Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A04. As a tech journalist, my goal is to make sense of these specs and help you, the reader, understand which phone might be the better fit for you. I'll blend my technical understanding with some real-world insights to give you a clear picture.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, comparing the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A04, along with explanations of their real-world implications.
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | The Huawei is slightly larger and wider, while both have similar thicknesses. The Samsung is more compact. |
| Weight | 199g | 192g | A minor 7g difference; the Samsung might feel slightly lighter during long periods of usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.5" | Huawei offers a larger display, which is good for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical; both are acceptable for basic use but lack sharpness. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 270 | Very similar, so visual differences will likely be minimal. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Huawei's IPS LCD usually provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD, though this can vary between individual panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard; Both phones lack a high refresh rate so, smooth scrolling is absent on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak Brightness identical; Not bright enough to view easily on a very bright sunny day |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Samsung uses a slightly more efficient processor based on its fabrication process, though this doesn't always mean better real-world performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 124,000 | Samsung is a little faster according to benchmarks and has more potential for everyday performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | PowerVR GE8320 | Both use different configurations of similar level GPUs, meaning gaming performance will be pretty much the same |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei has a larger battery, which is a clear advantage for users wanting longer usage without frequent charging. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging | Huawei’s fast charging will noticeably reduce charge times. The Samsung relies on standard slow charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera performance. Samsung has a slightly higher MP count. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Huawei should have slightly better selfie quality thanks to the wider aperture and higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Huawei has a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography and Samsung does not. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic portrait capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-Mo | 1080p@30fps | Both support 1080p video recording but Samsung has 30fps slow mo while Huawei is 120fps |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Samsung's Android OS is more up to date compared to the Huawei's default OS. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, Dual-band | 802.11b/g/n/ac | Samsung has a newer ac Wi-Fi standard; Huawei offers additional Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP, EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, LE, A2DP | Huawei has a newer Bluetooth version with additional codec support, that means better compatibility and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Huawei has more satellite systems for better positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB or 128 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB or 6 GB | Samsung provides a 6 GB option that improves multitasking capacity. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. This means you have to carefully pick your storage variant. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic security | Huawei provides the fingerprint sensor, an additional layer of security and convenience. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Huawei's extra sensor enhances its functionality with biometric unlock, while the Samsung only has basic sensors |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Battery Life: The most significant advantage is the 6000mAh battery, ideal for users who need long-lasting power.
- Fast Charging: The 22.5W fast charging is a very useful feature, reducing the time spent charging.
- Display: The larger IPS display, coupled with the wide angle camera lens, provides a better media consumption experience.
- Security: The fingerprint sensor adds a layer of convenience and security.
- Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1 with additional audio codecs and additional navigation satellites means better and more reliable connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Strengths:
- Performance: Slightly better performance according to benchmarks, better for gaming and multitasking.
- RAM Options: The 6GB RAM option provides better multitasking capacity
- Software: Comes with a more updated Android version
- Slightly more compact and lighter: Making it more comfortable to carry and use with one hand
Trade-offs:
- The Huawei lacks an updated Android version, which may impact long term software support and access to new features.
- Both devices have relatively low-resolution screens, which aren't as sharp compared to more premium options,
- Both devices do not support expandable storage, which might be a deal breaker for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best for: Users who prioritize battery life above all else. This phone is perfect for individuals who are often away from power outlets and use their phones heavily for social media, browsing, and video watching.
- Ideal User: Travelers, outdoor workers, and those who dislike frequent charging.
- Use Case: Enjoying all-day media consumption (movies, social media, and streaming) while traveling with limited access to charging.
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Best for: Users who want a slightly faster budget phone that is more compact and lighter. It’s well suited for basic smartphone functionality with acceptable performance.
- Ideal User: Casual users, students, or those looking for a budget device with good software support.
- Use Case: Everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and using basic apps, with the occasional media watching or casual gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Battery or Performance? Do you value long battery life above all else, or do you need the extra oomph for smoother multitasking and gaming?
- Size and Handling: Do you prefer a larger device for media consumption or a more compact one for portability?
- Software: How important is an updated Android OS for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You travel frequently and need a phone that lasts all day.
- Recommendation: Huawei nova Y70 Plus for its superior battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: You're a casual user who needs a reliable device for daily use on a budget.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04 for its compact design and balanced performance.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize photography and want a versatile camera setup.
- Recommendation: Huawei nova Y70 Plus for the wide-angle lens and better front facing camera.
- Scenario 4: You don't care too much about battery life and need a phone for moderate gaming,
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04 because of the more up-to-date software and better performance.
My Choice
If I were making a personal choice between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Huawei nova Y70 Plus. My rationale is based on my own needs and values as a user, and a tech journalist who appreciates cutting edge tech. I value a phone with a long lasting battery, a decent display for media consumption, and the added security of a fingerprint sensor. While the Samsung has a better processor, my usual use case isn't that taxing, so I can make do with the Huawei's slightly lower performance. The Huawei's bigger display and bigger battery would be a more positive experience for me as an individual. The additional camera lenses is a plus as well.
While this analysis is detailed, it's always wise to test these devices if possible to see which one fits your needs the best.
