Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova Y70 Plus and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. We’re going to look past the spec sheets and focus on what these numbers mean for your day-to-day experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side breakdown of the key specs, along with the real-world impact for each:
| Feature | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Huawei is slightly larger overall. The ZTE is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 199g | 246g | Huawei is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. ZTE feels more substantial, which some might prefer. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.8" | Similar display sizes. Negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1116x2480 | ZTE’s much higher resolution results in a significantly sharper display. |
| PPI | 260 | 400 | ZTE's higher pixel density means finer details, less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE has a superior display with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE is vastly better for outdoor visibility. Huawei's screen will be hard to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ZTE’s top-tier chip will deliver significantly faster performance, more responsive multitasking, and better gaming. Huawei’s is less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,500 | 2,017,588 | ZTE scores almost 20x higher in benchmarks, indicating a vast performance difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 (PowerVR GE8320) | Adreno 750 (Adreno 750) | ZTE's GPU allows for better graphics and gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 6000mAh | Both have a large 6000mAh capacity, promising good battery life for a day or two of use, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | ZTE’s much faster charging means less time tethered to a power outlet. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800 | ZTE has a higher resolution and wider aperture, suggesting better low-light performance and higher quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4" Omnivision OV12D | ZTE takes higher resolution selfies with better sensor quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | ZTE has optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects, a feature Huawei lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50E | ZTE's wide-angle lens is vastly superior, with much higher resolution and better low light capability |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which the ZTE doesn't need due to higher specs on its other lenses. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps | ZTE is significantly more capable for video, offering much higher resolution and frame rate options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, EIS | ZTE offers electronic stabilization for better video recording while on the move. |
| Slow Motion | 120fps | 240fps | ZTE takes slow motion with better clarity. |
| Additional Features | PDAF | OIS, LAF, Under Display Camera, RAW, Night mode | ZTE’s camera comes with numerous high-end features, especially better stabilization for higher quality videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 14 | ZTE runs a newer version of Android | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | ZTE is future-proof with the latest WiFi 7 standard. It offers better speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | ZTE’s slightly more recent version supports better data transfer and lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), GPS (L1+L2+L5), QZSS (L1+L2+L5) | ZTE offers superior accuracy due to its advanced multi-band support and more satellite system capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128 GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024 GB | ZTE provides much more storage for your photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB or 24GB | ZTE’s higher RAM means more efficient multitasking, faster app loading times, and smoother overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so factor your storage needs accordingly. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE has more impressive audio capabilities due to the DTS surround sound and the stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei has the convenience of side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | ZTE has a more durable display with known scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ZTE has a full sensor suite, essential for gaming, AR apps and other advanced functions. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Strengths: Its biggest strength is the large 6000 mAh battery, combined with a lighter design making it comfortable for extended use. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easier unlock.
- Competitive Advantages: The price point is likely to be lower, making it more appealing to budget-conscious users.
- Trade-offs: The low-resolution display, weaker processor, and basic camera system are significant limitations for heavy users.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, excellent display quality, and a superior camera system. Its main camera has a better sensor which also delivers greater detail. It also supports 8K video recording, making it suitable for professional videographers.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers advanced features like an under-display camera, Wi-Fi 7, and significantly better GPS capabilities.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and likely to be more expensive than the Huawei, making it less suitable for budget users or those preferring lightweight phones. The lack of a depth sensor might be a minor drawback for some portrait photography enthusiasts.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best suited for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over performance. Great for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Use Cases: Ideal as a secondary phone, for seniors, or users with minimal mobile needs. Perfect for media consumption like YouTube videos.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Best suited for: Power users, tech enthusiasts, and content creators. Gamers and users who value high-quality photography and videography.
- Use Cases: Perfect for mobile gaming, creating 8k videos, running multiple apps simultaneously, and for anyone who needs a reliable, high-performing smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to guide your decision:
What is your primary use case?
- Basic Use: If you mostly browse the web and use social media, the Huawei might suffice, especially if budget and weight are concerns.
- Heavy Use: If you game, multitask, or need a great camera, the ZTE is the clear winner.
How important is the display?
- Casual User: If you are not picky about screen sharpness, and don’t use your phone much outdoors, the Huawei display will be ok.
- Visual Quality Enthusiast: If you need a crisp, vibrant display that works well in sunlight, the ZTE's AMOLED panel is essential.
What is your budget and acceptable weight limit?
- Budget-Conscious: The Huawei nova Y70 Plus will be the more affordable option, with a lighter form factor.
- Premium User: If you are willing to pay more for performance, and don’t mind the extra weight, the ZTE provides a top-tier experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I’d pick the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. While it comes with a higher price tag and weighs more, the sheer performance leap and camera capabilities are just too significant to ignore. The display alone is a game-changer for anyone who consumes media regularly. As someone who appreciates a snappy and reliable device with advanced features, the ZTE is undoubtedly the better fit. In my view, the extra investment is justified by the drastically superior user experience across the board - from gaming to photography and daily multitasking.
