Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Google Pixel 9. I’ve put together a detailed look that focuses on what these specs mean for you, the user, rather than just listing numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the specifications, looking at real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Google Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Huawei is significantly taller and wider, Pixel is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 199g | 198g | Virtually identical; both feel reasonably solid in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.3" | Huawei offers a larger screen for immersive viewing; Pixel, more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2424 | Pixel's display will be noticeably sharper, great for detail and text. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 422 PPI | Pixel's higher PPI means crisp images; Huawei, slightly less defined. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel's OLED has better colors, contrast, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel's 120Hz makes scrolling and animations feel much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data on brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel's Tensor chip is much more powerful, faster, and more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 1,071,616 | Huge performance gap; Pixel is far faster for everything. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Mali-G715 MC7 (Mali-G715) | Pixel’s GPU is significantly better for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.69 1/1.3" | Pixel's has better light gathering; larger sensor often results in better photos. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP f/2.0 | 10.5MP f/2.2 | Pixel's higher resolution should capture more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 48MP f/1.7 | Huawei offers a dedicated Wide Angle; Pixel's is also Macro. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Huawei offers an additional depth sensor for portraits. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS | Pixel's video is much higher quality, stabilized with HDR. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera | Dual camera, Flicker sensor, OIS, Pro Mode | Google's superior processing for better results; lots of pro features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4700mAh | Huawei’s larger battery might provide longer run time. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Pixel’s faster charging means less time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Pixel is more versatile with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pixel supports Wi-Fi 6, for better speed and network access; |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Pixel offers a more advanced bluetooth technology with APT-x support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel offers more GPS systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android | Android 14 | Pixel offers faster and longer OS upgrades. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Pixel has more base storage; options are higher. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Pixel has much more RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for added storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Pixel has noise cancellation and better sound quality due to the use of multiple microphones and stereo speakers. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei's side-mounted fingerprint is faster. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel uses a higher grade of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Pixel adds a Gyroscope and Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Strengths: The standout here is the massive 6000mAh battery. This phone is built to last, perfect for users who hate charging. The large 6.75" screen is also great for media consumption, and it includes a dedicated wide angle and portrait lens. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: If battery life is your absolute priority and you are comfortable with a less powerful device, the Huawei might make sense.
- Trade-offs: The Kirin 710A chipset is significantly less powerful than modern high-end chips, and the low-resolution display isn't as sharp. The device lacks modern features like wireless charging and high video quality, and does not support eSIM.
Google Pixel 9
- Strengths: The Google Tensor G4 chip is a powerhouse, offering incredible speed and performance. The OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a visual feast. The camera capabilities, along with superior video recording, are also a major win. It also includes wireless charging, reverse charging, and eSIM support, alongside extra sensors.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is for those who demand top-tier performance, high-quality photography, and all the modern bells and whistles, also offering faster updates to the OS.
- Trade-offs: The 4700mAh battery is smaller, and although the chip is more efficient, it might require charging more often than the Huawei. It does not have the extra depth sensor for portraits.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize battery life above all else, need a large screen for media consumption, or those on a very strict budget and might be content with lower-end hardware. Ideal for basic tasks, social media, and casual browsing.
- Use Cases: Extended travel, long workdays without access to charging, and users who consume a lot of video content.
- Price-to-Value: If you need the most battery life possible on a budget and don't mind sacrificing other features, this may be a viable option.
Google Pixel 9
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone who demands high performance and advanced features. Those who want the latest software and regular updates.
- Use Cases: Serious mobile photography, gaming, heavy multitasking, and enjoying a premium multimedia experience.
- Price-to-Value: While likely more expensive, it offers a more advanced phone with significant improvements in performance, display, camera, and feature set.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What do I value most—long battery life or top-tier performance? If it's battery, the Huawei may be acceptable; if performance, the Pixel is the winner.
- How important is display quality to me? If you're okay with a basic display, the Huawei is fine, but the Pixel offers a much sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Am I willing to pay more for advanced features and better camera quality? If yes, the Pixel is the better option; if your budget is tight, the Huawei is the more affordable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: Needs a phone for basic tasks, social media, and long battery life. Recommendation: Huawei nova Y70 Plus for its battery capacity and value.
- The Multimedia Lover: Consumes a lot of video, games and wants a superior visual experience. Recommendation: Google Pixel 9 for its high-quality display and great processor.
- The Photography Enthusiast: Values high-quality photos and videos, and needs plenty of features and performance. Recommendation: Google Pixel 9 with its excellent camera system and processing capabilities.
- The Power User: Needs top performance for daily tasks and multitasking. Recommendation: Google Pixel 9 with its powerful processor, memory and fast charging.
Final Thoughts
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Google Pixel 9. Yes, the battery might require a little more attention, but the gains in performance, display, camera, and the overall modern feature set are too good to pass up. The Pixel is built for modern technology, offering a superior user experience in the areas that truly matter—speed, visuals, and photography. While the Huawei has its place for very specific users, the Pixel represents the more versatile, powerful, and future-proof option.
