Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with competitive features. The nova 8i and nova Y90 are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova Y90 edges out the nova 8i thanks to its more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset and slightly better battery life. While the 8i boasts faster charging, the Y90's improved performance and efficiency make it the more compelling 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 07 | 2022, June 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2022, July 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% 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 Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | EMUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | LED 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) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min | 40W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 | CTR-LX2, CTR-LX1, CTR-LX3 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Huawei nova 8i
- Blazing-fast 66W charging
- Vibrant OLED display
- Stylish design
- Good selfie camera
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 662)
- Slightly shorter battery life
- 90Hz refresh rate may not be noticeable for all users
Huawei nova Y90
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Longer battery life
- Sleek design
- Improved overall performance
- Slower 40W charging
- 60Hz display (less smooth than 90Hz)
- Camera processing can sometimes be inconsistent
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 8i typically has a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the Y90), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. However, the Y90's display is generally considered to be well-calibrated and visually appealing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems. The nova 8i often has a slightly higher resolution main sensor, but the Y90's image processing algorithms can sometimes produce more natural-looking results. Low-light performance is generally comparable, though the Y90's newer chipset might offer a slight edge.
Performance
The nova Y90's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 680's efficiency translates to better sustained performance and less heat generation during demanding tasks. Expect smoother multitasking and gaming on the Y90.
Battery Life
The nova Y90 generally offers better battery life due to its more efficient chipset. While the nova 8i charges significantly faster (66W vs 40W), the Y90's improved efficiency means you'll likely need to charge it less frequently.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 8i is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a vibrant display. The nova Y90 is a better fit for those seeking smoother performance, longer battery life, and a more modern chipset, even if charging is a bit slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Huawei nova Y90 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset.
❓ Is the faster charging of the nova 8i worth it?
If you frequently forget to charge your phone and need a quick top-up, the nova 8i's 66W charging is a significant advantage. However, the Y90's longer battery life might negate the need for frequent charging.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Huawei's software support is a complex topic. Both phones run EMUI, but updates and Google services availability can vary by region. Check current software status in your area before purchasing.
