Pixel Perfect: HONOR 90 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Mondo Admin / 14-11-2023 / Tech
In the world of modern smartphones, there are a few mid-tier contenders that surprise everyone by giving flagships a run for their money. To test this out, we decided to pit the awesome HONOR 90 against the Samsung Galaxy S23+. The HONOR is a premium midrange phone while the Galaxy S23+ is a more affordable flagship when compared to its pricier sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
In this unlikely battle, will HONOR be able to trump the market giant that is Samsung? Let’s unpack.
Brilliant displays of clarity
Is your current smartphone display causing headache-inducing eye strain? The good news is that eye comfort was taken into consideration with both the HONOR 90 and Samsung Galaxy S23+.
The displays seamlessly adapt to your environment and deliver smooth scrolling, razor-thin bezels and Full HD+ resolutions that make your content practically leap off the screen. The HONOR 90, slightly larger at 6.7 inches, comes armed with HDR10+ video capabilities for a new industry standard in picture quality. And it holds the title of the world's first smartphone with TÜV Rheinland flicker-free certification. Why does that matter? Because you get the fastest dimming rate on a smartphone to combat eye strain like no other.
While the 6.6-inch Galaxy S23+ might not be breaking any new industry records, it continues Samsung's legacy of consistently impressive displays that we've all come to love. Prepare for punchy colours that shine brighter in the outdoors thanks to a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, narrowly surpassing the HONOR's 1600 nits.
The camera comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ flaunts its massive light-absorbing 50MP main camera, snatching up fantastic shots under any lighting condition, including low light. Ever been let down when trying to get a photo of the night sky? This won’t be a problem with the Galaxy S23+ thanks to its dedicated Astrophotography mode for effortlessly sublime shots and videos of constellations and stars. There are two more impressive cameras on the back: a 12MP ultrawide – perfect for squeezing the whole squad into the frame without the awkward arm stretch, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, because who needs to physically get closer when your phone can do it for you in perfect clarity?
HONOR’s response to Samsung’s champion cameras? A colossal 200MP main shooter with a 1/1.4-inch sensor. This light magnet is the star of the show, capturing bright, breath-taking shots. You also get a 12MP ultrawide - perfect for wide scenic images, and a 2MP depth camera - for those moments you need a popping portrait shot.
For standout selfies, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ packs a solid 12MP front camera, while the HONOR takes it up a notch with a massive 50MP shooter.
Performance. Space. Power.
Who said you need to spend big for top-notch performance? The HONOR 90 boasts the 4nm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset. This 5G chipset is designed for premium mid-range phones that love speed, smooth graphics and quick response times, so it’s a triple threat.
Although the HONOR 90 is a powerhouse, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ still manages to edge it out of top place thanks to the world’s fastest Snapdragon in a smartphone (for now at least) - the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Both devices give you plenty of space for your media and files. The HONOR 90 offers two flavours – 256GB with 8GB RAM and the deluxe 512GB with a whopping 12GB RAM. On the Samsung side, you get 256GB paired with 8GB RAM.
The battle of the batteries
Samsung's playing it cool in the battery department, offering a 4700mAh battery with a 45W wired charge and a 15W wireless charge. On a single full charge, it's got the stamina to keep going for about a day and 14 hours.
The HONOR 90 gives you more battery for your money, 5000mAh to be precise, with a 66W wired charge that takes you from 0% to 20% in just 5 minutes. It can go the whole day on a full charge but does not include wireless charging like the Samsung.
Verdict
So which phone should you buy? Well, it all depends on your budget and what you’re willing to sacrifice (or not).
The HONOR 90 is a beast in the midrange category, catering to many budgets. You’re getting a solid-performing chipset, good cameras (especially the main and selfie snappers), exceptional battery life, rapid wired charging and a trailblazing display.
Despite the merits of the HONOR 90, flagships always manage to pull ahead, even if they stumble in certain areas. The overall experience is what propels the Samsung Galaxy S23+ to greatness. With amazing cameras and a chipset that is best in its class, this device not only outshines the Honor 90, but also comes pretty close to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
I your budget allows for the best, stick with the Samsung flagship, otherwise, you cannot go wrong with the HONOR 90 if you want a more affordable option without sacrificing too much.
