Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 8i and nova 11i are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i edges out the nova 8i thanks to its more efficient 6nm chipset, improved CPU architecture, and slightly faster charging. While the 8i boasts faster charging speeds overall, the 11i's overall package provides a more modern and efficient experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 07 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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) | - |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova 8i
- Faster Charging (66W)
- Slightly Larger Screen
- Good Value
- Older Chipset
- Less Efficient
- Potentially Lower Camera Quality
Huawei nova 11i
- More Efficient Chipset (6nm)
- Improved CPU Architecture
- Better Performance
- Modern Design
- Slower Charging (40W)
- Smaller Screen
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 8i has a 6.43-inch display, while the nova 11i has a 6.3-inch display. Both offer a 60Hz refresh rate. The nova 8i's slightly larger screen might appeal to those who consume a lot of media.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems. The nova 8i typically has a 64MP main camera, while the nova 11i often features a 64MP main camera with improved image processing. Low-light performance and overall image quality are generally better on the nova 11i due to its newer image signal processor (ISP). Both offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The nova 11i's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) offers a noticeable performance boost over the nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The Cortex-A73 cores in the 11i are also more powerful than the Kryo 260 cores in the 8i, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. Gaming performance will be better on the 11i.
Battery Life
The nova 8i has a 4,300mAh battery and 66W charging, allowing it to reach 60% in 17 minutes and 100% in 38 minutes. The nova 11i has a 4,000mAh battery and 40W charging, reaching 60% in 30 minutes. While the 8i charges faster, the 11i's more efficient chipset can lead to slightly better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 8i is a good choice for users prioritizing extremely fast charging and a slightly larger screen. The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for those seeking better overall performance, improved efficiency, and a more modern design, even with slightly slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the nova 8i charges faster, the nova 11i's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset often results in slightly better real-world battery life.
❓ Is the nova 11i worth the upgrade from the nova 8i?
If you prioritize performance and efficiency, the nova 11i is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if fast charging is your top priority, the nova 8i remains a solid option.
