Alright, let's dive deep into this showdown between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Motorola Edge 40. It's a classic battle of priorities: battery versus performance, and we're going to dissect it all to help you figure out which phone is the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, highlighting the key technical differences and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Motorola Edge 40 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | The Edge 40 is more compact and comfortable for one-handed use; the nova Y70 Plus is larger but could be better for viewing |
| Weight | 199g | 167g | Edge 40 is significantly lighter, making it less tiring for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.55" | nova Y70 Plus offers slightly more screen real estate, good for media consumption; Edge 40 a little smaller |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Edge 40 provides a much sharper and detailed image, noticeably superior visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 402 PPI | Edge 40's higher pixel density results in a crisp, clear screen - everything looks much less grainy |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 40's P-OLED offers richer colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast ratio |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 delivers far smoother scrolling and animations, particularly in games |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Edge 40 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Edge 40's chip is significantly more powerful, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 762,526 | Edge 40 has vastly superior performance in benchmarks, offering a faster, more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Edge 40's GPU is much more powerful, delivering significantly better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 40 has slightly better low light performance and more detail thanks to larger sensor and wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Edge 40 will capture more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 40 offers better wide-angle shots and also has macro capability. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | nova Y70 Plus has a dedicated depth sensor, Edge 40 does not have a dedicated depth sensor, but rather a ultrawide that acts as the depth sensor |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720@960fps | Edge 40 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities. |
| Stabilisation | No | HDR, EIS | Edge 40 offers superior video stabilisation |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4400mAh | nova Y70 Plus has a much larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 40 charges much faster, making up for the smaller battery capacity |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Edge 40 offers wireless charging, for added convenience. |
| Other | |||
| OS | - | Android 13, upgrade to 15 | Edge 40 has a much newer version of Android and will be upgraded to 15. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Edge 40 offers newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Edge 40 offers more advanced Bluetooth connection. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 256GB | Edge 40 has more storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | Edge 40 has more RAM. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Edge 40 offers better audio quality. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: The standout feature is its massive 6000mAh battery, promising exceptionally long battery life. This makes it a great option for users who prioritize endurance above all else. The larger display, while not as sharp, is good for media consumption. It also has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos.
- Limitations: The biggest drawback is the significantly weaker Kirin 710A chipset, which will result in slower performance, especially for demanding games or multitasking. The display is lower resolution, lower pixel density and not as bright.
Motorola Edge 40:
- Strengths: The Edge 40 is a powerhouse with its Mediatek Dimensity 8020 chip, delivering exceptional performance across the board. The 144Hz P-OLED display is gorgeous and buttery smooth. It also has superior cameras, faster charging, wireless charging and a more modern connectivity suite with dual sim and e-sim, and is lightweight and compact.
- Limitations: Its main limitation is the smaller 4400mAh battery, which, while optimized, may not last as long as the nova Y70 Plus's battery, especially under heavy use. There also isn't a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode pictures.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Who should buy the Huawei nova Y70 Plus?
- Battery-First Users: If battery life is your top priority and you need a phone that can easily last a full day (or more) on a single charge, the nova Y70 Plus is ideal.
- Budget Conscious Buyers: Given the weaker chipset, this is more of a budget friendly phone.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, and do not need high performance will find that the nova Y70 Plus suits their needs.
- Users who prioritize larger screen: People who prioritize larger screen real estate
Who should buy the Motorola Edge 40?
- Performance Enthusiasts: If you demand smooth performance, fast app loading, and excellent gaming capabilities, the Edge 40 is the superior choice.
- Visual Fidelity Seekers: Users who appreciate a sharp, vibrant display with smooth refresh rates for an immersive visual experience.
- Multimedia and Content Creation: The Edge 40 excels in media consumption, offering stereo speakers and high-quality video recording.
- Users who want wireless charging: the Edge 40 offers 15W wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is battery life to you?
- If it's crucial and you need multiple days between charges, the nova Y70 Plus is a great choice.
- If you're comfortable charging daily (or more) for significantly better performance, go with the Edge 40.
- What will you use the phone for primarily?
- For basic usage, the nova Y70 Plus will suffice.
- For demanding tasks, gaming, or multimedia, the Edge 40's superior performance will be noticeable.
- Do you care more about speed or camera?
- If performance is your main priority, the Edge 40 is the best option.
- If you want better image processing capabilities, the Edge 40 has a much more advanced camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The "Digital Nomad" – If you’re constantly on the go and need a device that lasts all day on a single charge, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is more likely to suit your needs.
- Scenario 2: The "Gamer and Content Creator" – If you're frequently gaming and want to capture high-quality content for social media, the Motorola Edge 40 is a far better choice.
- Scenario 3: The "Everyday User" – If you're looking for a solid all-rounder that performs well in most tasks, the Motorola Edge 40 offers a more balanced and overall better experience.
Final Thoughts - What I Would Choose
If I had to choose between the two, I would opt for the Motorola Edge 40. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus's massive battery is tempting, the Edge 40's significantly superior performance, display, and camera capabilities make it a far more compelling device for my usage. The faster charging helps mitigate the smaller battery, and the overall package just feels much more modern and responsive. As a tech journalist, I appreciate devices that push boundaries, and the Edge 40 does just that with its amazing display and overall performance.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities, but hopefully this breakdown gives you a good idea on what each phone is capable of.
