Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Google Pixel 8a. I'll break down the specifications, explain what they mean for you in the real world, and then help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key specifications of the two phones, along with what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Google Pixel 8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm | The Huawei is significantly larger and might feel bulkier. The Pixel 8a is more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 199g | 188g | The Pixel 8a is slightly lighter, which can make a difference during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Pixel 8a offers better scratch resistance with Gorilla Glass. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.1" | The Huawei offers a larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming. The Pixel is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Pixel's display will look significantly sharper and clearer. |
| PPI | 260 | 430 | The Pixel has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a crisper image. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Pixel's OLED display will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the IPS LCD on the Huawei. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel’s higher refresh rate will provide smoother scrolling and animations, which is more responsive for gaming and fast transitions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This is an error in the data, but is included for completeness. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | The Pixel's processor is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 103,500 | 876,512 | The Pixel 8a benchmarks almost 8 times better, which means a vastly more responsive and capable experience across all tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | The Pixel has a more modern and powerful GPU for smoother graphics in games and applications. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The Pixel has more RAM, which allows for better multitasking without slowdowns. |
| STORAGE | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | The Pixel offers more storage and larger options, which means more room for apps, photos, and videos. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4500mAh | The Huawei has a significantly larger battery which should equate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Huawei charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Pixel can charge other devices, which is a convenient feature. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.70µm | The Pixel has a slightly higher resolution, a more modern and higher quality sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX712, 1.12µm | The Pixel's selfie camera has higher resolution and a more detailed sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX712, 1.12µm (Wide Angle + Macro) | The Huawei has a dedicated wide-angle lens; the Pixel combines it with macro, so is more versatile. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Specified | Huawei offers a dedicated portrait mode sensor, however, the Pixel utilizes computational photography for portraits which can be more effective than just relying on a dedicated sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with OIS | The Pixel records higher quality videos with smoother results, thanks to optical image stabilization. |
| Camera 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 | Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Pixel has more advanced image processing and capture features (OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc.) |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 136 (Mobile), 141 (Photo), 128 (Video) | The Pixel's camera is highly rated by DXOMark, indicating excellent photo and video quality. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 14 | The Pixel runs the latest Android version with guaranteed updates and Google’s user experience. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6E) | The Pixel supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The Pixel has a newer Bluetooth version which is more energy efficient and faster. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | The Pixel provides more accurate location tracking via multiple satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Pixel has the added functionality of an eSIM for easy switching between carriers. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Features | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | The Pixel offers a superior audio experience with louder, clearer sound and better voice capture. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer biometric security but Huawei's implementation is more advanced. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | The Pixel has more sensors for advanced functionalities and enhanced augmented reality experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: The primary strength of this phone is its massive battery, which means it can last for a long time without needing a recharge. It also has a very large display which is great for consuming content.
- Competitive Advantages: The large battery size is the stand out feature here, giving extended use for users that need that. The larger screen size is also a benefit.
- Limitations: The biggest limitation is its older and weaker chipset and low screen resolution. This means it will feel much slower than modern phones and won't provide a great experience when looking at the screen.
Google Pixel 8a:
- Strengths: The Pixel 8a shines with its powerful processor, excellent camera, and smooth, high-quality OLED display. It also comes with the latest Android software and is guaranteed to receive timely updates, giving it a more modern and polished experience.
- Competitive Advantages: Its best features are the Tensor G3 chip, its excellent camera, and the better display technology that it comes equipped with, which is considerably higher than the Huawei.
- Limitations: The battery is much smaller than the Huawei, which means it may not last quite as long between charges.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: This phone is best suited for users who prioritize battery life above all else and want a large screen for media consumption, and are not particularly fussed about performance. Ideal for casual users who primarily browse social media, watch videos, and make calls.
- Google Pixel 8a: This phone is for users who want the best possible smartphone experience without paying top dollar. This is for users who prioritize performance, photography, and a high-quality display. It's great for anyone who needs a reliable, all-around phone with a fantastic camera for sharing pictures or video.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these two phones, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is battery life? If you often find yourself without access to a charger and need a phone to last all day and beyond, the Huawei is the winner.
- How important is performance and screen quality? If you want a fast and responsive phone with a high quality display the Google Pixel is the better choice.
- How important is the camera? If you take a lot of photos or videos and are looking for the highest quality, the Google Pixel wins again.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the heavy user who needs maximum battery: Choose the Huawei nova Y70 Plus, understanding that you may have to sacrifice screen quality and performance.
- For the user who wants high-quality photos, better overall performance, and a crisper display: Go for the Google Pixel 8a.
- For the budget-conscious user who needs a good enough experience: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus will be more accessible price wise, but the Google Pixel 8a provides much better value for money.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Google Pixel 8a. Here's why:
While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a larger battery, the overall user experience of the Pixel 8a is superior in almost every other aspect. The Pixel's powerful chipset makes a huge difference in day-to-day use, providing a smoother experience with much faster app loading times and better multitasking, which is much more important to me than battery life, as I can always top up my phone during the day. I also find myself wanting to take great photos and videos, and the Pixel’s camera will be better for that. Also, the crisper display, is going to feel much more modern and is more satisfying to use. The guaranteed software updates also add a lot of value and will extend the longevity of the phone.
While battery life is important, the Pixel’s 4500mAh is still good enough to get through a full day of moderate use, and the benefits of the enhanced camera, display and performance more than outweigh the slightly smaller battery size. The Pixel 8a offers a more compelling package and a modern experience and thus, is the clear winner for me.
