Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. We'll dissect the specs, explore real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what each specification means for you as a user:
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | The Pura 70 Ultra is slightly larger, which might feel more substantial in your hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 226g | The X30 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying around all day. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown | Nokia X30 gets better screen protection, but the Pura 70 Ultra build quality is unknown so a fair comparison can't be made |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.8" | The Pura 70 Ultra offers a larger display for more immersive viewing, especially for videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2844 | The Pura 70 Ultra's higher resolution means sharper text and images, enhancing visual clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 460 | The Pura 70 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Pura 70 Ultra's OLED is slightly better. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Pura 70 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially in games and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra's screen will be significantly more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | The Pura 70 Ultra has a much more powerful chipset, leading to faster performance in apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 410,072 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Ultra scores much higher in benchmarks, indicating significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Maleoon 910 | Pura 70 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful; better gaming performance can be expected. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1" sensor, 1.6µm, Sony IMX989 | The Pura 70 Ultra has a larger sensor and wider aperture that allows for significantly more light intake, resulting in better low-light performance and potentially better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | 13MP, f/2.4, Omnivision | The X30 takes higher resolution selfies but the Pura 70 Ultra provides a more reliable camera sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.1, Omnivision | The Pura 70 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. The X30 cannot provide these features. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7" sensor, 1.0µm, Omnivision OV40A | The Pura 70 Ultra has a higher resolution and wider angle lens, capturing more in each shot. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4k, 960fps Slow-mo | Pura 70 Ultra has a clear advantage in video recording quality, 4k and more features such as the 960fps slow-motion mode. |
| Camera Features | OIS, CDAF, HDR, Night Mode, Digital Zoom | OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, HDR, Night Mode, 4K Video, Raw, Optical zoom | Pura 70 Ultra includes advanced features such as better focus systems, 4k recording and more. |
| DXO Mark Score | N/A | 163 (Mobile) | Pura 70 Ultra has a better camera performance on paper based on DXO Mark score |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5200mAh | The Pura 70 Ultra's larger battery will likely provide significantly better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging, 80W Wireless, 20W Reverse Wireless | Pura 70 Ultra charges much faster, and has wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse Charging | The Pura 70 Ultra can charge other devices and supports Wireless charging and Wireless reverse charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | The X30 has a clear software version provided, while the Pura 70 is not specified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Both support Wi-Fi 6, but the Pura 70 Ultra supports additional Wi-Fi MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP, EDR, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, A2DP, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Pura 70 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS(L1), BeiDou(B1+B2), NavIC, QZSS(L1+L5), Galileo(E1+E5a+E5b) | Pura 70 Ultra has more satellite systems, providing better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both devices support dual nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 512GB/1024 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra has significantly more storage, which is crucial for those who download a lot of apps, games, and media. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 16GB | The Pura 70 Ultra offers much more RAM, meaning smoother multitasking and improved performance for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Pura 70 Ultra features superior audio with better stereo separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | The Pura 70 Ultra has additional sensors for more features and improved performance. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The X30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for daily use and extended holding periods.
- Decent Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers solid screen protection.
- Clean Software Experience: Based on Android 12, it provides a clean and familiar UI.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset and 16GB of RAM deliver a much faster and smoother experience, especially for demanding apps and gaming.
- Exceptional Display: The high-resolution OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits of brightness offers an incredible visual experience, particularly in bright environments.
- Outstanding Camera System: With a larger 1" sensor, wider aperture, dedicated telephoto lens, the Pura 70 Ultra's camera excels in all conditions, especially in low light.
- Fast Charging and Battery: Larger capacity, fast charging and wireless charging means more usage time and faster top-ups.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide an enhanced listening experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia X30: While being lighter and having a clean UI, it lags in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life. The lack of 4k Video is a noticeable drawback.
- Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: It is heavier and larger. The biggest trade-off may be the lack of information on the OS and the uncertainty around app availability, which can be due to trade restrictions.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30: Best suited for users who prioritize a lightweight design, clean software experience, and aren't demanding on their phone's performance. Ideal for casual users, older generations, or those who need a reliable secondary device. If the camera is a low priority this would be a good option.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Best for users who demand top-tier performance, an exceptional camera, and a premium display experience. Gamers, content creators, and those who use their phone for heavy tasks will appreciate what the Pura 70 Ultra offers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you are a power user, the Pura 70 Ultra's chipset and RAM will provide a smoother experience. If you don't need demanding tasks then the Nokia X30 should do the job.
- How often do you take pictures and videos? The Pura 70 Ultra is the clear winner if photography is a priority, providing better features and an overall better experience.
- What is your budget? If the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's price exceeds your budget, the Nokia X30 offers a more affordable solution with a more basic set of features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and occasional photos, and prefer a lighter device the Nokia X30 would do the trick.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Pura 70 Ultra's advanced camera system is far superior and worth the extra investment.
- Gamer/Power User: The Pura 70 Ultra provides a powerful and smooth experience with its high performance.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Nokia X30 offers a more economical option while still providing essential smartphone functionality.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the clear winner for those who prioritize top-tier performance, camera quality, and display technology. However, the Nokia X30 provides a lightweight, more affordable solution for users with basic needs. The final decision really comes down to whether the features of the Pura 70 Ultra outweigh the price and weight.
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the software and some potential app availability, the significant jump in performance, camera technology, and overall build quality of the Pura 70 Ultra is just too tempting to ignore. As a tech journalist and someone who frequently uses the camera for both work and personal use, the Pura 70 Ultra aligns more with my needs. The camera quality alone is enough to tip the scales. The overall premium feel and features, including the larger battery, fast charging, and great display make it the obvious choice for anyone who enjoys a top-tier phone. The only reason I would consider going with the Nokia X30 would be the budget constraint, otherwise it wouldn't be a contest.
