Huawei Mate 70 Air vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Head-to-Head Flagship Battle

The Huawei Mate 70 Air and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the Android flagship space. The Mate 70 Air, leveraging Huawei’s in-house Kirin silicon, aims for raw performance and fast charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro prioritizes computational photography and a tightly integrated software experience powered by Google’s Tensor G3. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and long-term software support, the Google Pixel 8 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Tensor G3, while not leading in raw CPU power, excels in AI-driven features and image processing. However, users seeking faster wired charging and potentially higher peak performance may find the Mate 70 Air appealing.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 70 Air Google Pixel 8 Pro
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 bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, November 062023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, November 06Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions165 x 81.5 x 6.6 mm (6.50 x 3.21 x 0.26 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight208 g (7.34 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionKunlun GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1320 x 2760 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~437 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size7.0 inches, 123.0 cm2 (~91.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR Vivid, 4000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-coreNona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 9020A (7 nm) - 12GB RAMKirin 9020B (7 nm) - 16GB RAMGoogle Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPU-Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSHarmonyOS 5.1Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 69mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.2, (wide)10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video4K, 1080p4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging66W wired 5W reverse wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6500 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, SilverObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
ModelsSUP-AL90GC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 510 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

Huawei Mate 70 Air

  • Faster 66W wired charging
  • Potentially higher peak CPU performance
  • Larger RAM options (up to 16GB)

  • Limited software update commitment
  • Camera system details are unknown

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional camera system with AI enhancements
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
  • Excellent battery life and wireless charging

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Tensor G3 may not match Kirin in raw CPU power

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1600 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Mate 70 Air (brightness data unavailable). While the Mate 70 Air’s display specs are currently limited, the Pixel 8 Pro’s LTPO panel dynamically adjusts refresh rates for improved power efficiency. The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and color-accurate experience, given Google’s focus on display calibration. The absence of detailed display specs for the Mate 70 Air makes a definitive comparison challenging, but the Pixel 8 Pro holds a clear advantage based on available data.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its computational photography prowess. While specific sensor details for the Mate 70 Air are missing, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and image stabilization. Google’s image processing algorithms, powered by the Tensor G3, deliver consistently excellent results. The Pixel 8 Pro’s video capabilities are also top-tier, with features like Cinematic Blur and improved stabilization. Without detailed camera specs for the Mate 70 Air, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s established reputation and advanced features give it a significant edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: Huawei’s Kirin 9020A/B (7nm) versus Google’s Tensor G3 (4nm). The Tensor G3’s 4nm process offers inherent thermal efficiency advantages over the Kirin’s 7nm node, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. The Tensor G3’s nona-core architecture (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3, 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) is designed for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the Kirin 9020A/B’s octa-core configuration focuses on raw power. The Mate 70 Air’s RAM options (12GB/16GB) are competitive with the Pixel 8 Pro, but the Tensor G3’s integrated AI capabilities and optimized software could provide a smoother overall experience, despite potentially lower peak CPU scores.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro achieves an impressive 11:14h active use score, demonstrating excellent battery life. While the Mate 70 Air’s battery capacity is unknown, the Pixel 8 Pro’s 90-hour endurance rating (older metric) suggests strong longevity. The Mate 70 Air’s 66W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W charging (50% in 30 minutes), offering a substantial time savings. The Pixel 8 Pro also supports 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while the Mate 70 Air offers 5W reverse wired charging. The Mate 70 Air’s charging speed is a clear advantage, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s overall battery endurance is commendable.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 70 Air if you need exceptionally fast 66W wired charging, and prioritize a potentially higher peak CPU performance, especially if you frequently engage in demanding tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a best-in-class camera system with advanced computational photography, guaranteed software updates, and a seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. The Pixel 8 Pro is ideal for users who value a polished, AI-enhanced experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9020A/B chipset in the Mate 70 Air suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Given the 7nm process node, the Kirin 9020A/B is more susceptible to thermal throttling compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 4nm Tensor G3. While the Mate 70 Air’s cooling system may mitigate this, prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to performance drops. The Tensor G3’s efficiency should provide more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How does the Pixel 8 Pro’s software update commitment compare to Huawei’s, and what does this mean for long-term usability?
Google guarantees at least 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, including security patches and OS upgrades. Huawei’s update commitment is typically shorter and less consistent due to ongoing geopolitical factors. This means the Pixel 8 Pro will remain secure and feature-rich for a significantly longer period, enhancing its long-term value.
❓ What real-world benefits does the Tensor G3’s AI processing offer beyond just camera improvements?
The Tensor G3’s AI capabilities extend beyond photography to features like Live Translate, improved voice assistant responsiveness, and enhanced on-device machine learning. These features contribute to a smoother and more intelligent user experience, particularly for tasks involving language processing and contextual awareness.