Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. These two devices are quite different, and it’s essential to understand their unique strengths and where they fit in the tech landscape. I'll break down their specifications, offer some real-world implications, and guide you toward the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, focusing on their practical impact on users:
Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2022-05-01 | 2023-10-16 | The Tab S9 FE+ is much newer, potentially offering more modern software and features. |
Type | Standard Smartphone | Standard Tablet | The nova Y70 is designed to be handheld, while the Tab S9 is designed for a larger form factor and to be used on surfaces. |
Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | The Tab S9 FE+ is significantly larger and thinner than the nova Y70 Plus. It will be much harder to hold with a single hand. |
Weight | 199g | 627g | The nova Y70 Plus is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. The Tab S9 FE+ will need to be used on surfaces. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.75" | 12.4" | The Tab S9 FE+ offers a significantly larger screen, ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and creative work. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1600x2560 | The Tab S9 FE+ provides much sharper visuals with its higher resolution, making text and images clearer. |
PPI | 260 | 243 | Both have similar pixel density for good clarity, although this might be a little more noticeable on the smaller Huawei screen. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use LCD technology, which is good but not as vibrant or high contrast as AMOLED. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Tab S9 FE+ has a smoother display with 90Hz, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid than the 60Hz display on the Huawei. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unlisted, making it hard to quantify performance outside. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Tab S9 FE+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, providing faster performance and better power efficiency. |
Antutu Score | 103,500 | 507,000 | The Tab S9 FE+ offers significantly higher performance, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a more capable GPU, offering better graphics performance for games and demanding applications. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.8) | 12MP (f/2.0) | The nova Y70 Plus has higher resolution, but aperture is the most important part, with the Huawei giving an edge here |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP | Both phones have comparable front-facing cameras. |
Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Tab S9 FE+ wide angle lens captures slightly more detail. |
Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The nova Y70 has a dedicated depth camera for portrait photos. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | The Tab S9 FE+ can record videos at much higher resolutions, offering better video quality and more detail. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 6000mAh | 10090mAh | The Tab S9 FE+ has a much larger battery, likely providing longer battery life between charges. |
Charging | 22.5W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The Tab S9 FE+ supports faster charging, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Tab S9 FE+ bypass charging lets users charge while using the tablet without damaging the battery. |
Software | |||
OS | - | Android 13 | The Tab S9 FE+ runs on a modern Android system, providing access to the latest features and updates, while Huawei does not list its OS. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The Tab S9 FE+ supports newer, faster WiFi standards, offering better wireless performance. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Tab S9 FE+ uses the newer Bluetooth 5.3, providing improved performance and lower power consumption. |
GPS | Yes, Multi-System | Yes | Huawei offers more accurate location with multi-satellite support, while the Tab S9 FE+ only supports GPS. |
SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | No SIM | The nova Y70 Plus supports dual SIM, allowing for two mobile network connections. The Tab S9 FE+ is not SIM enabled. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Tab S9 FE+ offers more storage space, important for storing apps, media, and documents. |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | The Tab S9 FE+ has substantially more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and faster app performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Tab S9 FE+ offers a much more immersive audio experience with its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
Other | |||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both devices have basic sensors, but Huawei has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Here's a breakdown of each phone's strengths and weaknesses:
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths:
- Lightweight and Portable: It's significantly lighter, making it easier to handle and carry around.
- Impressive Primary Camera Resolution: Higher megapixel count on the primary camera for more detailed photos in good light, and a wider aperture.
- Dual SIM support: Users can manage two SIM cards at once, which can be great for travel or business.
- Multi-system GPS: The inclusion of multiple satellite systems can lead to more accurate GPS tracking.
- Lower Cost: Usually more budget-friendly, making it a strong contender in the entry-level market.
- Weaknesses:
- Weaker Performance: The Kirin 710A chipset is significantly less powerful, impacting overall speed and responsiveness.
- Lower Screen Resolution and refresh rate: Not as sharp and smooth as the Tab S9 FE+, affecting the overall viewing experience.
- No OS listed : Without an OS it will likely have a very limited selection of apps and not be suitable as a daily driver.
- Basic Audio: The audio experience will be limited compared to devices with enhanced features like the Tab S9 FE+.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides significantly better speed and graphics, ideal for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 12.4" display with higher resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate is fantastic for media consumption, creative work, and productivity.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery and bypass charging potentially leads to much longer usage without the need to constantly charge.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a much more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
- Modern Software: Android 13 provides the latest updates and access to a wider array of apps.
- Weaknesses:
- Larger and Heavier: Significantly less portable, requiring two hands for optimal use.
- No SIM support : Cannot be used with cellular data.
- Higher Price: Generally more expensive, making it less budget-friendly.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
- Individuals who need a secondary phone with dual SIM capabilities and long battery life.
- Those who need a very light phone.
- Use Cases:
- Basic browsing, social media, and communication.
- Backup phone for travel or emergencies.
- For users who value a lightweight phone that fits in your pocket.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for multitasking, gaming, and creative work.
- Individuals who want an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity.
- Users who need the best audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos, movies, and streaming content.
- Multitasking for school or work.
- Creative tasks like drawing, note-taking, and light photo editing.
- Casual gaming with demanding graphics.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide which device is right for you:
- What is my Primary Use Case? Am I looking for a very portable, affordable phone for basic tasks or a tablet for multitasking and entertainment?
- How Important Is Performance? Do I need a snappy experience for demanding apps and games, or will basic performance suffice?
- What is my Budget? Am I willing to spend more for a higher-end device, or is my priority to get the most value for a lower price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is the top priority, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus offers reasonable functionality at a lower price.
- Entertainment Enthusiast: If you value a large, high-resolution display and excellent audio for media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the clear winner.
- Performance-Focused User: If you need a fast and responsive device for gaming and demanding applications, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the preferred choice.
- Portability User: If you prefer a very light device you can keep in your pocket, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is ideal.
- Dual SIM User: If you need to manage two SIM cards on a single device, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is the only option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus has its merits, the Tab S9 FE+ provides a significantly better overall experience for my needs, despite its lack of SIM support. Here’s why:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset is just in another league compared to the older Kirin chip in the Huawei. This ensures that I can run apps smoothly, multitask effectively, and enjoy demanding games without any hiccups.
- Immersive Display: The large 12.4-inch display with high resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate is fantastic for watching videos, reading articles, and for general use, and would be great for both personal and work use.
- Enhanced Audio: The Dolby Atmos stereo speakers make a world of difference in my media consumption and my general usage of the tablet.
- Modern Features: Being a newer device, the Tab S9 FE+ benefits from a more modern OS, better overall software support, and access to new features, such as bypass charging.
In short, while the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a perfectly serviceable budget phone, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+’s performance and user experience are a clear step up in my book, outweighing the advantages of portability. The Tab S9 FE+ will give a much more reliable experience, and is better suited to my needs.