Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A34. We'll go beyond the spec sheets and focus on how these differences translate into your day-to-day usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm, 199g | 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm, 199g | Nova is slightly taller and thicker, but same weight, affecting in-hand feel & pocketability |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.6" | Nova offers slightly larger screen for media consumption |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | A34 has sharper, more detailed visuals due to higher pixel count |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 390 PPI | A34 has significantly sharper display; text and images will appear much clearer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A34 has vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and power efficiency with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A34 has smoother animations, scrolling and gaming feel more fluid |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both will perform similarly in peak brightness conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | A34 has much more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster performance |
| Antutu Score | 103,500 | 532,300 | A34 will be significantly faster at multitasking, gaming, and app loading |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | A34 has a superior GPU which enhances gaming performance and visuals |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Nova has larger battery; potential for longer usage between charges; Actual endurance may vary |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A34 charges faster; slight difference, can save time waiting for battery to be topped off |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | A34 has a better camera sensor, generally capturing higher quality images, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258 | A34 has higher resolution for better detail; Nova offers wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K4HA | Both similar for wide-angle shots |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC5035 | A34 captures better quality depth information for better bokeh effects |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilisation | Up to 4K@30fps, with stabilization | A34 records higher quality video, includes stabilization for smoother footage |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | 92 (Mobile), 99(Photo) | A34 has a well-regarded camera, excelling in picture taking, good for high-quality capture |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Digital Image stabilization | OIS, Ultra stable Video, Digital Image stabilization | A34 offers better stabilization (OIS) for sharper, clearer images/videos, Manual Focus for advanced control |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 13 | A34 has a more modern and updated OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | A34 supports faster, more stable WiFi; A34 has MiMO; provides better connectivity experience |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | A34 has more modern Bluetooth for better pairing and connections; better power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS(L1), Beidou(B1) | Both have similar location capabilities; Both offer a diverse range of global positioning options |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A34 offers more storage for apps, photos, videos |
| RAM | 4GB | 6/8 GB | A34 has significantly more RAM, boosting multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers additional storage via microSD card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A34 offers enhanced spatial audio, greater immersion, better for media/gaming |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Nova has a slightly more user-friendly fingerprint implementation |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A34 offers more advanced sensors for gaming and enhanced functionality |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Strengths and Trade-offs
- Strengths:
- Battery Life: The standout feature is its large 6000mAh battery, which should easily last more than a day for most users.
- Screen Size: The 6.75" screen is a good choice for those who prefer a larger display for media consumption.
- Fingerprint Placement: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is convenient and fast.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Kirin 710A chipset is dated and struggles with demanding tasks; this will result in slower app loading, choppy animations, and poor gaming performance.
- Display Quality: The low-resolution IPS LCD with 60Hz refresh rate is not as sharp, smooth, or vibrant as the A34's display.
- Camera Performance: The camera is good, but compared to the A34, it lacks the higher quality sensor, leading to inferior photos, especially in low light.
Samsung Galaxy A34: Strengths and Trade-offs
- Strengths:
- Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display is bright, vibrant, sharp, and smooth.
- Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset offers a significant boost in performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and other demanding apps with ease.
- Camera Quality: The 48MP main camera, paired with advanced features like OIS and Ultra-stable video, results in significantly better images and videos.
- Software: Newer OS (Android 13).
- Trade-offs:
- Battery: Although 5000mAh is good, it is less than the nova Y70 Plus, therefore it might need charging slightly more often for heavy users.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Basic Fingerprint Sensor, which is not as good as the side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the nova Y70 Plus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Ideal for...
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing battery life above everything.
- Casual Users: Who use their phones for basic tasks, browsing, social media, and media consumption on the go.
- Users Who Value a Large Display: Who want a large screen for easy viewing.
Samsung Galaxy A34: Ideal for...
- Performance-Oriented Users: Who need fast and fluid performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Who want vibrant, crisp displays for enjoying movies, shows, and games.
- Camera Lovers: Who want higher quality pictures and videos with advanced features and a higher dynamic range.
- Users who want newer technology Preferring newer software, connectivity options, and other advanced features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making a choice, consider these three key questions:
What's your priority: Battery or performance?
- If you prioritize long battery life above all else, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus might be suitable.
- If performance, a high-quality display and a better camera are your main priorities, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is the clear choice.
What is the phone used for?
- If your usage is primarily browsing, social media, and basic tasks, the nova Y70 Plus could work well for you if budget is a concern.
- If you intend to game, take a lot of high-quality pictures/videos, or use demanding apps, the A34 is a much better investment.
Do you value newer tech and faster connectivity?
- If you want the most modern device with faster connectivity, the A34 is clearly the better choice.
- If you don't mind using older standards and just need basic connectivity, the nova Y70 Plus will work for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Focused Student: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a viable budget option with good battery life.
- Social Media and Content Creator: The Samsung Galaxy A34's superior display, camera, and performance make it a great choice for creating and viewing content.
- Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy A34 is a far better choice with its faster chipset, better GPU, and 120Hz display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A34 without hesitation. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a bigger battery, the A34 simply excels in almost every other critical area. As a tech journalist, a high-quality display, robust performance, and an excellent camera are crucial. The A34's AMOLED screen, much more powerful processor, superior camera, and faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it the better device for my needs and for those who want to get the most value out of their smartphone experience. Yes, the battery is smaller, but with the more efficient processor I am confident it would easily last me through the day and the slight increase in charging speed is useful.
