Huawei's nova series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Y70 Plus and 11i are two popular contenders. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging (40W), and generally improved camera system offer a significantly better user experience than the Y70 Plus, despite a potentially similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Europe | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 66 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Africa | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 01 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | MGA-LX9, MGA-LX9N, MGA-LX3 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | £ 195.00 / € 119.94 | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Large 6.95-inch display
- Massive 6000mAh battery
- Affordable price point
- Older Kirin 710A chipset
- Slower charging (22.5W)
- Less advanced camera system
Huawei nova 11i
- Faster Snapdragon 680 chipset
- 40W fast charging
- Improved camera system
- More efficient 6nm process
- Slightly smaller display than Y70 Plus
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The nova Y70 Plus boasts a larger 6.95-inch display, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The nova 11i features a slightly smaller, but still generous, 6.83-inch display. Both offer FHD+ resolution, but the 11i's panel likely benefits from Huawei's display technology, potentially offering better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
The nova 11i generally offers a more advanced camera system. While both feature multiple lenses, the 11i's image processing and sensor technology are likely superior, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect improved dynamic range and detail on the 11i.
Performance
Here's where the nova 11i shines. The Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, significantly outperforms the Kirin 710A (14nm) in the Y70 Plus. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the 11i. The 11i's CPU clock speeds are also slightly higher.
Battery Life
The nova Y70 Plus has a larger 6000mAh battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life under moderate usage. However, the nova 11i's 40W fast charging drastically reduces charging times, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. The 11i can reach 60% charge in just 30 minutes.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei nova Y70 Plus? Users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life on a tight budget might find it appealing. Who should buy the Huawei nova 11i? Those seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more modern camera experience will appreciate the 11i.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 11i worth the extra money compared to the Y70 Plus?
Yes, the 11i's improved performance, faster charging, and better camera system generally make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smoother user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The nova Y70 Plus has a larger battery capacity, but the nova 11i's faster charging can offset the difference in real-world usage.
