Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the OnePlus Nord 3. I'll break down the specs, highlight what matters for real-world use, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specs, focusing on their practical impact:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | OnePlus Nord 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | The Nord 3 is more compact and slightly easier to handle. The Y70 Plus is noticeably larger, feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 199g | 193.5g | Both are similarly weighted, though the Nord 3 is a touch lighter which might be appreciated over extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.74" | Minimal difference. Screen size is almost identical. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1240x2772 | The Nord 3 has a much sharper display, resulting in significantly clearer text and more detailed images and video. |
| PPI | 260 | 451 | The Nord 3 delivers a crisper viewing experience with much higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Nord 3 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus more power efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Nord 3's 120Hz display makes scrolling, animations, and gaming feel much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 has significantly better outdoor visibility under bright conditions with over 1450 more nits of brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | The Nord 3's chipset is vastly more powerful, providing a smoother, faster experience for all tasks, from basic browsing to demanding games. |
| Antutu Score | 103,500 | 1,103,441 | The Nord 3 scores almost 10 times higher, indicating significantly superior performance in day to day use. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G710 MC10 | The Nord 3 has a much more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics and more demanding games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Minimal difference in resolution, but the OnePlus has a bigger sensor size and better pixel size. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unspecified | Sony IMX890 | The OnePlus utilizes the Sony IMX890 sensor, known for higher quality performance in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | The Nord 3 takes higher quality selfie photos with higher resolution. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | The Nord 3 takes higher quality wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode Depth Camera | 2MP | None | The Y70 Plus has a dedicated portrait mode camera, the Nord 3 does not. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | The Nord 3 has a dedicated macro camera, the Y70 Plus does not. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Nord 3 can record higher quality videos and has EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). |
| Camera Features | Digital image stabilization | Optical Stabilization (OIS) | The Nord 3 uses OIS for superior stability in low light conditions, while the Y70 Plus lacks it. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Y70 Plus boasts a larger battery, potentially giving you more usage time between charges, although the actual difference will depend on how you use the phone. |
| Charging Speed | 22.5W | 80W | The Nord 3 charges much faster, meaning less downtime plugged into the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13/16 | The Nord 3 runs a newer version of Android, promising a better experience, features and updates. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Nord 3 supports newer WiFi standards for faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The Nord 3 uses a newer version of Bluetooth with more advanced features and less power consumption. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both phones offer reliable location services with a variety of GPS systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Nord 3 has more internal storage options giving you more room for your files. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/16GB | The Nord 3 offers significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you’ll need to rely on internal space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Nord 3 provides enhanced audio quality, creating a better media and gaming experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Huawei has a more advanced side mounted finger print sensor, making it slightly easier and more secure to access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Nord 3 has a better, more complete suite of sensors. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
OnePlus Nord 3: Power and Visuals
- Strengths: The Nord 3 is a powerhouse, with a significantly more powerful chipset, a smoother 120Hz AMOLED display, much faster charging, better cameras with OIS, and more RAM. The higher brightness makes the phone more usable outdoors.
- User Experience: This phone provides a premium, lag-free experience that feels fluid and responsive.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery, though fast charging minimizes the impact.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Battery Life Champion
- Strengths: The standout feature here is the large 6000mAh battery, which can lead to a much longer time between charges. It also includes a dedicated Portrait mode depth camera.
- User Experience: This phone is geared towards those who prioritize battery life, and want a dedicated portrait camera, even if it sacrifices performance and display quality.
- Trade-offs: It comes with a lower-resolution display, a weaker chipset, and much slower charging, making it a basic performing phone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus Nord 3 is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who crave the best performance, the fastest charging, and a top-notch visual experience.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and 120Hz display mean you get a smoother, more responsive experience.
- Media Consumers: If you watch a lot of videos and movies, the high-res AMOLED display with Dolby Atmos will significantly enhance your enjoyment.
- Photography Enthusiasts: With its OIS camera and the 4K video capabilities, it is better suited for those who take their photos and videos seriously.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you need a phone that can last a long time between charges, and you're not too concerned about performance or visual fidelity.
- Casual Users: If your needs are basic, like browsing, social media, and occasional photos, the Y70 Plus might suffice.
- Battery Life Priority: If you travel frequently and want a phone that will last all day on a single charge, this is your choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to me? If you want a phone that feels quick and responsive in all scenarios, the Nord 3 is clearly the better pick. If basic performance is enough, the Y70 Plus is fine.
- How much do I value a great display? The Nord 3 has a far superior display, especially if you consume a lot of visual content. The difference is quite noticeable. If you're okay with a less impressive screen, the Y70 Plus will do.
- Is battery life my top priority? The Y70 Plus will last a lot longer between charges, but has a slower charging experience. If you prioritize this and are okay with less overall performance, it's a decent choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want the best possible performance for the money": OnePlus Nord 3 is the better choice.
- "I need my phone to last all day (and more) and am not a power user": Huawei nova Y70 Plus is your best bet for extended battery life.
- "I watch a lot of videos and play some games": OnePlus Nord 3 wins hands down due to the display, audio, and the processing power.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the OnePlus Nord 3. While the extra battery life on the Huawei is tempting, the massive difference in overall performance, the superior display, the much faster charging speed, and the better cameras makes the OnePlus the better choice. It's a much more capable, premium experience that would significantly enhance my daily usage, making me much happier in the long run. The Y70 Plus simply feels like a phone that makes too many sacrifices in terms of performance and display in the name of battery life. For a technology enthusiast, those are far more important aspects.
