Huawei nova 13 Pro vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Speed, AI, and Battery Life

The Huawei nova 13 Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the smartphone market. The nova 13 Pro aggressively targets charging speed and a sleek design, while the Pixel 8 Pro prioritizes computational photography and Google’s AI-driven features. This comparison dissects their core strengths to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing rapid charging and a potentially lower price point, the Huawei nova 13 Pro is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s superior battery endurance, advanced camera capabilities powered by the Tensor G3, and long-term software support make it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 13 Pro Google Pixel 8 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 bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 222023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, October 25Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.4 x 74.9 x 7.8 mm (6.43 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight209 g (7.37 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionAluminosilicate glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1224 x 2776 pixels (~449 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.76 inches, 108.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120HzLTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU-Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset-Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPU-Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSHarmonyOS 4.2Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50 MP, f/1.4-4.0, 23mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 69mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; 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-
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single-10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC (320-960 kbps HD audio)5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), 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/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging100W wired, 3-50% in 9 min 5W reverse wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Purple, GreenObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
ModelsMIS-AL00GC3VE, G1MNW
Price€ 497.00€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

Huawei nova 13 Pro

  • Incredibly fast 100W wired charging
  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed)

  • Limited information on chipset and camera specs
  • Uncertainty regarding software updates and long-term support

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (11:14h active use)
  • Advanced camera system with AI-powered features
  • Google Tensor G3 for on-device AI processing
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits (measured), significantly exceeding what we’d expect from the nova 13 Pro, though Huawei’s display specs are currently unavailable. This higher brightness translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 8 Pro’s potential for LTPO technology (based on Pixel lineage) would enable variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency. Without specific details on the nova 13 Pro’s panel, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or bezel size, but the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to deliver a more refined visual experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is a key differentiator, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details for the nova 13 Pro are missing, the Pixel 8 Pro’s focus on image processing and AI-powered features like Best Take and Magic Editor will likely deliver superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 8 Pro’s video capabilities are also expected to be more advanced, with features like Cinematic Blur. The absence of detailed camera specs for the nova 13 Pro makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s established reputation in mobile photography gives it a significant edge.

Performance

The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Google Tensor G3 (4nm) chipset, with its nona-core configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3, 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), is designed for on-device AI processing and machine learning tasks. This contrasts with the unknown chipset of the nova 13 Pro. The Tensor G3’s 4nm fabrication process offers improved thermal efficiency compared to older nodes, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. While raw CPU benchmarks might be comparable, the Pixel 8 Pro’s AI capabilities – like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur – provide a tangible performance advantage in specific scenarios. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5X on the Pixel 8 Pro) also contributes to smoother multitasking.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 8 Pro achieves an impressive 11:14 hours of active use, and an endurance rating of 90 hours, demonstrating strong battery life. The Huawei nova 13 Pro compensates with its 100W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 9 minutes. However, the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W charging (with PD3.0, PPS) and 23W wireless charging, while slower, are complemented by its larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset. The nova 13 Pro’s 5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers reverse wireless charging and 'Bypass charging' which allows charging the phone directly, bypassing the battery for reduced heat during gaming.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 13 Pro if you need the absolute fastest charging available – reaching 50% in under 10 minutes – and value a stylish design. This phone is ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a phone with exceptional battery life (over 11 hours of active use), a class-leading camera experience enhanced by AI, and guaranteed software updates for years to come. It’s the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a seamless, long-term Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the 100W charging on the nova 13 Pro affect battery health over time?
While 100W charging is incredibly fast, frequent use of extremely high wattage charging *can* contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term. However, Huawei likely incorporates battery management technologies to mitigate this effect. The Pixel 8 Pro’s slower 30W charging is generally considered gentler on the battery.
❓ Does the Google Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 Pro get hot during intensive tasks like gaming?
The Tensor G3’s 4nm process helps manage thermal output, but it can still get warm during prolonged gaming sessions. Google implements thermal throttling to prevent overheating, which may result in slightly reduced performance over extended periods. The nova 13 Pro’s thermal performance is unknown, but the chipset and cooling solution will be key factors.
❓ What are the benefits of 'Bypass charging' on the Pixel 8 Pro?
Bypass charging allows the Pixel 8 Pro to be powered directly from the charger, bypassing the battery entirely. This is particularly useful during long gaming sessions or video recording, as it reduces heat buildup within the battery and can potentially extend its lifespan.