Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This isn’t just a specs sheet showdown; we’re going to break down what these differences actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm | The Pixel 8 Pro is a bit smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable. |
| Weight | 199g | 213g | The Huawei is lighter, which might be a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.7" | Both are large screens; minimal difference in size. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1344 x 2992 | The Pixel 8 Pro's display will be significantly sharper and clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 489 | The Pixel 8 Pro provides much finer details and smoother text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Pixel 8 Pro's OLED offers better contrast, richer colors, and true blacks, a premium experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel 8 Pro’s higher refresh rate delivers much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2400 nits | The Pixel 8 Pro display is far more visible in bright sunlight, essentially a day and night difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | The Pixel 8 Pro’s chip is far more powerful and energy-efficient; it will feel much snappier. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 1,142,984 | The Pixel 8 Pro is in a completely different performance tier. Expect far smoother experience and a future-proof device. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 (Immortalis-G715s MC10) | The Pixel 8 Pro’s GPU enables high-end gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5050mAh | The Huawei has a larger battery, which could translate to longer battery life depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Pixel 8 Pro charges slightly faster with 30W charging, but not by much. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 23W Wireless charging | The Pixel 8 Pro has an advantage with reverse wireless charging and convenient wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.69 | Both have competent main cameras, with the Pixel slightly edging out in sensor and aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | The Pixel has a higher res sensor for better quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8 | The Pixel 8 Pro offers significant zoom capabilities not present on the Huawei. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Huawei has an ultrawide lens, which the Pixel lacks, but it's of lower quality. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 48MP, f/1.95 | The Pixel 8 Pro has great macro and ultrawide capabilities with it's lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, extensive stabilization | The Pixel offers higher resolution and superior video quality, with stabilization. |
| DXOMark Scores | Not tested | Mobile:153, Selfie:145 | Pixel 8 Pro Camera is tested and certified by DXOMark, providing proof of high-quality photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | Various Basic Features | Various Advanced Features such as Optical zoom, OIS, Ultra Stable video, LAF, NPU AI Engine, Night Mode and RAW | Pixel 8 Pro offers superior camera features, that allows you to enhance your photo and video quality, such as manual controls, better zoom features and image enhancements. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 14 | The Pixel gets the newest Android version out of the box, with software updates. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The Pixel supports significantly faster and newer Wi-Fi standards for a better wireless experience. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The Pixel has a slightly newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 8 Pro offers more comprehensive location services with L1 Glonass. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 8 Pro supports eSIM for added flexibility and the Huawei supports 2 nano sim cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128 GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Pixel has far more storage options, which is great for those who keep many files on the phone. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | The Pixel offers much more RAM, ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you're stuck with what you choose at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Google Pixel 8 Pro has features such as better voice and audio capture capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while Pixel features a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel features superior screen protection for extra durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Pixel offers an comprehensive set of sensors that allow for more advanced use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: This phone prioritizes battery life and affordability. It's a reliable, everyday device for basic tasks, though it makes significant compromises in display quality and processing power. The large battery ensures you’ll likely get through a full day of use. Its main camera is decent in well-lit conditions, but falls behind more premium devices.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: This phone is designed for users who want the best in mobile technology. It features a stunning, high-refresh-rate OLED display, incredibly powerful performance, top-tier camera capabilities with advanced computational photography, and a seamless Android experience. The Pixel excels in almost every area but has a smaller battery when compared to the Huawei.
How these Differences Translate to User Experience:
- Display: The Pixel 8 Pro's screen is like stepping from standard definition to HD. Everything looks sharper, smoother, and more vibrant. This makes a huge difference in daily tasks like reading, watching videos, and browsing social media. The Huawei's display is functional, but lacks vibrancy and clarity.
- Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is lightning-fast. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and games run at their best. The Huawei, while okay for basic use, will struggle with heavy apps and modern games. Expect delays and slowdowns during intensive use cases.
- Camera: The Pixel 8 Pro's camera is a standout, making taking beautiful and complex photos easy with multiple sensors and high-tech computational processing. The Huawei's camera is acceptable for casual shots but lacks detail and versatility.
- Battery: The Huawei might last longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. However, the Pixel 8 Pro’s optimization may provide a similar experience. The Pixel also offers the benefit of wireless charging.
- Software: Pixel 8 Pro runs on Android 14 and it is one of the first phones to receive the updates and new features from google, providing the best and cleanest android experience you can get. The Huawei lacks a proper operating system and the updates and security fixes are not up to date.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera versatility for a larger battery and lower cost. The lack of expandable storage can also be a limitation for some users.
- Pixel: The Pixel, while superior, comes with a much higher price tag. The battery, while decent, may not quite match the longevity of the Huawei.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Ideal User: Someone on a tight budget, needing a reliable phone for calls, messaging, browsing, and basic photography, with a long-lasting battery.
- Use Cases: Basic web surfing, social media scrolling, casual photography, and staying connected on a budget.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent for the price, meeting basic mobile needs well but not providing a modern experience.
Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who want the best display, performance, and camera experience. Users who want a future-proof device with cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases: High-quality photography and videography, mobile gaming, extensive multitasking, media consumption, and professional use cases.
- Price-to-Value: Premium value, justifying its cost with top-tier components, software features, and performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, consider these questions:
- What is your budget? The Huawei is significantly more affordable, while the Pixel is a high-end investment.
- How important is camera quality? If you need top-tier photography and video, the Pixel is the clear choice. If your needs are basic, the Huawei will do.
- What do you value more: battery life or performance? If battery life is the primary concern, the Huawei may be more suitable. If you want a smooth, powerful experience with great performance, the Pixel is ideal.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Huawei nova Y70 Plus if you just need a functional device that gets the basics done without breaking the bank.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro for unmatched image quality, computational photography capabilities, and versatile camera features.
- Power User: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro for its top-tier processor, high RAM, advanced features, and high-resolution display, that allows you to multitask with ease, and game with high-fidelity graphics.
- Basic User: Choose the Huawei nova Y70 Plus if you are not concerned about the newest features and software updates, and just want a large screen phone to perform basic tasks that has a good battery life.
My Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Here's why: As someone who deeply appreciates technology, I place a high value on the user experience. The Pixel 8 Pro’s superior display quality would make everything from reading articles to watching movies a much better experience. Its blazing-fast performance ensures that I wouldn't be waiting for apps to load or experience stuttering during heavy multitasking. The cutting-edge camera is essential for capturing memorable moments in high quality, and for a camera enthusiast like me, it's a huge draw. While the Huawei has a larger battery, the optimization that Google has done with the Pixel has always provided me with amazing battery life, plus the added benefit of wireless charging makes it more convenient to use. While the Pixel 8 Pro is significantly more expensive, for me, the premium features and top-tier experience are well worth the investment. It would be my daily driver of choice because it can satisfy all my needs while providing an amazing experience.
