Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Honor X7a. Both phones are vying for attention in the budget-friendly market, and while they share some similarities, there are crucial differences that will impact your daily use. I'll break it all down for you, focusing on the practical implications of each specification.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Honor X7a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 167.5 × 76.9 × 8.3 mm | Very similar size, but the Y70 Plus is slightly thicker. Both should feel comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 196g | Practically the same weight. Both will feel fairly substantial, but not too heavy in daily use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard build quality. Expect typical plastic construction. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.75" | Identical screen size. Ideal for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical resolution; adequate but not sharpest. Text and images might appear slightly less crisp than on FHD displays. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 260 PPI | Identical pixel density. Details will be similar across both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | TFT LCD | Y70 Plus Advantage: IPS LCD usually offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to TFT LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate; scrolling may not be as smooth as with 90Hz or higher, especially in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have zero-nits brightness, likely an error in spec sheet. Assume that brightness levels will be similar and average for the price point. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | X7a Advantage: Helio G37 is slightly newer and should offer better overall performance (21% higher Antutu score). |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 125,000 | X7a Advantage: Slightly better performance in benchmarks, which should translate to faster app loading and smoother use. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | PowerVR GE8320 | Both have the same underlying GPU but with slightly different implementation. Expect comparable gaming performance on both phones. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | X7a Advantage: Slightly higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail in photos. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both have identical front-facing camera specs. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Both have identical wide-angle camera specs. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have identical depth sensor specs. |
| Macro | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | X7a Advantage: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Y70 Plus Advantage: Can record slow-motion at 120fps, although both are limited to 1080p video. |
| Camera Features | 4K video, Triple cam, PDAF | Quadruple cam, PDAF, CDAF | Both have lots of features, but neither has a clear advantage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5330mAh | Y70 Plus Advantage: Significantly larger battery for longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Both support the same 22.5W fast charging; will take a while to charge given the large batteries. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | X7a Advantage: Ships with Android 12 which should have a more up-to-date experience than an older Huawei skin. | |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | X7a Advantage: More modern Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with LDAC, AAC, SBC | 5.1 | Both support basic bluetooth features but the Y70 Plus adds extra codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Y70 Plus Advantage: Support for more satellite systems for potentially more precise GPS tracking. |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Honor X7a only available in 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4/6 GB | X7a Advantage: Optional 6GB RAM variant. Suitable for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. Plan carefully. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Basic | Basic | Comparable audio quality. |
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor | Both have side-mounted sensors for convenient unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both lack a clear mention of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | X7a Advantage: Has a broader range of sensors that are useful for gaming or AR applications |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery is a significant advantage if battery life is your priority. You should be able to go longer between charges.
- Superior Display Tech: IPS LCD gives better color reproduction and viewing angles versus a TFT LCD.
- More Satellite Systems: Better GPS capabilities for tracking.
- Better slow-motion video: Records at 120fps for smoother videos.
- Extra Bluetooth codecs: Supports LDAC, SBC, AAC codecs.
Honor X7a Strengths:
- Better Performance: The newer Helio G37 chipset offers a noticeable improvement in performance (21% AnTuTu score) and a more modern experience.
- Macro Camera: A dedicated macro lens is great for taking detailed close-up shots.
- More RAM: You can choose a 6 GB RAM version to help with multitasking.
- More Modern WiFi: The support for the "ac" wifi standard is a huge step up for faster and more stable connections.
- Broader Sensors: Includes Compass and Gyroscope.
- Android 12: Comes with a more updated version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- The Y70 Plus sacrifices some processing power for a bigger battery and better satellite support.
- The X7a offers better performance but lacks the Y70 Plus's extra battery capacity and GPS precision.
- Both phones lack expandable storage, which is a significant disadvantage for media hoarders.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and good GPS capabilities, such as travelers or those who frequently use GPS-based apps. This phone is perfect for those who tend to be away from chargers for longer periods.
- Honor X7a: Best suited for those who value performance and a more updated software experience. The macro lens is perfect for users who love mobile photography. This phone excels in daily tasks and offers a more well-rounded experience for the average user.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is battery life to you? If you prioritize longevity, the Y70 Plus with its larger battery is the better option.
- Do you need a better performing phone with a macro lens? If performance is your main concern, the Honor X7a with its Mediatek chipset and optional extra RAM will be a better choice.
- Which software do you prefer? If you prioritize an up-to-date experience the X7a is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: If you are a frequent traveler or someone who often uses location-based apps, and are not near a charger frequently, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is the better option due to its superior GPS and battery life.
- Everyday User: If you want a smooth and all-around great experience, the Honor X7a is the better choice. It’s a well-rounded device offering superior performance, a dedicated macro lens and newer software,
- Budget-Conscious: If both phones are priced similarly, the Honor X7a is the more modern and better performing option and should be strongly considered.
Conclusion:
While both phones compete in the budget segment, they cater to slightly different needs. If you need long battery life with better GPS, the Y70 Plus is your best bet. If you prioritize a faster and smoother experience with a more modern OS, then the Honor X7a is the clear winner.
What would I choose?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Honor X7a. While the larger battery on the Huawei is tempting, the bump in performance, more up-to-date OS, and the added macro lens tip the scales for me. I often find myself juggling multiple apps and would value a smoother, faster experience. Additionally, I use WiFi extensively, so the newer standard would benefit me, and if I need to take a photo of small objects, I'd definitely prefer having a dedicated macro lens. The trade-off in battery life, I believe, is acceptable given the other benefits.
