Huawei nova 11 Pro vs nova 11i: A Detailed Comparison

Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 11 Pro and nova 11i are the latest additions, but cater to different users. This comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide which one is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The nova 11 Pro is the clear winner for performance and charging speed, boasting a significantly faster chipset and 100W charging. However, the nova 11i offers a more budget-friendly option with decent performance for everyday tasks. Choose the Pro if you prioritize power; the 11i if you want value.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11 Pro Huawei nova 11i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2023, April 172023, May 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 27Available. Released 2023, May 11
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather back-
Dimensions164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.31 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
Weight188 g or 193 g (6.63 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
ProtectionKunlun Glass-
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 610
OSHarmonyOS 3.0EMUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoUnspecified
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Dual8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 60 MP, f/2.4, 17mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesHDR-
Single-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging100W wired, 50% in 15 min Reverse wired40W wired, 60% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, White, GoldStarry Black, Mint Green
ModelsGOA-AL80, GOA-LX9MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 140 EUR

Huawei nova 11 Pro

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 100W fast charging
  • Brighter display
  • Likely superior camera system
  • Excellent battery life (89h endurance)

  • Potentially higher price
  • May be overkill for basic users

Huawei nova 11i

  • More affordable
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • 40W fast charging
  • Stylish design

  • Slower performance compared to Pro
  • Less impressive camera
  • Lower brightness display

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 11 Pro's 702 nits max brightness gives it an edge in outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. The nova 11i's display is still excellent, but not quite as bright. Both have a similar resolution and refresh rate (likely 120Hz, based on typical nova series specs).

Camera Comparison

While specific camera specs are missing, the nova 11 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system, likely with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. The nova 11i will still capture good photos in well-lit conditions, but the Pro should offer better low-light performance and more detail. Both likely feature a selfie camera with a ring light.

Performance

The nova 11 Pro's Snapdragon 778G 4G is a substantial upgrade over the nova 11i's Snapdragon 680 4G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The 11i is adequate for everyday tasks, but may struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Battery Life

The nova 11 Pro's massive 89h endurance rating is incredibly impressive, suggesting exceptional battery optimization. Coupled with its 100W charging, it can be fully charged in around 15 minutes. The nova 11i's 40W charging is still fast, but takes longer to reach a full charge.

Buying Guide

The Huawei nova 11 Pro is ideal for users who demand fast performance, quick charging, and a premium camera experience. It's perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a flagship-like experience without the flagship price tag. The Huawei nova 11i is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday use, social media, and casual photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Huawei nova 11 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a better camera, then yes. The Pro offers a significant upgrade over the 11i.
❓ Can the Huawei nova 11i handle gaming?
It can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates. The nova 11 Pro is a better choice for serious gamers.