The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 8i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China variant) represent compelling options. While both aim for a sweet spot of features and affordability, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. The nova 8i focuses on a streamlined user experience and rapid charging, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro prioritizes raw processing power with its Dimensity 1100 chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1100 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage. However, the Huawei nova 8i remains a strong contender for users who value fast charging and a more refined software experience, albeit with a less powerful processor.
| 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, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 07 | 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2021, June 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, 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) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black | Stargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 | - |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Huawei nova 8i
- 66W SuperCharge delivers incredibly fast charging speeds.
- Streamlined user interface offers a smooth experience.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Snapdragon 662 chipset is significantly less powerful than the Dimensity 1100.
- May struggle with demanding games and applications.
- Limited processing power for content creation.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)
- Dimensity 1100 chipset provides exceptional performance.
- 67W charging with PD3.0 support offers fast and versatile charging.
- Superior processing power for gaming, multitasking, and content creation.
- May be slightly more expensive than the nova 8i.
- Slightly slower full charge time (42 minutes vs 38 minutes).
- Potentially higher thermal output under sustained load.
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies beneath the hood. The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s Dimensity 1100 chipset is fabricated on a 6nm process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the nova 8i’s Snapdragon 662 on an 11nm node. This impacts not only performance but also potential thermal throttling during extended use. The display quality, measured in nits, is unknown for both, but the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s processing power could allow for more sophisticated image processing to enhance perceived visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s processing power allows for more complex image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The chipset’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, enabling features like faster autofocus and improved video stabilization. While both phones likely include standard camera features, the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s superior processing capabilities give it an edge in image quality and overall camera performance.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 1100, with its octa-core configuration featuring 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, demonstrably outperforms the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) found in the nova 8i. The Cortex-A78 cores represent a substantial architectural leap over the Kryo 260, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a far superior gaming experience. The 6nm process further enhances the Dimensity 1100’s efficiency, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
Both devices offer impressive fast charging capabilities – 67W for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and 66W for the nova 8i. The Redmi Note 10 Pro supports PD3.0, offering wider compatibility with chargers. While the nova 8i claims 60% charge in 17 minutes and 100% in 38 minutes, the Redmi Note 10 Pro achieves 100% in 42 minutes. The slightly slower charging time is a reasonable trade-off for the significantly more powerful processor, as demanding tasks will consume battery life faster. The actual battery capacity (mAh) is unknown for both, but the Dimensity 1100’s 6nm efficiency could partially offset the higher power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 8i if you need a phone with exceptionally fast 66W charging and a user-friendly interface, and your primary use cases are social media, casual gaming, and everyday tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) if you prefer a significantly more powerful processor for gaming, content creation, and multitasking, and are willing to trade a slightly slower charging speed for that performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 10 Pro's Dimensity 1100 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1100 is a powerful chip, the 6nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat. The Redmi Note 10 Pro likely incorporates thermal management solutions, but performance may decrease slightly over extended periods. It's a trade-off for the increased power.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the Huawei nova 8i compatible with all USB-C chargers?
While the nova 8i uses USB-C, achieving the full 66W charging speed requires a compatible Huawei SuperCharge charger. Standard USB-PD chargers may charge the device at a slower rate. Using a non-compatible charger won't damage the phone, but it will significantly increase charging time.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 10 Pro handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Dimensity 1100 is capable of running Genshin Impact at high settings, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal frame rates and to minimize thermal throttling. The phone's processing power and RAM (spec not provided, but likely sufficient) are well-suited for demanding mobile games.
