Honor 70

Revisiting the Honor 70: Still a Strong Contender? My Expert Take After Extended Use

I've spent a good chunk of time – several weeks, to be precise – living with the Honor 70, and in the ever-accelerating world of smartphone releases, revisiting a device launched back in 2022 offers a unique perspective. It's no longer the freshest face on the block, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's out of the game. Priced in the mid-range bracket at launch, and likely even more accessible now, it targets users looking for a stylish and capable phone without breaking the bank. My initial impressions were positive, drawn to its sleek design and vibrant display, but after putting it through its paces, I have a more nuanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

The Honor 70 occupies an interesting space in today's market. While Honor has since released newer models, this phone still holds relevance for those who prioritize certain features and might be finding it at a compelling price point. From Honor's perspective, the 70 was a statement of their design prowess and imaging capabilities in the competitive mid-range. It felt like a deliberate attempt to stand out with its aesthetics and camera, and that strategy still holds up to some extent. The current market is saturated with options, but the Honor 70 carves a niche for users who value a striking design and a strong camera system above all else, especially at its potential discounted price. Whether that price truly reflects the value proposition in 2024 is something I'll delve into.

Picking up the Honor 70, the first thing that strikes you is how refined it feels. That 7.9mm slim profile and the 178g weight create a comfortable in-hand feel that rivals some flagship devices. My review unit is the Icelandic Frost color, and I have to say, it's genuinely eye-catching. The pearlescent finish shimmers beautifully in the light, giving it a premium aesthetic that belies its original mid-range positioning. It’s smooth to the touch, and while that might raise concerns about grip, I haven't found it overly slippery in daily use. While the materials don't scream "ultra-premium" in the same way as a titanium-clad flagship, they feel well-chosen and contribute to the overall sophisticated look. Durability is always a consideration, and the lack of official IP rating is a bit of a miss, meaning you'll need to be a bit more cautious around water and dust.

Moving to the display, the 6.67-inch OLED panel is undoubtedly a highlight. Firing it up, the colors are immediately rich and vibrant, typical of a good OLED. I've spent a fair amount of time watching videos and browsing photos, and the contrast is excellent, making content pop. The 120Hz refresh rate is also a noticeable benefit, making scrolling and animations feel incredibly smooth. Flicking through social media feeds or navigating the interface is a genuinely pleasant experience. Brightness levels are adequate for most situations, and I've had no major issues with outdoor visibility, although direct, strong sunlight can still pose a challenge, as with most smartphones. Gaming on this display is also enjoyable; the fluidity of the 120Hz refresh rate enhances the experience, making motion feel more responsive. For everyday use, from reading articles to managing emails, the display is sharp and easy on the eyes.

Under the hood, the Honor 70 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset. In my testing, this has proven to be a capable performer for the majority of tasks. Day-to-day operations, like switching between apps, browsing the web, and handling social media, are handled without a hitch. I've thrown quite a bit of multitasking at it – juggling multiple apps, streaming music in the background, and quickly switching between them – and it's remained consistently smooth. When it comes to gaming, while it's not a top-tier gaming phone, it handles popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile reasonably well at medium to high settings. Longer gaming sessions don't seem to induce significant thermal throttling, which is a positive observation. The phone doesn't get uncomfortably hot, even under sustained load, which speaks to efficient thermal management. I haven't encountered any major performance quirks or significant slowdowns during my time with it, which is reassuring for a phone in this category.

The camera system is arguably one of the Honor 70's strongest suits. The 54MP main shooter, utilizing the Sony IMX800 sensor, delivers impressive results. I've taken it out in various lighting conditions, and it consistently produces detailed images with good dynamic range. Colors are generally accurate and vibrant without being overly saturated. Low-light performance is also commendable; images retain a good level of detail, and noise is well-controlled. I've been genuinely pleased with the nighttime shots I've captured. The 50MP ultrawide lens is another welcome addition, offering a wide field of view that's useful for capturing landscapes or group photos. While it doesn't quite match the main sensor in terms of detail and low-light performance, it's still a solid performer. The 2MP macro lens, however, feels somewhat like an afterthought. While it can capture close-up shots, the level of detail isn't particularly impressive, and I've found myself rarely using it. Video recording capabilities are also strong, with the ability to shoot up to 4K at 30fps with electronic image stabilization (EIS). The EIS does a decent job of smoothing out minor shakes, making it suitable for casual vlogging or capturing everyday moments. Compared to other phones in its class, the Honor 70's camera system holds its own and, in some areas, even surpasses the competition. In real-world usage, I've found it to be a reliable and versatile camera for capturing a wide range of subjects.

Battery life has been consistently solid throughout my testing. The 4800mAh battery comfortably gets me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including social media browsing, email, some gaming, and media consumption. On lighter days, I could potentially stretch it into a day and a half. The inclusion of 66W fast charging is a lifesaver. In my tests, I've been able to get a significant charge – from near empty to around 60% – in just about 20 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for those times when you need a quick power boost before heading out. The power management seems efficient, and I haven't noticed any excessive battery drain from specific apps. While it lacks wireless charging, the fast wired charging more than compensates for this omission in my opinion.

The Honor 70 launched with Android 12, and while it has since received updates, the overall software experience is clean and relatively bloatware-free. The Magic UI interface is generally intuitive and easy to navigate. I've found most of the pre-installed features to be useful, and the interface feels responsive. While Honor's update policy isn't quite as long-term as some competitors, the phone has received at least one major Android update, which is a positive sign.

Evaluating the value of the Honor 70 now requires considering its current market price. At its original launch price, it offered a compelling package, and with potential discounts, it becomes an even more attractive option. For users who prioritize design, display quality, and camera performance, the Honor 70 remains a strong contender. It's a great choice for social media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and anyone who appreciates a stylish phone with a capable camera system. However, those who require features like water resistance, a headphone jack, or the absolute latest processor for demanding tasks might want to explore other options. In the competitive mid-range segment, phones like the Samsung Galaxy A series or Google Pixel "a" series offer strong alternatives, each with their own strengths.

In conclusion, after spending a significant amount of time with the Honor 70, I can confidently say it's a well-rounded smartphone that continues to offer good value, especially if found at a discounted price. Its striking design, vibrant display, and capable camera system are its standout features. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest flagship devices, it delivers a smooth and enjoyable user experience for the vast majority of everyday tasks. If you're looking for a stylish and capable phone without breaking the bank, the Honor 70 is definitely worth considering.