Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi A3x. These two devices occupy a similar space in the budget-friendly arena, but they offer distinct experiences under the hood. Let's break down what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, structured for clarity and focused on real-world user impact:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 168.4 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Huawei is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling more substantial. Redmi is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 199g | 193g | Redmi is a touch lighter, which can be noticeable for extended use or one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.71" | Negligible difference; both provide a large screen suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1650 | Similar pixel density, expect adequate clarity for everyday tasks, but not super sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 268 PPI | Very similar, so expect the same visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD technology, good color reproduction but not as vibrant as OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi’s 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Kirin 710A is older. The Unisoc is more efficient, it's a modern chipset with higher benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 239,000 | The Redmi A3x has a significantly higher AnTuTu score which indicates faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Redmi A3x is better for mobile gaming due to superior graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei's main camera will capture more detailed photos, especially in lower light, thanks to larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Huawei's front camera captures brighter and more detailed selfies, thanks to the higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Huawei includes a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Huawei includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode shots, providing a more professional look. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p video for everyday recording. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30 fps | Huawei provides the capability for 120fps slow-motion video, while the Redmi A3x does not. |
| Camera Features | 4K video, Triple, Digital IS | Dual, Manual Focus | Huawei has more advanced video recording features, while Redmi A3x has manual focus for those who prefer it. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei offers a significantly larger battery, expect longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Huawei’s faster charging will fill up the battery much faster. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 14 | Redmi A3x has Android 14, while the Huawei’s OS is unknown. | |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi A3x supports faster 5GHz Wi-Fi. Huawei has Dual band & Wi-Fi display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.2 | Huawei has more modern Bluetooth with LDAC codec. |
| GPS | GPS,A-GPS,GLONASS,Beidou,QZSS,Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Huawei is able to connect to more GPS systems. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer 64GB and 128GB storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3/4 GB | Both phones offer a 4 GB variant, sufficient for basic usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones support expandable storage. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi A3x has better screen protection, whereas the Huawei does not specify. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity virtual | Huawei has additional fingerprint sensor, which offers better biometric security. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: It has a massive 6000mAh battery for extended usage, a higher-resolution main and selfie camera, and supports an ultrawide lens for versatile shooting, 22.5W fast charging, and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Trade-offs: The older Kirin 710A chipset and 60Hz display might feel sluggish compared to competitors. Lacks information on OS and screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: The superior battery life, additional cameras, and faster charging make this phone ideal for users who need long-lasting performance and versatile photography on a budget.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Strengths: It has a faster and more efficient Unisoc T603 chipset, a smoother 90Hz display for a better user experience, and a more modern OS (Android 14). The phone has screen protection through Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Trade-offs: The battery capacity is smaller than the Huawei, charging is slower, the camera system is less versatile, and Bluetooth 4.2 is older.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone delivers smoother performance, better gaming potential, and a modern software experience while still being budget-friendly.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize long battery life, take a lot of photos, and value versatility in photography.
- Use Cases: Perfect for travelers, students, and those who need their phone to last through a full day and more without needing to recharge. Also ideal for social media enthusiasts who want to capture a variety of shots without carrying additional camera gear.
- Value: Offers great value for users looking for a reliable camera system and long battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Best Suited For: Users who want a smoother and more responsive experience with better day-to-day performance and modern software.
- Use Cases: Ideal for casual gamers, social media users who prefer a smoother screen, and those who prioritize up-to-date software and better performance.
- Value: Provides excellent value for users seeking a modern smartphone experience at a budget-friendly price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Battery or Speed?
- Do you prioritize a phone that can last days on a single charge (Huawei), or one that feels faster and smoother day-to-day (Xiaomi)?
Camera Versatility or Screen Smoothness?
- Do you want a variety of shooting options including a wide-angle lens and depth sensor (Huawei), or a smoother viewing experience (Xiaomi)?
Software Modernity or Long-lasting Battery
- Do you prefer an older smartphone with unknown OS but exceptional battery life, or a newer device with a modern version of Android and more optimized performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a heavy user who's often away from a charger: Go for the Huawei nova Y70 Plus due to its massive battery.
- If you want a phone that feels fast and fluid: Pick the Xiaomi Redmi A3x because of its 90Hz screen and more efficient chipset.
- If you like taking photos: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus is the better option because of its versatile camera system.
- If you're on a tight budget and want the latest OS: The Xiaomi Redmi A3x is your choice for getting the most bang for your buck.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi A3x. The faster performance, smoother 90Hz display, and modern Android 14 OS are compelling features that enhance the daily user experience. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus boasts a fantastic battery and versatile camera system, I value the responsiveness and fluidity the Redmi provides for everyday use. For me, the improved performance is more important than longer battery life and camera versatility because, personally, I don't use my smartphone camera very often, and I have access to charging wherever I go.
While both phones have their strengths, the Redmi A3x hits the sweet spot for what I value in a budget device: smooth operation, a pleasant user interface, and solid all-around performance. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, also gives me a peace of mind. This choice does come with a slight compromise on camera versatility and battery life, but these are trade-offs I am comfortable with for the increased performance and smoothness offered by the Redmi A3x.
