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

Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 11i and nova 11 Pro are the latest additions, but cater to different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which model best suits your budget and priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The nova 11 Pro is the clear winner, boasting significantly faster charging, a more powerful chipset, and likely a superior camera system. However, the nova 11i offers a more budget-friendly option for users prioritizing affordability over top-tier performance. It's a trade-off between price and premium features.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11i Huawei nova 11 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2023, May 012023, April 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, May 11Available. Released 2023, April 27
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back or eco leather back
Dimensions164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)188 g or 193 g (6.63 oz)
 Splash and dust resistant-
Display
Protection-Kunlun Glass
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density)1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 642L
OSEMUI 13HarmonyOS 3.0
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 60 MP, f/2.4, 17mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), AF
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging40W wired, 60% in 30 min100W wired, 50% in 15 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Black, Mint GreenBlack, Green, White, Gold
ModelsMAO-LX9, MAO-LX9NGOA-AL80, GOA-LX9
PriceAbout 140 EURAbout 500 EUR

Huawei nova 11i

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

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Likely inferior camera
  • Lower display brightness

Huawei nova 11 Pro

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 100W SuperCharge
  • Superior camera system (expected)
  • Brighter display
  • Excellent battery life

  • Higher price
  • Reverse wired charging may be a niche feature

Display Comparison

The nova 11 Pro's 702 nits max brightness gives it a significant edge in outdoor visibility. While the nova 11i likely has a decent display, it probably lacks the Pro's brightness and potentially color accuracy. Expect a more vibrant and easier-to-view screen on the Pro.

Camera Comparison

While specific camera specs are limited, the nova 11 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system. The Snapdragon 778G often pairs with better image processing capabilities. Expect improved image quality, better low-light performance, and potentially more advanced features like enhanced video recording on the Pro.

Performance

The Snapdragon 778G 4G in the nova 11 Pro is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 680 4G in the nova 11i. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The Pro will handle demanding apps and games with ease, while the 11i might struggle occasionally.

Battery Life

The nova 11 Pro's endurance rating of 89h suggests exceptional battery life. Coupled with its 100W charging, it offers incredibly fast charging speeds (50% in 15 minutes). The nova 11i's 40W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. The Pro wins hands down in this category.

Buying Guide

The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. The nova 11 Pro is for users who demand flagship-level performance, fast charging, and a high-quality camera experience, and are willing to pay a premium.

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. However, if you're on a budget, the 11i is a capable phone.
❓ Does the nova 11i support 5G?
No, both the nova 11i and nova 11 Pro are 4G devices.