Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. I'll be focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user, not just spitting out numbers. Let’s get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The Huawei is larger and thicker, which may be noticeable in pocket and hand. The ZTE is more compact. |
| Weight | 199g | 228g | The Huawei is lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods. The ZTE feels denser, which some people prefer. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.8" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in real use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | Huge difference. The ZTE has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 452 | The ZTE’s display is significantly more detailed and less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Major difference. The ZTE’s AMOLED panel offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The ZTE’s 120Hz refresh rate means smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived responsiveness of the device. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Massive difference. The ZTE is much brighter and significantly more viewable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Night and day. The ZTE is much, much faster, handling demanding apps and games with ease, and it's also more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Benchmark Score | 103,500 | 1,579,720 | The ZTE offers vastly superior performance, suitable for heavy multitasking and graphics-intensive games. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | The ZTE's GPU is significantly more powerful, delivering a smoother gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 54MP f/1.6 (Sony IMX800) | ZTE’s sensor is larger and has a wider aperture, which should translate into better low-light performance and improved image quality. |
| Telephoto+Portrait Camera | None | 8MP f/2.4 (Hynix HI-847) | ZTE has an additional lens to enhance portrait photography. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/2.0 (Omnivision OV50D40) | ZTE’s wide-angle camera is far superior, with more detail and a wider field of view. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.5 (Omnivision OV16A10) | ZTE offers more detailed selfies, though it has a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Huawei includes a depth camera for portrait effects, however, ZTE's portrait mode is likely superior, even without a dedicated sensor |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60/120fps | The ZTE supports significantly higher video recording resolution and frame rates, with stabilization, great for videographers. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5100mAh | The Huawei has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer run times on a single charge. |
| Charging | 22.5W | 80W | Huge difference. The ZTE charges much faster, letting you get back to using your phone sooner. |
| Other Features | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The ZTE supports the latest WiFi standards for faster internet speed. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | ZTE has a newer Bluetooth version, likely offering more reliable connections and advanced features. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/1024GB | ZTE offers significantly more storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB/16GB | ZTE provides substantially more RAM, for smoother multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| OS | Unknown | Android 13 | ZTE has a more current operating system. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | ZTE has much better audio quality, perfect for watching videos or listening to music. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei has more advanced security features. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Ultrasonic proximity virtual | ZTE has more sensors for a better user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Strengths:
- Larger Battery: A 6000mAh battery is a significant advantage for users who prioritize battery life.
- Lighter Build: Its lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: Might be seen as more advanced compared to the basic one of the ZTE.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1500 nits brightness is a game-changer.
- Blazing-Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset offers top-tier performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Significantly better camera hardware, particularly the wide-angle and video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging drastically reduces downtime.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X support with stereo speakers elevates the audio experience.
- More Storage and RAM: Greater internal storage capacity and higher RAM for better performance.
Trade-offs:
- Huawei's weaker performance: It simply cannot compete with the raw power of the Z50S Pro.
- ZTE's larger weight: Those that prioritize lightness might prefer the Huawei.
- Huawei's worse display: Makes it worse for media consumption and it's difficult to see in sunlight
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who need a large battery and a basic smartphone functionality.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Who don't need demanding performance or high-end features.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: For more comfortable usage.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is best for:
- Power users: Who need the fastest performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Media enthusiasts: Who value a high-quality display and audio for entertainment.
- Photography and videography lovers: Who want a versatile and high-performing camera.
- Those who hate slow charging: 80W fast charging ensures you can get back to using the phone quickly.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
How important is top-tier performance to you?
- If you need smooth, fast performance for gaming and heavy app usage, the ZTE is the clear choice. If you only use the phone for very basic apps, the Huawei may suffice.
Which display qualities are most crucial?
- If you need a bright, sharp display with excellent color reproduction, and a smooth refresh rate, the ZTE is the way to go. If those are not a priority, and you're ok with a basic display, the Huawei may be enough.
What are your typical usage habits?
- If you mainly browse social media and need a long-lasting battery, the Huawei might be ok. If you are a heavy user that consumes a lot of media, plays games and takes lots of photos and videos, the ZTE is the clear better option.
Recommendation:
The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear winner for anyone who wants a top-tier smartphone experience. It has a significantly better display, vastly superior performance, a more advanced camera system, and faster charging. The Huawei nova Y70 Plus may be ok for the very budget oriented user that doesn't need a smartphone with high performance, or high quality. However, for almost anyone else, the ZTE is a much better device, and worth the extra cost.
What I Would Choose And Why:
Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro without hesitation. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value a high-quality display, exceptional performance, and cutting-edge features. The ZTE's AMOLED display is stunning, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset offers unparalleled speed, and the camera system is versatile and capable. While I appreciate the Huawei's larger battery, the ZTE's faster charging more than compensates for it. I also tend to take a lot of pictures and videos, so a good camera is a must. For me, the ZTE's strengths align perfectly with my needs, making it the obvious choice. I think it is worth the extra cost, and it offers a much better experience overall.
