Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. We've got two very different contenders here, and it’s crucial to understand where each shines and where it falls short. Let’s break it down with real-world implications in mind.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specs, organized for clarity:
Design
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | Y70 Plus is noticeably larger and thicker; S23+ is more pocketable and sleeker. |
| Weight | 199g | 196g | Both are quite similar in weight, feel comparable in the hand. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has superior screen protection; Y70 Plus screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.75" | 6.6" | Y70 Plus has slightly more screen real estate; S23+ is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23+ provides significantly sharper visuals (much more pixel density), which translates to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 393 PPI | S23+ display will appear far less pixelated and more detailed than Y70 Plus |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23+ display boasts superior contrast, richer colors, true blacks, and better energy efficiency, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ will feel much smoother in animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ offers exceptional visibility even under direct sunlight; Y70 Plus will struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ is significantly more powerful, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading and a lag-free experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 1,508,732 | S23+ obliterates the Y70 Plus in performance benchmarks. S23+ is future-proof, while the Y70 Plus may struggle with demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Adreno 740 (Qualcomm Adreno 740) | S23+ GPU is far more capable for graphics-intensive tasks like high-end gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 (1/1.57" sensor) | S23+ has a slightly higher megapixel count and a larger sensor for better detail capture and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | S23+ captures more detailed selfies, Y70 Plus wider aperture allows better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.4 (1/3.9") | S23+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom for closer shots. Y70 Plus has no telephoto capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 12.2MP f/2.2 (1/2.55" sensor) | S23+ has higher megapixel count and a larger sensor for better wide-angle captures. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Y70 Plus has a dedicated depth sensor, but in practice this might be outperformed by Samsung's software processing |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@240/960fps, HDR and EIS, stereo sound | S23+ can record higher resolution video with excellent stabilization, ideal for videography. S23+ captures slow-motion video with more details due to the high fps and video stabilization |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, PDAF, HDR, other basic features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, HDR, RAW, Night Mode and many more | S23+ includes advanced features like OIS, optical zoom, and RAW capture for high-quality photos and videos. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 133 Mobile | S23+ is rated for superior photo and video capture |
Battery Life
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4700mAh | Y70 Plus has a larger battery, which could potentially offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast | 45W Fast | S23+ charges much faster, reducing the downtime needed to juice up the phone. |
| Features | None | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 10W wireless and 4.5W Reverse wireless | S23+ offers versatile charging features, such as wireless charging and reverse charging to power other devices. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Unknown | Android 13 | S23+ gets updated versions of android while the Huawei version is unknown |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S23+ has Wi-Fi 6 support for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | S23+ has the latest Bluetooth version for better efficiency and feature support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5 | S23+ provides more accurate and quicker location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S23+ offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | S23+ provides much more storage capacity for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | S23+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ provides significantly enhanced audio quality for immersive entertainment. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both offer biometric fingerprint security. S23+ implementation may be superior |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S23+ has a comprehensive suite of sensors for enhanced functionality and gaming experiences |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery is a major draw for users prioritizing long battery life.
- Larger Display: The 6.75-inch display is good for media consumption if display quality is not a big concern.
- Price: Usually more budget-friendly.
Limitations:
- Poor Performance: The Kirin 710A is significantly weaker, making the phone lag during heavy use.
- Low-Resolution Display: The 720p display is noticeably less sharp and vibrant than the competition, especially on a large screen.
- Basic Camera System: While it includes a 48MP main camera, the overall photo and video quality can't compete with high-end alternatives.
- Limited Features: Lacks modern features like wireless charging, advanced connectivity and higher refresh rate.
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers top-tier speed and smoothness, making it ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a visual treat.
- Superior Camera System: Boasts great image quality, OIS, telephoto capabilities, and 8K video recording.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, fast charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos audio and more.
- Better Connectivity: Latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards for optimized performance.
Limitations:
- Higher Price Point: The S23+ is a premium device and comes with a higher cost.
- Smaller Battery: While the 4700mAh battery is good, it might not last as long as the Y70 Plus's battery under heavy usage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best for: Users on a tight budget who prioritize battery life above all else.
- Use Cases: Basic day-to-day tasks, media consumption (with the understanding of its display limitations), and situations where battery is the priority over performance.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Best for: Users who want a high-performance phone with an excellent display, camera system, and advanced features.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, video creation, content consumption, multitasking, and users who value a premium experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Is performance crucial for you? If the answer is yes, the S23+ is the only viable option.
- Is battery life the top priority? If yes, the Y70 Plus's battery is the bigger. However, consider that the S23+ charges much faster, offsetting some of the battery size deficit.
- What is your budget? If you're price-conscious, the Y70 Plus is more affordable. But the S23+ justifies its price with its superior performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the budget-conscious user who prioritizes long-lasting battery: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus makes the most sense if price is a big consideration.
- For the gamer who demands top performance and a great display: The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the obvious choice.
- For the user who values a premium experience and great camera capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is worth every penny.
Final Verdict: What I Would Choose and Why
Given my priorities as a tech journalist and someone who values a balance of performance and user experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+.
Here’s why:
- Performance is Key: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ensures that the phone handles any task I throw at it, from running complex applications to editing photos and playing demanding games. The S23+ remains smooth and responsive, providing a lag-free experience.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness makes a big difference for content creation and enjoyment. The crisp display is especially essential for my writing tasks and reviewing media content.
- Camera Quality: The camera system on the S23+ provides excellent detail, dynamic range, and versatility. The advanced video recording features also enable me to capture professional-grade content on the go.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging and other features increase my productivity and reduce the amount of time I am tethered to a power outlet. The phone's modern connectivity options also ensure the latest speed and performance.
While the Y70 Plus has a larger battery and lower price, the trade-offs in performance, display, and overall user experience are too significant for me to consider it.
In the end, while both phones offer distinct advantages, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ fits my needs much better, providing an all-around superior user experience and future-proof performance.
