1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.3 × 73.3 × 8.2 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Pura 70 Ultra is larger, which may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 184g | 226g | Nord is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Ultra has a sharper display with more detail, better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 408 | 460 | Text and images appear crisper on the Pura 70 Ultra. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; subtle differences in calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Significantly better outdoor visibility on the Pura 70 Ultra, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus Nord has known scratch and drop resistance. Protection level of Pura 70 Ultra's display is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Kirin 9010 offers better performance, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 714,400 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Ultra will handle demanding applications and games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Maleoon 910 | The Maleoon 910 GPU likely provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster image processing. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", Sony IMX989 | Pura 70 Ultra's larger sensor and wider aperture result in better low-light performance, shallower depth of field and potentially better image quality overall. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" | 13MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord has higher resolution selfie camera but Pura 70 Ultra has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7" | Pura 70 Ultra captures wider, more detailed scenes with its higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | OnePlus Nord has a dedicated Black & White lens, likely to enhance monochrome photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K | Both record 4K video. Pura 70 Ultra has ultra-stable video and 960fps slow motion. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, EIS | OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, Optical Zoom, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Pura 70 Ultra has more advanced focusing systems (CDAF, LAF), optical zoom, and enhanced video stabilization. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 163 | The Pura 70 Ultra camera is rated as significantly better by DxOMark (only data available for this model). |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 65W | 100W | Pura 70 Ultra charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (80W), Reverse wireless charging (20W), Non-removable | Pura 70 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly and supports faster wireless charging. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 512 GB or 1024 GB | Pura 70 Ultra provides ample storage for photos, videos, and apps. The OnePlus Nord spec sheet doesn't contain storage details. | |
| RAM | 16 GB | Pura 70 Ultra has more RAM, which will provide smoother multi-tasking and enhanced performance in demanding applications. The OnePlus Nord spec sheet doesn't contain RAM details. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus Nord Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and carrying.
- Known Screen Protection: Confirmed Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
- Bluetooth 5.2 LE: Supports LE and APT-x.
- Black & White Lens: Dedicated camera lens
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, telephoto lens, and advanced features result in significantly better image quality, especially in low light.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU provide smoother performance and better gaming experience.
- Larger, Sharper Display: More immersive viewing experience with higher resolution and refresh rate.
- Brighter Display: Excellent outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging speeds.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Convenient charging options.
- More RAM and Storage: Ensures smooth multitasking and ample space for files.
- More advanced GPS: Better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Weight & Size: Pura 70 Ultra is heavier and larger, which might be less comfortable for some users.
- Software: OS is unclear for the Pura 70 Ultra, while Nord uses Android 10, updatable to 12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus Nord Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize lightweight design and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Users who value a confirmed screen protection.
- Users who take lots of monochrome photos
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing, basic photography, casual gaming, and everyday communication.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier camera performance.
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Users who consume a lot of media and appreciate a large, high-quality display.
- Users who value long battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography, videography, mobile gaming, content creation, and demanding productivity tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera performance to you? The Pura 70 Ultra has a significantly superior camera system.
- Do you value a lightweight and compact design? The OnePlus Nord is lighter and smaller.
- What is your budget? The Pura 70 Ultra is a premium device and will likely be significantly more expensive.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget & Everyday Use: If you need a phone for basic tasks and value portability, the OnePlus Nord is sufficient.
- Photography & Performance: If you want the best possible camera experience and top-tier performance, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the clear choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. Although the OnePlus Nord is lighter and has a confirmed screen protection, the Pura 70 Ultra's advantages in camera quality, performance, display, and battery life are too significant to ignore. As someone who values mobile photography and smooth performance for demanding applications, the Pura 70 Ultra offers a superior overall user experience that justifies its higher price point. The lack of expandable storage is not a significant drawback, given the large internal storage options.
