The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 14i and Realme 11 Pro+ represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both phones aim for a balance of features and affordability, they take distinctly different approaches. The nova 14i prioritizes a streamlined experience with a focus on efficiency, while the 11 Pro+ aggressively targets performance and charging speed. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 680 in the nova 14i, and the 100W charging is a game-changer. However, those seeking a more efficient, potentially longer-lasting device may find the nova 14i appealing.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 01 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 08 | Available. Released 2023, May 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, leather or plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.6 x 79.9 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.15 x 0.35 in) | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 183 g or 189 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~376 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 117.4 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | EMUI 14.2 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 200 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| 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 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 100W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Astral Black, Sunrise Beige, Oasis Green |
| Models | STG-LX2 | RMX3740, RMX3741 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 399.90 / ₹ 27,990 |
Huawei nova 14i
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to Snapdragon 680
- Likely more affordable price point
- Clean and streamlined software experience (typical of Huawei)
- Significantly slower charging speed (22.5W)
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Likely lower display brightness
Realme 11 Pro+
- Much faster 100W charging
- Significantly more powerful Dimensity 7050 processor
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially shorter battery life due to brighter screen and powerful processor
- May be more expensive than the nova 14i
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 793 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over the nova 14i, whose display brightness isn't specified but is likely lower given its overall positioning. While both utilize 6nm chipsets, the Realme’s brighter screen will draw more power. The Realme 11 Pro+’s panel likely benefits from a higher contrast ratio, enhancing the viewing experience for multimedia content. We lack information on panel type (AMOLED vs LCD) for the nova 14i, but the 11 Pro+’s display is a clear upgrade for visual clarity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the nova 14i, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Realme 11 Pro+ likely features a more advanced camera system, potentially including a larger sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). The Realme’s image processing algorithms are also likely more sophisticated, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. While the nova 14i may offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, the 11 Pro+ is expected to excel in challenging scenarios. The presence or absence of OIS on the nova 14i is a critical unknown, as it significantly impacts image stability and low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 11 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050, with its 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers substantially more processing power than the Huawei nova 14i’s Snapdragon 680. The Dimensity 7050’s Cortex-A78 cores are a generation ahead of the A73 cores in the Snapdragon 680, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are built on a 6nm process, the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 7050 translate to a noticeable performance advantage, particularly in graphically intensive applications. The Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice for gamers and power users.
Battery Life
The Realme 11 Pro+’s 100W charging is a standout feature, allowing for a full charge in a remarkably short time. While the Huawei nova 14i offers 22.5W charging, it’s significantly slower. The Realme 11 Pro+’s endurance rating of 112 hours suggests good battery optimization, despite the brighter display and more powerful processor. The nova 14i’s Snapdragon 680 is known for its efficiency, potentially offering comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios, but the convenience of 100W charging on the Realme is a major advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 14i if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on battery efficiency and a clean software experience. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Realme 11 Pro+ if you prefer a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and if you value incredibly fast charging speeds – essential for users constantly on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 11 Pro+ get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7050 is a powerful chip, Realme typically employs effective thermal management solutions. The 6nm process helps with efficiency, but sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. Expect some warming, but likely not to the point of significant throttling, especially with moderate gaming settings. The phone's cooling system will be crucial in maintaining consistent performance.
❓ Is the 22.5W charging on the Huawei nova 14i slow enough to be a major inconvenience in daily use?
22.5W charging is considerably slower than the 100W on the Realme 11 Pro+. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially requiring overnight charging. This is a trade-off for the phone's efficiency and potentially lower price. If you frequently need to quickly top up your battery, the nova 14i's charging speed may be a drawback.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 680 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Don't expect to max out the settings and maintain a consistent 60fps. The Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a much more comfortable gaming experience with higher frame rates and graphical fidelity.
