Nothing Phone (1) vs. Honor 90: A Deep Dive
Let's dissect the Nothing Phone (1) and the Honor 90, two compelling mid-range contenders, to see which one comes out on top.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nothing Phone (1) | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 | Honor 90 is slightly larger but thinner. Negligible difference in daily handling. |
| Weight (g) | 193.5 | 183 | Honor 90 feels noticeably lighter in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Type | OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Both offer vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent HDR support. |
| Size (inches) | 6.55 | 6.7 | Honor 90 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1200 x 2664 | Honor 90 boasts a sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Peak Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 should be more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated (4nm) | Honor 90 likely offers better performance and efficiency due to a newer, more advanced chipset. |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz + 3x2.4 GHz…) | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz + 3x2.36 GHz…) | Both should handle daily tasks smoothly, but Honor 90 may have an edge in demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 644 | Honor 90 likely provides a smoother gaming experience. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | More RAM options available with the Honor 90. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP Sony IMX766 | 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP3 | Honor 90 boasts significantly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Ultrawide | 50MP Samsung S5KJN1 | 12MP | Nothing Phone (1) has a much higher resolution ultrawide. |
| Selfie | 16MP Sony IMX471 | 50MP | Honor 90 offers a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Honor 90 packs a larger battery, potentially lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Fast Charging | 33W | 66W | Honor 90 charges significantly faster. |
2. Key Insights
The Honor 90 pulls ahead in raw performance, display sharpness, battery capacity, and charging speed. Its 200MP main camera sensor, while not guaranteeing superior image quality, offers a compelling proposition for detail enthusiasts. However, its ultrawide sensor pales in comparison to the Nothing Phone (1)'s 50MP offering.
The Nothing Phone (1) counters with a unique design featuring its signature Glyph Interface, a distinctive lighting system on the back. It also boasts a higher-resolution ultrawide camera. While its processor is a generation older, it's still capable of handling most tasks with ease.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 90: Best for users prioritizing performance, a vibrant and large display, fast charging, long battery life, and a high-resolution main camera. Ideal for power users, mobile gamers, and content creators.
Nothing Phone (1): Best for users seeking a unique design, a solid overall experience, and a capable camera system with a strong ultrawide lens. Appeals to those who value individuality and want a phone that stands out from the crowd.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Is cutting-edge performance and fast charging a priority? If yes, the Honor 90 is the clear winner.
- Do you value a unique design and a strong ultrawide camera? If so, the Nothing Phone (1) is a compelling option.
- What's your budget? While both are mid-range, consider the specific RAM/storage configurations and their respective prices.
My Choice: Honor 90
While the Nothing Phone (1)'s Glyph Interface is undeniably cool, I prioritize performance, battery life, and a sharp display. The Honor 90's newer processor, faster charging, larger battery, and higher resolution screen make it a more compelling package for my needs. The 200MP main camera, although its real-world benefits remain to be fully seen, adds another layer of intrigue. I can live with a lower-resolution ultrawide if it means gaining significant advantages in other areas. The lighter weight is a bonus, too. Ultimately, the Honor 90 offers a more well-rounded and future-proof experience for my usage pattern.
