Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Blackview A90 and Huawei Nova 3i are both contenders, offering decent specs at an affordable price. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Nova 3i edges out the Blackview A90 thanks to its slightly faster processor, better camera performance, and more polished software experience. However, the A90 might appeal to those prioritizing a larger display and potentially a lower price point depending on current deals.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 04 | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.3 x 77.6 x 8.8 mm (6.55 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6 mm (6.20 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~77.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
2 MP, depth sensor |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 4280 mAh | Li-Ion 3340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Orange, Purple | Black, Pearl White, Iris Purple |
| Models | - | INE-LX1, INE-LX1r, INE-LX1, Sydney 6353, INE-LX2r, INE-AL00, INE-TL00 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Blackview A90
- Larger Display
- Potentially Lower Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance
- Less Polished Software
- Mediocre Camera
Huawei nova 3i
- Faster Processor
- Better Camera
- More Refined Software
- More Established Brand
- Smaller Display
- Slower Charging
- Can be more expensive
Display Comparison
The Blackview A90 typically features a larger display (around 6.5-inch) compared to the Huawei Nova 3i (around 6.26-inch). Both utilize IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the Nova 3i often has a slightly higher resolution, resulting in a sharper image. The A90's larger size can be beneficial for media consumption and gaming, while the Nova 3i's smaller size makes it more pocketable.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei Nova 3i consistently receives praise for its camera capabilities. It typically features a dual-camera setup with a main lens and a depth sensor, delivering impressive portrait mode shots and good overall image quality. The Blackview A90's camera is adequate but often lacks the same level of detail and dynamic range as the Nova 3i. Low-light performance is also generally better on the Nova 3i.
Performance
The Huawei Nova 3i's Kirin 710 chipset generally outperforms the Blackview A90's Helio P60. The Kirin 710 boasts slightly faster CPU cores and a more efficient GPU, leading to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. While both phones handle everyday tasks adequately, the Nova 3i provides a more responsive and fluid experience.
Battery Life
Both phones offer similar battery capacities (around 4000mAh). However, the Huawei Nova 3i's more efficient Kirin 710 chipset often translates to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Both phones support 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Blackview A90 is a good choice for users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption and are comfortable with a less mainstream brand. The Huawei Nova 3i is ideal for those seeking a more refined user experience, a better camera, and the backing of a well-known brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview A90 a good phone for gaming?
While the Blackview A90 can handle some games, its Helio P60 chipset isn't ideal for demanding titles. The Huawei Nova 3i offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful Kirin 710.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Huawei Nova 3i generally receives better software updates and support due to Huawei's established ecosystem. Blackview, as a smaller brand, may have less consistent update schedules.