Okay, let's break down the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi 13T. This is going to be a comparison of two very different phones aimed at very different user groups. I'm excited to get into the details and give you a clear picture of what each brings to the table. Let's get started!
Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi 13T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-01 | 2023-09-26 | Xiaomi 13T is a much newer phone. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm | Huawei is larger and slightly thicker, may feel more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 199g | 193g | Xiaomi 13T is slightly lighter, more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.67" | Slightly larger screen on Huawei, but not by much. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1220x2712 | Xiaomi 13T has a vastly sharper and clearer display. |
| PPI | 260 | 446 | Xiaomi 13T has higher pixel density, sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 13T has better color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Xiaomi 13T will have much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | Xiaomi 13T will be easily viewable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4nm) | Xiaomi 13T is much faster, more efficient, and capable of handling demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 905,364 | Xiaomi 13T is dramatically faster in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Xiaomi 13T has a significantly more powerful GPU for gaming and graphical tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei nova Y70 Plus potentially has longer battery life, but real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 13T will charge much faster. |
| Removable | No | No | Both batteries are non-removable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | Xiaomi 13T has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, likely better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 50MP f/1.9, 1/2.88" Omnivision OV50D40 | Xiaomi 13T offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 20MP f/2.2, 1/2" Sony IMX596 | Xiaomi 13T has a significantly better selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10 | Xiaomi 13T has a much better ultrawide camera. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Huawei offers a dedicated depth sensor which can help with more accurate portrait modes. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps HDR, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps HDR, EIS | Xiaomi 13T is capable of higher quality video with stabilization features. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Xiaomi 13T offers significantly better video stabilization features |
| Slow Motion | 120fps | 960fps | Xiaomi 13T captures more detailed slow motion footage. |
| DXOMark Camera Score | N/A | Mobile: 123, Photo: 121, Video: 132 | Xiaomi 13T’s camera has been tested, providing a performance benchmark. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | - | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Xiaomi 13T has a modern Android version with a promise for updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Xiaomi 13T supports the latest WiFi standards for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Xiaomi 13T offers more advanced Bluetooth for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 13T supports more satellite systems for accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Xiaomi 13T adds eSIM support for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | Xiaomi 13T offers much more storage space, no microSD card slot for either device. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 13T has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Xiaomi 13T has superior audio features for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei has a side-mounted fingerprint which is better in some cases. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 13T has a better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 13T includes additional sensor for advanced features. |
Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Strengths & Limitations
Strengths:
- Large Battery: Its primary advantage is the 6000mAh battery, which should provide excellent battery life for casual users.
- Slightly Larger Screen: The slightly larger 6.75-inch screen can be appealing to users who prioritize screen size above all else.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner Some users will prefer this over an under display sensor.
Limitations:
- Outdated Chipset: The Kirin 710A is a significant bottleneck, resulting in slower performance and struggles with more intensive tasks.
- Low-Resolution Display: The 720p IPS LCD screen is far behind the competition in sharpness and quality.
- Basic Camera Performance: The camera system is functional but lacks advanced features or exceptional image quality.
- Slow Charging: The 22.5W charging is considerably slow compared to modern standards.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited storage with no microSD slot.
Xiaomi 13T: Strengths & Limitations
Strengths:
- High-Performance Chipset: The Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra is a powerhouse, offering a fast and smooth experience.
- Superior AMOLED Display: The 144Hz AMOLED screen is vibrant, sharp, and fluid, making media consumption a pleasure.
- Advanced Camera System: The 50MP main sensor with OIS, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses offer high image quality and versatility.
- Fast Charging: The 67W charging is quick, allowing for rapid battery top-ups.
- Better Software Support: With android 13 and promises for future updates.
- Stereo Speakers: Better media experience with stereo speakers.
Limitations:
- Smaller Battery: The 5000mAh battery, while decent, may not offer the same endurance as the Huawei nova Y70 Plus.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited storage with no microSD slot.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life above all else and are mainly interested in casual tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Use Cases: Extended usage without needing to frequently charge, basic navigation, and those who do not need a high level of performance.
- Value: Good option if you need to stretch your budget and want a decent phone that can handle the basics for a long time on a single charge.
Xiaomi 13T
- Ideal For: Power users who need a high level of performance, gamers, photographers, and those who value a top-tier display for media consumption.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, video editing, watching movies and shows, and multitasking.
- Value: A premium experience at a relatively competitive price, making it ideal for those who prioritize performance and features.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself when choosing between these phones:
- How much do you value smooth, fast performance? If you want seamless multitasking and gaming, the Xiaomi 13T is the only clear choice. If you only do basic tasks, you can get by with the Huawei.
- How important is screen quality and clarity to you? The Xiaomi 13T's AMOLED screen is vastly better for sharpness, colors, and outdoor visibility. If you like watching videos on your phone, this is an important consideration.
- Do you need the longest battery life possible, and does fast charging matter? The Huawei has a larger battery which might be a tie breaker for some, although the Xiaomi has much faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget Shopper with Basic Needs: If you are trying to save money and mostly need a phone for calls, texts, and browsing, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus might be acceptable. However, be prepared for a slower experience and a lower quality display.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Xiaomi 13T is the clear choice. Its powerful chipset, superior display, and overall performance make it a much more suitable choice for a user that uses more than just the basic functions of a smartphone.
- Scenario 3: Media Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 13T, with its stunning AMOLED screen and enhanced audio capabilities, is perfect for watching videos and enjoying high-quality content.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 13T. The difference in performance between these two phones is night and day. The Xiaomi 13T's faster chipset, stunning 144Hz AMOLED screen, and superior camera system make it the clear winner in my book. While the Huawei may offer slightly longer battery life, the much faster charging of the Xiaomi 13T minimizes that advantage, and frankly, a phone is not very useful if it is too slow to accomplish the tasks you set out to do. Also, as someone who uses their phone for photography, watching media, and playing games, the Xiaomi 13T provides a far superior experience across the board. The Huawei nova Y70 Plus could be a decent device for the very budget conscious and those with very basic requirements. But ultimately, the Xiaomi 13T's overall performance and features make it a much more enjoyable and practical phone in 2024.
