1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | The nova Y70 Plus is noticeably larger and thicker, which may impact pocketability and one-handed use. The OnePlus 9 Pro is more compact and arguably more comfortable for many users. |
| Weight | 197g | 199g | Virtually identical weight, both feel similar in hand in terms of heft. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 720x1600 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's display is dramatically sharper, with significantly more detail. Text and images will be noticeably crisper, with a sharper, more detailed overall viewing experience than the Huawei. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 260 | The OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in much clearer and sharper visuals, where small text and details are more refined than on the Huawei. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | The Huawei uses IPS LCD technology offering excellent color accuracy, and good viewing angles. The OnePlus 9 Pro technology is not specified but it is likely to be AMOLED given its high refresh rate and resolution. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The OnePlus 9 Pro's display is much smoother, particularly when scrolling or playing fast-paced games, resulting in an experience that feels more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro offers vastly better visibility in bright sunlight, making it much easier to use outdoors, where the Huawei may struggle. The Huawei's brightness is unknown, likely making it less visible under bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | The OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance than the Huawei, it will also be more future proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 103,500 | The OnePlus 9 Pro scores much higher in benchmarks, indicating vastly superior overall performance in all scenarios, making it suitable for more intensive tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G51 MP4 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU is far more powerful, enabling it to handle demanding graphics tasks such as gaming smoothly and with high detail. The Huawei will struggle more with graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | The Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a considerably larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but overall battery life also depends on other factors like the efficiency of the display, processor, and operating system. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | The OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless & reverse charging | Non-removable | OnePlus offers significantly more features for its battery: wireless and reverse wireless charging. Huawei's battery features are basic compared to the OnePlus. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", IMX789 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Both offer comparable standard cameras. The OnePlus 9 Pro's sensor is specified. The Huawei's is not. Performance is expected to be different given the different processing capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution and will result in more detailed selfies. The Huawei's wider aperture will help it capture more light, which could help in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", OV08A10 | None | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better quality zoomed-in photos. Huawei doesn't have a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The OnePlus 9 Pro captures much more detailed wide-angle shots than the Huawei thanks to its dramatically higher resolution. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor which helps with portrait photos. The OnePlus does not, instead relying on software. |
| B&W Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated black and white sensor. Huawei doesn't offer that functionality. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers dramatically higher quality video recording capabilities with 8k and 4k, with more frame rate options than the Huawei, which is limited to 1080p. It also has a much more comprehensive image stabilization system, and the ability to record slow motion at a higher frame rate. |
| DxOMark | 122 (overall) | Not tested | The OnePlus 9 Pro has been tested and received a score of 122, demonstrating overall good camera performance. The Huawei has not been tested and lacks a reference point. |
| Features | OIS, Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Basic video features | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers a much more comprehensive suite of camera features for both photos and video than the Huawei, including RAW support and a night mode for better low light performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Not specified | The OnePlus offers a modern Android version. The Huawei OS is not specified which could indicate outdated or custom software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | 802.11b/g/n | The OnePlus 9 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. The Huawei utilizes older standard technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Apt-x | 5.1, EDR | The OnePlus 9 Pro has the latest Bluetooth version, which usually means more stable connections with lower battery consumption. It also supports the APT-x codec for higher fidelity audio. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | Basic GPS | The OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems and Dual-Band GPS for faster and more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer Dual SIM functionality with dual stand-by to enable the use of two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers more storage in both available variants, providing more space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4 GB | The OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and improved performance in demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users will be limited to their selected storage variant. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers much better audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive and higher quality sound. The Huawei is not specified but is expected to be much more basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei's side mounted fingerprint sensor is typically faster and easier to use than basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The OnePlus 9 Pro has a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass 5. The Huawei screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | The OnePlus 9 Pro has more sensors. The added Compass and Gyroscope improve orientation and gaming performance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate result in sharper, smoother, more vibrant visuals. Also has a higher level of maximum brightness.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing, better multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Offers superior cameras with a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens with a higher resolution, the ability to record in 8K, comprehensive video stabilization and a dedicated B&W sensor.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is much quicker than the Huawei's 22.5W charging. It also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, Bluetooth 5.2 and more satellite systems for GPS.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM and storage options enable better multitasking and provide more space for files.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support provide a more immersive audio experience.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, but the significantly less powerful chipset and lower screen resolution will make it much more power efficient.
- Depth sensor: Offers a depth sensor which can help improve portrait mode photos, though the OnePlus will likely compensate with its more advanced software.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more reliable than a basic fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery size for a significantly more powerful and feature-rich phone.
- The Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a larger battery, but offers a much less capable camera and vastly lower processing power.
- The Huawei nova Y70 Plus offers a more affordable price point, but compromises heavily on performance and key features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality, versatile camera with advanced features like RAW capture and 8K video.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos, browsing content, and want a vibrant, sharp display with smooth animations.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prefer the latest tech, faster charging, and advanced connectivity features.
- Users who value premium features: People who require wireless charging, a better screen, better audio and an overall more premium feel.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Working with large spreadsheets and documents.
- Streaming high-definition video content.
- Taking professional-grade photos and videos.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability and longer battery life over premium features.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage.
- Users who value large batteries: Users that require a phone that can last long with basic use.
Use Cases for Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Basic social media and web browsing.
- Reading ebooks or articles.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Light gaming and app use.
- Users who require long lasting basic use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro commands a higher price, but offers a premium experience with a vastly more powerful chipset, better camera, screen and overall more features. Its value lies in its high performance and comprehensive feature set.
- The Huawei nova Y70 Plus is more budget-friendly, but with compromises in key areas like processing power, camera quality, screen and overall feature set. It offers basic use at an affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, casual use, etc.)
- How important is processing performance? (Do I need smooth multitasking and demanding app performance, or is basic use sufficient?)
- How important is high quality video and photography? (Do I need advanced camera features or is a basic camera acceptable?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Performance and Photography: If you want the best experience for gaming, photography, and general performance, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice, despite its lower battery capacity.
- For Basic Use on a Budget: If you need basic performance, a long lasting battery, and are on a budget, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a better fit, but be prepared for compromises in screen quality, camera and performance.
- For Users Prioritizing Screen Quality: If a high-quality screen is essential, then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the only option between these two. The screen is much higher quality and overall more detailed, it also offers a high refresh rate which is much better for viewing and gaming.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus has a larger battery, the vast performance difference, superior display, and dramatically better camera system of the OnePlus 9 Pro make it far more compelling for my usage patterns. I value a smooth experience in every application I use, including games, and rely heavily on the camera for high-quality photography and video. While I acknowledge the battery might not be as long lasting, the 65W fast charging ensures I can top it up quickly. In short, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a premium experience with very few compromises in key areas I value, whereas the Huawei's major advantage is its affordability which comes with too many compromises.
