Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Huawei nova Y70 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | Similar width, Huawei is taller, Xiaomi is slightly thicker. Minimal real-world difference in handling. |
| Weight | 198g | 199g | Virtually identical weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.75" | Huawei has slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and slightly more screen space for web browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi offers a much sharper and clearer display, with noticeable difference when reading text and viewing detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 260 | Xiaomi provides a much crisper image, less pixelated, which will be important when viewing photos, videos and other media. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have the same display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate for both, smooth scrolling in normal usage but no extra smoothness for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical. In practice it is highly unlikely these numbers represent real-world use cases. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Snapdragon is more powerful resulting in faster loading times, better multitasking and better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 103,500 | Xiaomi offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G51 MP4 | The Adreno 610 offers better graphics performance, smoother gaming and graphic intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 48MP | Both have similar main camera resolutions, but real-world performance depends on other factors. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor which improves low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 5MP | Xiaomi's higher resolution wide angle lens will capture more detailed images when capturing group shots or landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots which is missing on the Huawei. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones capture similar video quality with standard social media capture specs. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 6000mAh | Both offer excellent battery life for all day usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Huawei charges slightly faster, reducing the charging time by a small amount. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger inbox | Non-removable | Xiaomi offers reverse charging, which allows to charge other devices using the phone; Also comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, for charging speed comparable to Huawei. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Unknown | The Xiaomi runs on Android 10, while Huawei's operating system is not specified, which could mean different user interface experiences. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n | Xiaomi supports newer WiFi standards which in turn leads to potentially faster connection speeds if the network supports this standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Huawei has slightly better bluetooth connectivity with newer technology and better codec support, while Xiaomi is limited to standard Bluetooth 5.0. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellite systems which means more reliable and accurate location tracking for navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Xiaomi potentially has more RAM, suitable for multitasking if the user opts for the 6GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage which may limit media availability if using higher resolution files. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi has better sound quality using stereo speakers and hi-res audio for a better media experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side mounted fingerprint sensor | Side mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use similar fingerprint scanners for quick unlocking and biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi screen is protected against scratching and breaking. The Huawei's screen protection is unknown so it's highly likely to be more susceptible to damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Xiaomi has more sensors that may be useful for additional functionality using applications for gaming or accessibility tools. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density results in much sharper and clearer visual experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 662) and a better AnTuTu score ensures smoother app usage, better multitasking and is more capable for gaming.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Allows more light for better performance in low light conditions.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For more versatile close up photography.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection against damage from dropping the device.
- More Sensors: Features a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensors, that provide additional functionality.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to charge other devices.
- Included 22.5W Charger: Allows faster charging.
- Better WiFi support: Xiaomi supports newer WiFi standard, offering potentially higher transfer speeds and improved latency.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: A bit more screen space for those who value a larger viewing area.
- Faster Charging: 22.5W fast charging, slightly faster battery charging compared to the Xiaomi, but an included 22.5W charger on the Redmi 9T mitigates this difference.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems: It supports QZSS in addition to other systems, offering more precise location tracking.
- Better Bluetooth Support: Features newer bluetooth version and wider codec support for superior audio connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: Loses out on satellite navigation support.
- Huawei: Loses out on screen sharpness, performance and audio capabilities.
- Both: Lack expandable storage, which might be an issue for some users with extensive media libraries.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality, such as frequent media consumers and people who read a lot of text on their phones.
- Gamers and app power users who need reliable performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who want a good multimedia experience with better sound quality using stereo speakers and hi-res audio.
- Users who occasionally need to charge other devices via reverse charging.
- Users who want a better and more consistent performance overall.
Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies (higher resolution screen will enhance viewing experience).
- Playing games (better performance, higher graphical capability).
- Heavy app users, running multiple apps with no performance loss.
- Taking photos in various conditions, due to wider aperture and additional lenses.
- Listening to music or other audio content with hi-res audio.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and larger display for media consumption.
- Users who need reliable GPS for navigation in a variety of environments.
- Users who require better audio connectivity using modern Bluetooth codecs for wireless audio output.
- Users who primarily focus on battery life and the ability to use the device longer between charges.
Use Cases:
- Long trips using navigation systems due to better positioning system.
- Extensive travel with limited power access.
- Casual browsing and social media with minimal processing demand.
- Users who value a slightly larger display for general use.
- Users who primarily use bluetooth headphones and value high fidelity audio output.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display sharpness? If you value a crisp, high-resolution display for media and text, the Redmi 9T is superior.
- How important is performance? If you're a gamer or heavy app user, the Redmi 9T's chipset will make a big difference.
- What do you value more - Audio Quality or Precise GPS and better Bluetooth Audio? If the main use case is focused around precise navigation and high quality wireless audio, the Huawei is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on a Budget - If you prioritize performance and display quality above all else, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumption & Long Usage - If you want a larger screen for movies and need long battery life with precise navigation, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus might be a better fit.
- Scenario 3: General Usage, Focus on Audio - If you need basic general use with excellent wireless audio, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a better fit for your needs.
What would I choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Xiaomi Redmi 9T. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus does offer a slightly larger screen and possibly better GPS and Bluetooth audio capabilities, the overall experience offered by the Redmi 9T is much better. The superior display sharpness, coupled with the significantly better performance offered by the Snapdragon 662 chipset makes it a better phone for the majority of use cases. The hi-res audio and stereo speakers of the Redmi 9T will also be a welcome addition for listening to music and other audio related content. The inclusion of reverse charging could also be a good quality-of-life feature, when needing to charge other devices.
