and better sound immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Asus offers superior screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Asus provides more sensor to allow advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
Strengths:
- Massive Battery: Its 6000mAh battery is its biggest asset, promising excellent battery life for users who prioritize longevity.
- Larger Display: Good for those who consume a lot of media or need a bigger screen for accessibility.
- Lower Price: As a budget-friendly phone, it provides basic smartphone functions without breaking the bank.
Weaknesses:
- Weak Performance: The Kirin 710A chipset is underpowered, leading to slower app loading, poor multitasking, and limited gaming capabilities.
- Low-Resolution Display: The 720p screen lacks sharpness and clarity compared to modern standards.
- Basic Audio and Camera: Both the camera and audio features are basic, with the camera lacking image detail and video features.
Asus Zenfone 10
Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures top-tier performance for any task, including gaming.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and brightness offers an incredible viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers high-resolution images, advanced video features, and better low-light performance.
- Compact Design: Its compact size is perfect for one-handed use.
- Better software and connectivity: The latest Android with longer support and the latest WiFi/Bluetooth technologies, combined with better GPS technologies.
Weaknesses:
- Smaller Battery: At 4300mAh, its battery life may be moderate compared to other phones, especially under heavy use.
- Higher Price: As a flagship device, it is more expensive than the Huawei, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone with a large screen and excellent battery life without demanding high performance.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Perfect for individuals who are frequently away from charging options.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Good for calls, messaging, and casual web browsing.
Asus Zenfone 10
Ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need the best possible performance in a compact package.
- Photography Lovers: Users who value a great camera for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users Who Prefer Compact Phones: Those who prefer smaller devices with one-handed use capability.
- Users Who Value Quality Display: Ideal for media consumption and high-quality image display.
- Users Who need a smartphone with long support: Perfect for individuals who want a modern Android experience with guaranteed future updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help users decide:
What is your primary use for a smartphone?: If it's basic communication and browsing with a focus on battery life, the Huawei is sufficient. If it's high-performance tasks like gaming, photography, and a great display experience, then the Asus is the better fit.
What is your budget?: If you’re on a tight budget, the Huawei is the more economical choice. However, if you are willing to invest more for quality, the Asus provides a much better experience.
Do you prefer a large or compact device?: If you favor a large screen for media, the Huawei is larger. But if you prioritize pocketability and one-handed use, the Asus will feel far better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you prioritize price and battery life above all else, go for the Huawei nova Y70 Plus, it gets the job done.
- Power User: If you need the best performance, a great display, and camera in a compact design, then invest in the Asus Zenfone 10.
- Casual User: If you just want something that works, both can get you through the day, but the Asus will offer a much smoother and enjoyable experience, at a higher price.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go for the Asus Zenfone 10. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who really enjoys mobile gaming and photography, the performance of the Asus is simply unbeatable, and it's critical for me, as I use it for work as well as for fun. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a huge advantage, ensuring smooth operation for the most demanding tasks. The AMOLED display with its high refresh rate and brightness is a significant upgrade and is perfect for reading and consuming content in any environment, it also greatly improves the visual experience for gaming and photography. While the battery is smaller than the Huawei's, I am willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for the overall better experience. Additionally, the advanced camera system would be my preferred choice. The advanced video stabilization and high resolution videos are a key feature for content creation, and the high-resolution front-facing camera will make video calls a pleasant experience.
Although the price of the Asus is much higher, I value the performance, design, and future software/hardware proofing much more than the better battery of the Huawei, meaning, I am willing to pay a premium for the Asus flagship experience.
In essence, while the Huawei serves as a solid budget option, the Asus Zenfone 10 simply delivers a superior overall smartphone experience, it truly feels like a modern phone, with the capabilities and features I value the most.
