Honor 70 Pro+ vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Performance and Photography

The Honor 70 Pro+ and Google Pixel 7a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Honor aggressively targets performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 9000, while the Pixel 7a leverages Google’s Tensor G2 chip and computational photography prowess. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and seamless software integration, the Google Pixel 7a is the stronger choice. However, users demanding maximum processing power for gaming or demanding tasks will find the Honor 70 Pro+’s Dimensity 9000 a more compelling option, especially given its significantly faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor 70 Pro+ Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2022, May 302023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, June 17Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.9 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm (6.45 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120HzOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MC10Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 12, Magic UI 6.1Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Triple54 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF 8 MP. f/2.4, (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired, 60% in 15 min 5W reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, GoldCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsHPB-AN00GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 600 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

Honor 70 Pro+

  • Significantly faster 100W charging
  • Potentially higher raw CPU performance with Dimensity 9000
  • Likely faster RAM (LPDDR5X)

  • Software updates may be less frequent
  • Camera performance relies heavily on hardware, potentially lacking Pixel's computational advantages

Google Pixel 7a

  • Excellent camera with Google’s computational photography
  • Clean Android software with guaranteed updates
  • Strong AI features (Magic Eraser, Call Screen)

  • Slow 18W charging
  • Tensor G2 may be outperformed by Dimensity 9000 in raw processing power

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors. While the Honor 70 Pro+’s display specifications aren’t provided, its market positioning suggests a comparable OLED panel. However, the Pixel 7a’s display technology is known for its color accuracy, crucial for photo and video editing. The absence of LTPO on either device means neither offers adaptive refresh rates for optimal battery efficiency, a common feature on higher-end flagships.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a excels in computational photography, leveraging Google’s image processing algorithms to deliver consistently excellent results, even in challenging lighting conditions. While the Honor 70 Pro+’s camera specs are not detailed, its positioning suggests a focus on high-resolution sensors. The Pixel 7a’s strength lies in its software – features like Super Res Zoom and Magic Eraser are significant advantages. The Honor’s camera system will likely rely more on hardware capabilities, potentially offering different strengths in specific scenarios, but without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also highly regarded, benefiting from Google’s stabilization and dynamic range processing.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor 70 Pro+ utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 9000, fabricated on a 4nm process, featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.05 GHz. The Pixel 7a employs Google’s Tensor G2, built on a 5nm process. While the Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 cores reach 2.85 GHz, the Dimensity 9000’s architecture, particularly its more powerful Cortex-A710 cores, generally translates to superior raw CPU performance. The 4nm process of the Dimensity 9000 also offers better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. Both phones utilize 8GB of RAM, but the Honor likely benefits from faster LPDDR5X memory, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the Honor 70 Pro+’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of charging to 60% in just 15 minutes. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging, while supporting PD3.0, is significantly slower. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts usability – the Honor can quickly top up during short breaks, while the Pixel 7a requires more extended charging times. The Honor also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor 70 Pro+ if you need a phone for intensive gaming, video editing, or frequently transfer large files, and value incredibly fast 100W charging. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a consistently excellent camera experience, clean Android software with guaranteed updates, and benefit from Google’s AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 in the Honor 70 Pro+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 9000’s 4nm process and efficient thermal design generally mitigate overheating. While some throttling is possible during extended, demanding gaming, it’s less likely to be a significant issue compared to older chipsets. The Honor 70 Pro+’s cooling system, though not detailed, is likely optimized for sustained performance.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G2 handle image processing compared to other chipsets?
The Tensor G2 prioritizes machine learning and AI tasks, excelling in computational photography. It leverages dedicated hardware for features like Super Res Zoom and Magic Eraser, resulting in impressive image quality and unique editing capabilities. While not the fastest in raw processing power, its AI-focused architecture delivers a distinct advantage in image and video processing.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 7a a significant drawback in 2024?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 100W charging offered by the Honor 70 Pro+. While sufficient for overnight charging, it requires significantly longer to top up the battery during the day, making the Honor a more convenient option for users who need quick charging.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect from Honor compared to Google?
Google guarantees several years of Android OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 7a, ensuring long-term software support. Honor’s update policy is typically less extensive, with fewer guaranteed updates. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software security and access to the latest features.