Huawei nova 5i vs Google Pixel 3a: Which Budget Phone Delivers More?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 3a is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 670 provides sufficient performance, and the 18W fast charging is a significant advantage. However, users seeking a potentially more feature-rich experience and aren't as concerned with camera prowess might find the nova 5i appealing.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 5i | Google Pixel 3a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, June | 2019, May 07. Released 2019, May 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Asahi Dragontrail), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm (5.96 x 2.76 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 147 g (5.19 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.6 inches, 79.6 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710F (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 615 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 24 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Gradient Blue, Red | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish |
| Models | GLK-LX1, GLK-LX2, GLK-LX3, GLK-LX1U, GLK-AL00, GLK-TL00 | G020A, G020E, G020B, G020G, G020H |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Huawei nova 5i
- Potentially more feature-rich software (EMUI)
- Modern design aesthetic
- May offer larger storage options
- Slower 10W charging
- Kirin 710F may throttle under load
- EMUI software can be polarizing
Google Pixel 3a
- Exceptional camera quality (software)
- Faster 18W charging with PD2.0
- Clean Android experience
- Smaller 3000mAh battery
- Less feature-packed software
- Design is somewhat dated
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Specifications are unavailable for the nova 5i's panel, but given its market positioning, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD. The Pixel 3a also features an IPS LCD. The key difference lies in the underlying processing; the Snapdragon 670’s ISP likely contributes to more accurate color reproduction on the Pixel 3a. While neither phone will challenge flagship displays, the Pixel 3a’s image processing pipeline offers a slight edge in visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Google Pixel 3a’s strength lies in its computational photography. While sensor size data is unavailable for either device, the Pixel 3a benefits immensely from Google’s image processing algorithms. This software prowess compensates for potentially smaller hardware, delivering exceptional dynamic range and low-light performance. The nova 5i likely features a more conventional camera setup, relying on hardware specifications. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities, but it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 3a’s consistently high image quality. The Pixel 3a’s focus on software optimization makes it the superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The chipset battle pits Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 670 (10nm) against Huawei’s Kirin 710F (12nm). The Snapdragon 670, built on a smaller 10nm process, generally offers better power efficiency and sustained performance. Its Kryo 360 cores, while not top-of-the-line, provide a more balanced CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Silver) compared to the Kirin 710F’s (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53). This translates to potentially smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience on the Pixel 3a, especially during prolonged use. The larger process node of the Kirin 710F may lead to increased thermal throttling under heavy load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the nova 5i, but typical for this price range is around 4000mAh. The Pixel 3a packs a 3000mAh battery. However, the Pixel 3a’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0 support significantly outperforms the nova 5i’s 10W charging. This means the Pixel 3a can replenish its battery much faster, mitigating the capacity difference. While the nova 5i might offer slightly longer screen-on time in ideal conditions, the Pixel 3a’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 5i if you need a phone with a more modern aesthetic and are comfortable with Huawei’s EMUI software. It may appeal to users who value a larger feature set, even if some features are less polished. Buy the Google Pixel 3a if you prioritize a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance for the price, and faster charging. This is the ideal choice for users who want a hassle-free, reliable smartphone focused on core functionality.