Google Pixel 7a vs. Huawei nova 11i: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides significantly faster performance and unlocks advanced features like Magic Eraser, while its camera consistently delivers better image quality. However, the Huawei nova 11i offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize fast charging and don't need the Pixel's AI-powered features.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 11i | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 01 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 11 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| Splash and dust resistant | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | EMUI 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mint Green | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
Huawei nova 11i
- Superior performance with the Google Tensor G2 chip
- Exceptional camera quality and AI-powered features
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Higher price point compared to the nova 11i
- No expandable storage
Google Pixel 7a
- Fast 40W wired charging
- More affordable price
- Sleek design
- Significantly less powerful processor
- Inferior camera performance
- Uncertainty regarding long-term software support
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, offering excellent visibility in direct sunlight, a metric the nova 11i’s display specifications don’t directly address. While the nova 11i’s panel details are absent, it’s likely to be a standard LCD, lacking the vibrant colors and contrast of the Pixel 7a’s OLED. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for the nova 11i) contributes to smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rate isn't dynamically adjusted for power saving.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light conditions and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The nova 11i likely relies more on hardware and less on software processing, potentially resulting in less dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting scenarios. The absence of OIS information for the nova 11i suggests it may struggle with video stabilization compared to the Pixel 7a.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) is a flagship-class processor featuring a tri-cluster configuration with Cortex-X1, A78, and A55 cores clocked at up to 2.85 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage over the Huawei nova 11i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), which utilizes older Cortex-A73 and A53 cores peaking at 2.4 GHz. The Tensor G2’s 5nm process also offers superior power efficiency, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load. The Pixel 7a is designed for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, while the nova 11i is better suited for everyday use.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life despite its 18W charging. The nova 11i, with its 40W wired charging, can reach 60% charge in just 30 minutes, a significant advantage for users who need a quick top-up. However, the Pixel 7a’s more efficient Tensor G2 chip and optimized software may offset the lower charging wattage in real-world usage. The lack of wireless charging on the nova 11i is a notable omission, while the Pixel 7a offers 7.5W wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 11i if you need a phone that charges incredibly quickly (40W) and prioritize a lower upfront cost, even if it means sacrificing processing power and advanced camera features. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a smoother, more responsive user experience, exceptional camera capabilities powered by Google’s AI, and guaranteed software updates, and are willing to accept slower charging speeds.