Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with competitive features. The nova 11i and nova 10 Youth are two recent additions, both targeting a similar audience. But which one offers the better value and performance? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 10 Youth takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and reverse charging capability. While both phones share the same chipset, the charging speed difference is a game-changer. The nova 11i is a solid choice if charging isn't a top priority.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 01 | 2023, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 11 | Available. Released 2023, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 13 | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP, (macro)
2 MP, (depth) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min | 66W wired, 60% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mint Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N | JLN-AL00 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Huawei nova 11i
- Balanced performance
- Stylish design
- Versatile camera system (likely)
- Good value
- Slower charging speed
- Mid-range chipset
- Limited 5G connectivity
Huawei nova 10 Youth
- Ultra-fast 66W charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Stylish design
- Potentially brighter display
- Slightly higher price
- Mid-range chipset
- Limited 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the nova 10 Youth might have a slightly brighter display. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 6.5-6.6 inches, but exact specifications need confirmation. We'll assume similar display quality for this comparison.
Camera Comparison
The nova 11i is expected to have a versatile camera system, potentially including a 64MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. The nova 10 Youth may feature a similar setup, but Huawei often tweaks camera software and processing, so image quality could differ. Low-light performance and video recording capabilities are key areas to watch.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset. Performance will be largely comparable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either phone. The Snapdragon 680 is a capable mid-range chip, but not a powerhouse.
Battery Life
This is where the biggest difference lies. The nova 11i has a 40W charger, while the nova 10 Youth boasts a 66W charger. This translates to significantly faster charging times for the nova 10 Youth – 60% in 15 minutes versus 30 minutes for the nova 11i. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity, around 4000-4500mAh.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for users who prioritize a balanced experience and don't need the fastest charging speeds. The Huawei nova 10 Youth is perfect for those who value rapid charging and the added convenience of reverse charging, even if it means a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei nova 10 Youth support 5G?
No, both the Huawei nova 11i and nova 10 Youth are 4G devices.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices wirelessly or via a cable, like charging earbuds or another phone.
❓ Are these phones available globally?
Availability varies by region. Check Huawei's website for your specific location.