Huawei nova Y70 Plus

Review: Living with the Huawei nova Y70 Plus - A Battery Champion in a Google-less World

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks using the Huawei nova Y70 Plus as my daily driver, and it's been an interesting ride. At its price point, it's clearly aimed at those seeking a dependable phone without breaking the bank, and after putting it through its paces, I've got a good grasp on where it shines and where it falls short. My testing involved everything from daily communication and media consumption to some light gaming and photography attempts, offering a comprehensive view of what this phone brings to the table.

Stepping back for a moment, it's impossible to discuss any modern Huawei phone without acknowledging the elephant in the room: the absence of Google Mobile Services. This fundamentally shapes the user experience, and it’s a critical factor anyone considering this device needs to understand. Huawei has been forging its own path with the AppGallery and its suite of services, and the nova Y70 Plus is a testament to this ongoing endeavor. From a strategic perspective, Huawei is clearly doubling down on its ecosystem, targeting a user base that is either less reliant on Google or willing to adapt. The price point feels like a direct appeal to budget-conscious consumers, a smart move given the feature set.

The first thing that struck me about the nova Y70 Plus is its sheer size and heft. At 199 grams and with a large 6.75-inch display, it's a noticeable presence in your hand and pocket. The build feels solid, though, and the materials don't feel cheap. It’s not going to win any awards for sleekness, but it feels durable and practical. While one-handed operation can be a stretch, I appreciate the substantial feel, which gives a sense of robustness. I wouldn’t go throwing it around, but it doesn't feel fragile.

That large display, while not the sharpest at a resolution of 720 x 1600 (resulting in a pixel density of 260 ppi), is perfectly adequate for most tasks. Brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use, and I found it acceptable even under moderate sunlight. For scrolling through social media, watching YouTube videos, or browsing the web, it does the job without any major complaints. Gaming, while not its primary strength, is still enjoyable on this screen, though you won't get the razor-sharp visuals you'd find on higher-resolution panels. For everyday use, it’s a compromise that many will find acceptable given the overall package.

Where the nova Y70 Plus truly shines is in the performance of its battery. This phone packs a massive 6000mAh cell, and it's an absolute workhorse. In my testing, consistently getting two full days of use on a single charge was the norm. This is a significant advantage for anyone who's tired of constantly hunting for a power outlet. I even pushed it hard with extended video streaming and moderate gaming, and it still comfortably lasted a full day. The inclusion of 22.5W fast charging is also a welcome addition. While not the fastest on the market, it noticeably reduces the downtime when you do need to top up. I was particularly impressed during a weekend trip where I relied heavily on the phone for navigation and photography; the battery simply refused to give up.

The camera system is where the 'budget' nature of the phone becomes more apparent. The 48MP main sensor can produce decent shots in good lighting conditions, capturing reasonable detail and color accuracy for everyday snapshots. However, I found that in challenging lighting, images can become a bit soft and lack detail. The dedicated 5MP ultrawide lens is useful for capturing broader perspectives, but the image quality isn't stellar, especially at the edges. The 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait mode, creating a decent bokeh effect, but it's not always perfect with edge detection. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for video calls and the occasional selfie, but it’s not going to blow you away. Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera is serviceable but not a standout feature. I took some sunset photos, and while the colors were captured reasonably well, finer details were definitely lacking compared to what I've seen on more premium devices.

Under the hood, the Kirin 710A chipset handles day-to-day tasks smoothly enough. Navigating the interface, browsing, and running basic apps is generally lag-free. However, when I pushed it with more demanding games, I did experience some noticeable stuttering and frame drops. It's clear this phone is built for casual use rather than heavy gaming. One omission that might disappoint some is the lack of NFC. This means no contactless payments via Google Pay (or any other NFC-based payment system), which is a common feature even in this price bracket nowadays.

On the software front, the nova Y70 Plus runs on Huawei's EMUI, which is based on Android but lacks Google's services. Navigating the interface is generally intuitive, and Huawei has done a decent job of providing alternatives to Google apps through its own suite and the AppGallery. However, the absence of direct access to the Google Play Store and services like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps is a significant hurdle for many users. While workarounds exist, such as using the web versions or third-party app stores like APKPure, it’s an added layer of complexity that detracts from the seamlessness of the experience on phones with GMS. The AppGallery is growing, but it still doesn't have the breadth of apps available on the Play Store. Huawei's update policy for these devices is also something to consider, as it might not be as frequent or long-term as some other manufacturers.

Evaluating the value proposition of the nova Y70 Plus comes down to priorities. If you absolutely need access to Google services, this phone isn't for you. However, if you prioritize outstanding battery life above all else and are comfortable navigating the Huawei ecosystem, then it offers compelling value for money. It's a solid choice for users who primarily need a reliable phone for communication, media consumption, and basic tasks, without the hefty price tag of flagship devices. It's a great option for students, seniors, or anyone who wants a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge. Gamers and photography enthusiasts, however, should likely look elsewhere. In a market saturated with mid-range options, the nova Y70 Plus carves out a niche with its exceptional battery endurance.

In conclusion, the Huawei nova Y70 Plus is a phone of trade-offs. It doesn’t try to be a top-tier performer, but it excels in providing exceptional battery life at an accessible price. While the lack of Google services and a somewhat basic camera system are notable drawbacks, the phone's longevity and dependable performance for everyday tasks make it a worthwhile consideration for a specific segment of users. If you need a phone that simply keeps going and going, and are willing to adapt to a Google-less experience, the nova Y70 Plus is definitely worth a look.