Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A03s and the Huawei nova Y70 Plus. As always, I'll be focusing on how these specs translate to real-world usage, rather than just rattling off numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-18 | 2022-05-01 | The nova Y70 Plus is newer, potentially having slightly more up-to-date software features. |
| Size | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm | The nova Y70 Plus is slightly taller and wider, making it feel a bit larger in hand. Both have a similar thickness. |
| Weight | 196g | 199g | Both phones feel similar in hand and pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | The nova Y70 Plus offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience, although the difference is subtle. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both displays have the same resolution which is acceptable for basic use but can be somewhat blurry, especially for text. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Very similar pixel density. Screen clarity is similar with the A03s being very marginally sharper |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The IPS LCD on the nova Y70 Plus should provide slightly better viewing angles and potentially more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine for everyday usage but might feel less fluid than 90Hz or 120Hz panels. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have a poor peak brightness, meaning they might be hard to see under direct sunlight. This data might be incorrect |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Kirin 710A (14nm) | The Helio P35 in the A03s is a bit more efficient due to the 12nm manufacturing process, resulting in a slight performance edge. |
| Antutu Score | 117,049 | 103,500 | The A03s has a slightly higher benchmark score, suggesting it might perform basic tasks marginally faster. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G51 MP4 | Both are entry-level GPUs, adequate for basic gaming but not for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The nova Y70 Plus's larger battery should provide noticeably longer battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 22.5W Fast Charging Li-Polymer | The nova Y70 Plus supports fast charging, which is a huge advantage for quickly topping up your battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 48MP (f/1.8) | The nova Y70 Plus has a significantly higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, leading to potentially better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | The nova Y70 Plus has a slightly higher resolution for selfies, potentially resulting in better details and clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP (f/2.2) | The nova Y70 Plus provides a wide-angle option for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | The nova Y70 Plus has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.3) | N/A | The A03s allows for close-up shots of small objects |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p video capture suitable for most social media uses. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes (120fps) | The nova Y70 Plus can record slow-motion videos for creative effect. |
| Features | Standard Features | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | The nova Y70 Plus offers more advanced camera features like 4K video, image stabilization, and PDAF |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | (Likely Android 12) | The Samsung Galaxy A03s should upgrade to Android 12. The Nova Y70 is likely on Android 12 out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n (dual band) | The nova Y70 Plus has dual-band Wi-Fi for better stability and faster speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE (with EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | The nova Y70 Plus has more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The nova Y70 Plus has more satellite support, for potentially more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | The nova Y70 Plus offers more base storage, which is better for users who store lots of apps and media. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB | Both should perform similarly with 4GB of RAM however the A03s base model might struggle with multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage which might be a limiting factor for some users. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both phones have fingerprint readers for quick and secure access. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity | The inclusion of a gravity sensor on the Nova Y70 plus might open the door for more sophisticated apps and games |
2. Key Insights
Strengths and Competitive Advantages:
- Samsung Galaxy A03s:
- Marginally better performance: Slightly better benchmark scores and a more efficient processor should provide a minor performance edge for basic tasks.
- Macro lens: Dedicated macro lens allows close-up shots
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Superior Display: IPS LCD, better colours and viewing angles.
- Larger battery: The 6000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging offers significantly longer usage and faster recharge.
- Better Camera: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, a dedicated wide-angle lens, and slow-motion recording for more versatile photography.
- More Storage: Larger base storage capacity (64GB/128GB)
- More Features: Dual Band WiFi, additional Bluetooth codecs, 4K video, Digital Image Stabilization, PDAF
- Better Positioning: More GPS satellites supported
User Experience:
The Samsung Galaxy A03s will offer a slightly snappier experience when doing basic tasks, whereas the Huawei Nova Y70 Plus provides a more well-rounded multimedia experience with a slightly better screen, more battery life, and better camera options.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy A03s: Smaller battery and standard charging are limiting. The display is not as good as the Nova, and the camera does not offer as much versatility.
- Huawei nova Y70 Plus: Slightly lower benchmark scores and heavier body.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A03s:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic performance for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Good for calls, messages, social media, and very light gaming.
- Recommendation: Suitable for those who want an inexpensive phone for basic functionality.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus:
- Best for: Users who want a long battery life, a more advanced camera system, and a larger screen for media consumption, without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Good for photography, watching videos, browsing, and light gaming.
- Recommendation: A better all-rounder, offering a much better value proposition for those who need more multimedia capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Battery Life: Do you need a phone that will easily last a full day, or even two, without charging? If so, the nova Y70 Plus is a must.
Photography: Is a better camera important to you? The nova Y70 Plus has an advantage with more versatile camera features and better image quality.
Budget: Are you on the tightest budget possible and just need basic performance? The A03s is more budget-friendly.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: For someone who just needs a basic phone for communication and very light usage, the Galaxy A03s is sufficient.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you consume a lot of videos, photos, and need long battery life, the nova Y70 Plus is a much better choice.
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: The nova Y70 Plus offers a far better camera experience for budget-conscious users, and is therefore superior.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Huawei nova Y70 Plus. While the Samsung Galaxy A03s is more budget-friendly, the nova Y70 Plus offers too many significant advantages in areas that I value: a much larger battery with fast charging, a superior display, more versatile camera system, more storage, and better connectivity. As someone who uses my phone for photography, media consumption, and general daily tasks, these features make the nova Y70 Plus a much more practical and valuable device. It offers a much better well-rounded experience.
