Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. I'm going to break this down as if I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee, but with all the technical details you'd expect from a good tech deep-dive.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that goes beyond just listing numbers, adding that critical "real-world" perspective:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3x77.7x9 mm | 163.8x76.8x8.9 mm | Huawei is slightly taller, while both have a similar width and thickness. Huawei has slightly larger volume. Zenfone 11 Ultra is a bit more compact |
| Weight | 199g | 224g | The Huawei is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size. Both offer ample screen space for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Zenfone's higher resolution means a much sharper image, with far more visible details. Text will be clearer and images crisper. |
| PPI | 260 | 388 | Higher PPI on the Asus means much sharper text, images and videos. Much less visible pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Asus provides deeper blacks, superior contrast, more vivid colors, and is more energy-efficient with dark themes. A significant advantage for overall viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone's 144Hz refresh rate delivers much smoother scrolling and animations, making everything feel more responsive and fluid. Especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Massive difference. The Zenfone's screen is much brighter and much easier to see in bright outdoor conditions. The Huawei screen seems to have no official brightness information available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Zenfone's Snapdragon is far more powerful, providing much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, superior gaming performance, and overall a more responsive experience. It is also significantly more efficient than the Kirin chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 1,532,000 | This score difference is dramatic. The Zenfone will handle almost any task with ease, while the Huawei might struggle with demanding apps and games. The Zenfone is significantly more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 750 | The Zenfone's GPU is much more powerful, translating to smoother and more detailed graphics in games and graphically intense apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5500mAh | The Huawei has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more endurance. The difference is not massive. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Zenfone charges significantly faster, which is much more convenient for daily use, especially if you're often in a rush. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 10W reverse wired | The Zenfone offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices, features missing on the Huawei. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX890 1/1.56" | The Zenfone’s main sensor and larger pixel size generally lead to better low-light performance and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.5, Omnivision OV32C 1/3.2" | The Zenfone’s selfie camera captures much more detail, better quality in challenging lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.4 | The Zenfone provides better image clarity at a zoom than the Huawei which doesn't have a telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Zenfone’s wide-angle lens captures significantly more detail and has a wider field of view, enhancing group shots and landscape photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Huawei has a depth sensor but doesn't provide as much value as other lenses, as it is only 2MP. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | The Zenfone supports much higher video resolution and frame rates, which is essential for professional video quality. The Zenfone also has better image stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 125 Mobile, 131 photo, 115 video | The Zenfone has been tested by DXOMark, indicating overall quality is good. The Huawei has no available rating. |
| Features | Limited features | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, PDAF Omnidericional, RAW | The Zenfone’s additional features provide a vastly superior shooting experience, especially in challenging conditions. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android (no specific version provided) | Android 14, planned to Android 16 upgrade | Asus provides the user with information about OS version and update policy. Huawei version is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Zenfone supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering much faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | The Zenfone has a newer version which is more energy efficient and stable. |
| GPS | Standard suite | Extended suite | The Zenfone supports more satellite systems and is more precise in locating you. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have dual sim support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | The Zenfone offers significantly more storage, allowing for more media and apps without worrying about running out of space. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12GB/16GB | The Zenfone's RAM ensures smoother multitasking and overall better performance. 4GB on the Huawei will limit the overall user experience. |
| Expandable storage | No | No | Neither of them support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | The Zenfone’s audio capabilities provide a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Huawei's side-mounted fingerprint scanner is convenient for faster access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Zenfone's screen protection offers better scratch resistance and durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The Zenfone includes more sensors, enhancing its capabilities with AR applications and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Strengths
- Battery Endurance: Its larger battery could mean longer use between charges, though real-world usage might even this out with the Zenfone due to differences in power draw.
- Lighter Build: The Huawei is lighter and may be more comfortable for extended use.
- Price: Typically, the Huawei phone will be less expensive.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Strengths
- Display Superiority: The AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate is a game-changer for visual quality and overall smoothness.
- Performance Prowess: The Snapdragon chipset provides a huge boost in performance and future-proofing compared to the Kirin.
- Camera Excellence: The better main camera, wider-angle lens, telephoto lens, and advanced features, like OIS, and RAW processing capability, make it a strong choice for mobile photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Fast Charging and Extras: The 65W fast charging and additional wireless charging and reverse charging add a lot of convenience.
- Overall User Experience: Better software updates, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support make it a better phone all around.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Huawei: The low screen resolution, slower processor, limited camera capabilities, and outdated software are major downsides. Its main advantage is battery and potentially, cost.
- Asus: The Zenfone is slightly heavier, the difference is probably negligible for everyday use, and it has a slightly smaller battery.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Best For
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you prioritize a low price and only need basic smartphone functions, it will do the job.
- Battery Life Centric: For users who prioritize battery life over everything else and don't do anything too intensive, this device might last a bit longer.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Best For
- Performance Seekers: Ideal for users who demand speed, responsiveness, and can handle demanding apps and games.
- Media Enthusiasts: With its excellent display and superior audio, it's great for watching videos, browsing, and listening to music.
- Photography Lovers: The versatile camera system and advanced features make it a powerful tool for content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 and faster charging will gravitate to this.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If budget is the absolute priority, the Huawei may be a reasonable, albeit compromised, choice. If you are willing to spend more, the Asus is a much better phone overall.
- What do you value most in a phone? If it's basic functionality and battery life, the Huawei may suffice. If performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are important, the Zenfone is the obvious pick.
- How long do you plan to use the device? If you tend to upgrade often, you might get by with the Huawei. If you keep phones longer, the Zenfone's better performance and future-proofing will pay off.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Casual User): If you're just browsing, social media and light use, the Huawei could be sufficient. However, the Asus screen will provide a better visual experience.
- Scenario 2 (Heavy User): If you're a gamer, or multitasking regularly, the Asus is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Buff): If you love taking pictures, videos and creating content, the Asus camera system is a no-brainer.
My Choice
If I were in the market, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra without hesitation. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and future-proofing is simply too large to ignore. While the Huawei might be cheaper and have a slightly bigger battery, those advantages don't outweigh the enormous benefits of the Zenfone in terms of overall user experience. The Zenfone is a device I could use happily for years, while the Huawei would already feel outdated.
I hope this helps you make a much more informed decision! Let me know if you have any other questions!
