Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with competitive features. The nova 10z and nova 11i are two recent additions, each offering a unique blend of design and functionality. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i edges out the 10z thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While both offer 40W charging, the 11i's faster charging claim and improved processor make it the overall winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.89 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 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 | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | CHA-AL80 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova 10z
- Stylish design
- Decent camera
- 40W fast charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially slower charging than advertised
- Limited availability in some regions
Huawei nova 11i
- Powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster charging (claimed)
- Smooth performance
- Good value for money
- Design might be less striking than the 10z
- Availability may vary
- Camera could be improved in certain conditions
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The nova 11i might have a slightly larger display size, but detailed specifications are needed for a definitive comparison. Expect similar resolution and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to have capable camera systems, likely featuring a main 50MP sensor. The nova 11i may offer improved image processing thanks to its more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. Video recording capabilities should be comparable.
Performance
This is where the nova 11i shines. The Snapdragon 680 4G is a significant upgrade over the chipset likely found in the nova 10z. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 11i. The 6nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000mAh. While both support 40W wired charging, the nova 11i's claim of reaching 60% charge in 30 minutes suggests slightly faster charging speeds in practice.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 10z is a good choice for users prioritizing a sleek design and decent camera capabilities on a tighter budget. The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience, especially for multitasking and gaming, and appreciate the slightly faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the chipset in the nova 10z and nova 11i?
The nova 11i uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, which is significantly more powerful than the chipset likely found in the nova 10z. This results in better performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
❓ How fast does the nova 11i charge?
Huawei claims the nova 11i can reach 60% charge in 30 minutes with its 40W wired charging. Actual charging times may vary.
