Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 8i and nova 10 SE are two popular contenders, each offering a unique blend of design and functionality. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nova 10 SE edges out the 8i thanks to its more efficient 6nm chipset and reverse charging. While the 8i boasts slightly faster charging speeds, the 10 SE's overall performance and modern features make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - BNE-LX1 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BNE-LX1 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - BNE-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 07 | 2022, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2022, October 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz |
| | - | Always-On Display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (BNE-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasound) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min | 66W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black | Starry Silver, Mint Green, Starry Black |
| Models | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 | BNE-LX1, BNE-LX3, BNE-AL00 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Huawei nova 8i
- Faster charging speeds (slightly)
- Good value for money
- Smooth everyday performance
- Older chipset
- Less efficient
- No reverse charging
Huawei nova 10 SE
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680G)
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially better camera performance
- Modern design
- Slightly slower charging than 8i
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 10 SE likely has a slightly more modern design with thinner bezels, but both offer a pleasant viewing experience. Screen sizes are similar, around 6.5 inches, with a resolution of FHD+.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems. The nova 10 SE is expected to have a slightly improved main sensor and potentially better image processing. Both likely offer a versatile setup with a main lens, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Low-light performance is an area where the 10 SE's newer chipset could provide an advantage.
Performance
The nova 10 SE's Snapdragon 680G (6nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 (11nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10 SE. The 680G's efficiency also contributes to better battery life.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 66W fast charging, which is incredibly quick. However, the nova 10 SE's more efficient chipset allows it to potentially offer slightly better battery life between charges, despite having a similar battery capacity (around 4000mAh). The nova 10 SE also includes reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 8i is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and a smooth, everyday experience. The Huawei nova 10 SE is ideal for those seeking improved performance, a more modern design, and the added convenience of reverse charging, even if it means slightly slower overall charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 10 SE worth the upgrade from the nova 8i?
If you prioritize performance, battery life, and reverse charging, then yes, the nova 10 SE is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks, the nova 8i remains a solid option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Huawei nova 10 SE, with its Snapdragon 680G chipset, will offer noticeably better gaming performance than the nova 8i.
