Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. We'll go beyond just listing specs and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | Huawei is larger and thicker, which might be less pocketable. OnePlus is more compact. |
| Weight | 199g | 187g | OnePlus is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.56" | Huawei offers a slightly larger viewing area, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Both offer similar HD+ resolution; you won't see much difference in pixel density, these are not super sharp. |
| PPI | 260 | 269 | Similar pixel density; you may not see much difference, not razor sharp but decent. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar LCD tech, so expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rates, may not feel as smooth as 90 or 120Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same. Need more info to assess outdoor visibility, but generally these panels are average. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) | Different architectures; Helio G35 is built on smaller fabrication and performs much better. |
| Antutu Score | 103,500 | 221,000 | OnePlus is significantly faster, leading to smoother app loading and multitasking, plus better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus's GPU provides much better gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei has a larger battery; should translate to longer battery life but real world also depends on the processor. |
| Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 33W fast charging | OnePlus charges faster, spending less time plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | OnePlus has a higher resolution sensor size, indicating potentially better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | Both are similar, but OnePlus has a slightly larger pixel size, capturing a bit more light on each pixel. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Huawei has a wide-angle lens to capture more in the scene. OnePlus doesn't have. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, no Slow-mo | Both record at 1080p, Huawei offers slow-mo. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 12 | OnePlus comes with Android 12. Huawei OS version is unknown and could be outdated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | OnePlus supports newer Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering better speeds and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | OnePlus has a newer version with better range, and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | Both offer standard location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer similar storage options, but you must choose wisely. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | Sufficient for basic tasks and some multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No microSD card slot on either device, storage isn't expandable. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Features | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | OnePlus offers a better experience with stereo speakers and a noise cancellation mic for calls and audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have similar protection on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity, Gyroscope | OnePlus includes gyroscope for better gaming experience. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G35 chipset and much higher Antutu score result in a more fluid and responsive experience. Apps load faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is more enjoyable.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is considerably quicker than 22.5W, reducing downtime.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone.
- More modern connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
- More modern software: comes with Android 12 compared to the unknown software from Huawei.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery should offer superior battery life, possibly lasting over a day even with heavy use.
- Wide Angle Lens: It has a wide-angle lens, enhancing photography versatility.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Battery: If raw performance and responsiveness are your priority, the OnePlus is the clear winner. If you prioritize battery life and can sacrifice performance the Huawei could be for you.
- Camera System: The OnePlus primary camera has a slight edge due to the larger sensor size. The Huawei has a wide-angle lens, giving more options in photography.
- Software: The Huawei's OS is unknown and can be outdated, this might be a big issue for some users. The OnePlus comes with a modern version of Android 12.
- Audio: The OnePlus has a better speaker system, which many might prefer over the basic one present on the Huawei
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is best for:
- Users who prioritize extremely long battery life and less emphasis on performance.
- Users who want a larger screen for media consumption.
- Casual photographers who value having a wide-angle lens for added flexibility.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE is best for:
- Users who prioritize performance and want a device that feels smooth and responsive.
- Users who value a better audio experience (stereo speakers, noise cancellation).
- Users who frequently take photos and want a good primary camera.
- Users who care about having a modern operating system.
- Users who want better gaming performance and experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is battery life to you?
- If you need a phone that can last for a very long time without charging, choose the Huawei.
- If you are fine with above average battery life and are okay with charging once a day, the OnePlus will be fine.
What is more important: better performance or a wide-angle lens?
- If you want a smooth, fast phone that can handle gaming and multitasking, choose the OnePlus.
- If you value wide-angle photography and don't mind slower performance, go with the Huawei.
How much do you care about modern software and audio quality?
- If you want to be using a current Android version and want great audio, choose the OnePlus.
- If you don't mind having an unknown OS and basic audio, the Huawei is fine.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus Nord N20 SE.
Here's why:
While the Huawei’s battery life is impressive, the significant performance advantage of the OnePlus makes it a more practical and enjoyable everyday device. The faster charging, newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, updated Android, better audio, and improved performance make it a much better option for my usage. I also prefer a device that is responsive and fast, and the OnePlus delivers on this front, making for a smooth and engaging user experience. While the absence of a wide-angle camera is a small loss, the better sensor on the primary camera, coupled with the much higher performance and better audio, make the OnePlus Nord N20 SE the clear choice for me. The software is also important to me and the unknown operating system from Huawei is a concern.
