Huawei nova 11 vs nova 11i: A Detailed Comparison

The Huawei nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 11 and nova 11i are the latest additions, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Huawei nova 11 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset and much quicker 66W charging. While the 11i offers a more budget-friendly price, the 11's performance and charging speed make it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11 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
Dimensions161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm (6.35 x 2.95 x 0.27 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
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
ProtectionKunlun Glass-
Resolution1084 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~91.4% 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
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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)48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Dual60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide)-
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
Charging66W wired, 100% in 31 min Reverse wired40W wired, 60% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, White, GoldStarry Black, Mint Green
ModelsFOA-AL00, FOA-LX9MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N
PriceAbout 310 EURAbout 140 EUR

Huawei nova 11

  • Faster Processor (Snapdragon 778G)
  • Significantly Faster Charging (66W)
  • Potentially Better Camera Performance
  • Stylish Design

  • Higher Price
  • May lack some software features compared to other brands

Huawei nova 11i

  • More Affordable
  • Decent Battery Life
  • Stylish Design

  • Slower Processor (Snapdragon 680)
  • Slower Charging (40W)
  • Potentially Lower Camera Quality

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, likely with similar resolutions (FHD+). The nova 11 might have a slightly brighter display or more accurate color reproduction due to its higher-tier chipset, but this would need confirmation with detailed testing. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system, potentially including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. The nova 11's more powerful chipset could translate to better image processing, improved low-light performance, and potentially higher resolution video recording. Detailed camera comparisons would require side-by-side testing.

Performance

This is where the nova 11 shines. The Snapdragon 778G 4G is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 680 4G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the nova 11. The 11i will handle everyday tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Battery Life

The nova 11 boasts significantly faster charging (66W vs 40W), allowing it to reach a substantial charge in a shorter time. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000mAh), so the charging speed is the key differentiator here. The 11i will still offer decent battery life, but charging will take longer.

Buying Guide

The Huawei nova 11 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a smoother overall experience. The nova 11i is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who don't need top-tier performance and are happy with a slower charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the Huawei nova 11 and nova 11i?
The main differences are the chipset (Snapdragon 778G vs 680), charging speed (66W vs 40W), and overall performance. The nova 11 is more powerful and charges faster, while the 11i is more affordable.
❓ Which Huawei nova 11 is better for gaming?
The Huawei nova 11 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset. It will handle demanding games with smoother performance and less lag.