Huawei nova 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

The Huawei nova 11 Ultra and Google Pixel 7 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the smartphone market. The nova 11 Ultra prioritizes rapid charging and a sleek design, while the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on computational photography and Google’s Tensor G2 AI capabilities. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and software experience, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is the stronger choice. However, the Huawei nova 11 Ultra’s incredibly fast 100W charging – achieving 20-80% in just 10 minutes – makes it ideal for those constantly on the move and needing a quick power boost.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11 Ultra Google Pixel 7 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GE2AE
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GE2AE
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GP4BC
Launch
Announced2023, April 172022, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 27Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)212 g (7.48 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionKunlun GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120HzLTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G710 MP7
OSHarmonyOS 3.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 25mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, AF
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Dual8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 60 MP, f/2.4, 17mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Virtual proximity sensing BDS Satellite Message (Emergency SOS service)Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging100W wired, 20-80% in 10 min Reverse wired23W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenObsidian, Snow, Hazel
ModelsGOA-AL80UGP4BC, GE2AE, GFE4J
PriceAbout 590 EUR€ 248.84 / $ 204.00 / £ 259.99 / ₹ 36,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 83h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 796369 (v9) GeekBench: 3187 (v5.1) GFXBench: 34fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 11 Ultra

  • Blazing-fast 100W wired charging
  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on brand)
  • Reverse wired charging for accessories

  • Limited to 4G connectivity
  • Mid-range Snapdragon 778G chipset
  • Limited software update commitment

Google Pixel 7 Pro

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset with AI capabilities
  • Excellent camera system with computational photography
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support

  • Slower 23W charging speed
  • Can run warmer under sustained load
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a display capable of reaching 1090 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the nova 11 Ultra’s display specs aren’t provided, Huawei typically employs OLED panels with vibrant colors. The Pixel 7 Pro’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests a superior viewing experience with deeper blacks. The absence of LTPO information for the nova 11 Ultra suggests it may lack the Pixel 7 Pro’s adaptive refresh rate capabilities, potentially impacting battery efficiency.

Camera Comparison

Both devices excel in photography and video, but approach it differently. The Pixel 7 Pro leverages Google’s computational photography prowess, delivering consistently excellent results across various lighting conditions. The nova 11 Ultra’s camera specs are not detailed enough to make a direct comparison, but Huawei often focuses on high-resolution sensors and advanced zoom capabilities. The Pixel 7 Pro’s image processing is known for its realistic color reproduction and dynamic range, while Huawei tends towards more saturated and vibrant images. The absence of detailed sensor information for the nova 11 Ultra makes it difficult to assess its low-light performance relative to the Pixel 7 Pro.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7 Pro’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) is designed for on-device AI processing, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. In contrast, the Huawei nova 11 Ultra utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm). While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable mid-range chip, the Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 prime core (2.85 GHz) significantly outperforms the Kryo 670 cores (2.4 GHz) in the Snapdragon 778G, especially in demanding tasks. The 4G limitation of the nova 11 Ultra is a significant drawback for users in areas with 5G coverage. The Pixel 7 Pro’s LPDDR5X RAM likely provides faster memory bandwidth than the nova 11 Ultra’s RAM (spec not provided).

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 83 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life despite differing capacities (not specified for the nova 11 Ultra). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Pixel 7 Pro offers 23W wired and 23W wireless charging, taking 30 minutes to reach 50%. The nova 11 Ultra’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, replenishing 20-80% in just 10 minutes. This difference is crucial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The inclusion of reverse wired and wireless charging on both devices adds convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 11 Ultra if you need unparalleled charging speeds and a stylish design are paramount, and you're comfortable with the limitations of the 4G Snapdragon 778G. Buy the Google Pixel 7 Pro if you prefer a best-in-class camera system powered by AI, a smoother software experience with guaranteed updates, and 5G connectivity, even if it means slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the nova 11 Ultra struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable chip, it's not designed for the highest graphics settings in demanding games like Genshin Impact. You'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth and consistent frame rate. The Pixel 7 Pro’s Tensor G2 offers a more robust gaming experience.
❓ How does the Pixel 7 Pro’s Tensor G2 improve the camera experience beyond just image quality?
The Tensor G2 enables features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone, which leverage AI to enhance photos after they've been taken. It also improves speech recognition for voice commands and live translation, adding to the overall camera and user experience.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the nova 11 Ultra a dealbreaker for most users?
If you live in an area with widespread 5G coverage and frequently use data-intensive applications, the lack of 5G on the nova 11 Ultra is a significant limitation. However, if 5G isn't readily available or you primarily use Wi-Fi, it may not be a major concern.
❓ How reliable is Huawei's software support compared to Google's?
Google provides guaranteed software updates for at least 5 years on the Pixel 7 Pro, ensuring long-term security and feature enhancements. Huawei's software support is generally less consistent and may not receive updates as frequently or for as long a period.