Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. The nova 10 SE and nova 11i are two recent additions, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i edges out the nova 10 SE thanks to its faster charging and potentially improved camera software. While both share the same chipset, the 11i's charging speed and design refinements make it the slightly better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - BNE-LX1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BNE-LX1 | 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - BNE-LX3 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 05 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 25 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.29 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 | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| | Always-On Display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (BNE-LX1 only) | 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasound) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired
5W reverse wired | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Silver, Mint Green, Starry Black | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | BNE-LX1, BNE-LX3, BNE-AL00 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova 10 SE
- 66W Wired Charging
- 5W Reverse Wireless Charging
- Established Design
- Slower Charging than 11i
- Potentially Less Refined Camera Software
Huawei nova 11i
- Faster 40W Charging
- Potentially Improved Camera Software
- Modern Design
- No Reverse Wireless Charging
- 40W Charging is slower than 10 SE
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar OLED displays, probably around 6.67 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The nova 11i might have a slightly refined design around the display, potentially with thinner bezels, but this is speculative without official confirmation. We'll need to see reviews to confirm any significant differences in display quality.
Camera Comparison
While both likely feature a 108MP main camera, the nova 11i may benefit from improved image processing algorithms and potentially a slightly better ultrawide lens. The front-facing camera is also likely to be a key differentiator, with the nova 11i potentially offering higher resolution or improved features. Real-world camera tests will be crucial to determine the definitive winner.
Performance
Sharing the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and CPU configuration, performance should be very similar between the two devices. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both should handle typical usage without significant issues. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor here.
Battery Life
The nova 10 SE boasts 66W wired charging and reverse wireless charging, while the nova 11i offers 40W wired charging and claims 60% charge in 30 minutes. The 11i's faster charging is a significant advantage, while the 10 SE's reverse wireless charging provides added convenience for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 10 SE is a good option for those prioritizing reverse wireless charging and a slightly more established design. The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for users who value faster charging speeds and a more modern aesthetic, and potentially a slightly improved camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 11i worth the upgrade from the nova 10 SE?
If faster charging and a more modern design are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the nova 10 SE remains a solid choice, especially if you value reverse wireless charging.
❓ What is the battery capacity of each phone?
Both phones are expected to have a 4500mAh battery, although official confirmation is needed.
