Huawei's nova series offers compelling options for budget-conscious smartphone users. The nova Y61 and nova 11i both aim to deliver a solid experience, but they differ significantly in key areas. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging (40W), and improved camera system offer a noticeably better overall experience than the nova Y61, despite a potentially higher price point. The Y61 remains a viable option for those prioritizing affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - EVE-LX3 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - EVE-LX3 | 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 01 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (EVE-LX9N only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sapphire Blue, Mint Green, Midnight Black | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | EVE-LX9, EVE-LX9N, EVE-LX3 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova Y61
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent display for the price
- Underpowered processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera system
Huawei nova 11i
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Fast charging (40W)
- Improved camera
- Sleek design
- Potentially higher price
- May lack some premium features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature LCD displays, though the nova 11i is expected to have a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The nova 11i may also have a higher refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.5 inches.
Camera Comparison
The nova 11i is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the nova 11i. The Y61's camera is likely adequate for basic photography.
Performance
The nova 11i's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset is a significant upgrade over the Y61's generic Octa-core processor. The Snapdragon 680's 6nm process offers better efficiency and performance, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. The Y61 will likely struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), the nova 11i's 40W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge the battery to 60% in just 30 minutes, significantly faster than the Y61's 22.5W charging. This translates to less time plugged in and more time using the phone.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei nova Y61? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. Who should buy the Huawei nova 11i? Users seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, and a better camera experience, willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 11i worth the extra cost compared to the nova Y61?
Yes, the nova 11i offers a significantly better experience with its faster processor, faster charging, and improved camera. If your budget allows, it's the better choice.
❓ What software do these phones run?
Both phones will run EMUI, Huawei's custom Android skin. However, keep in mind that Huawei phones do not have access to Google Mobile Services (GMS).
