Huawei's nova series offers compelling mid-range options, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Huawei nova Y71 against the newer nova 11i to see which one delivers the best value and performance. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging (40W), and improved camera system offer a significantly better experience than the Y71's Kirin 710A. While the Y71 boasts a larger screen, the 11i's overall enhancements justify its likely higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2023, May 09 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% 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 Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | 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 | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | - | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova Y71
- Large 6.8-inch display
- Massive 6000mAh battery
- Affordable price
- Older Kirin 710A chipset
- Slower charging (22.5W)
- Less refined camera
Huawei nova 11i
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 40W charging
- Improved camera system
- More efficient 6nm process
- Smaller battery (likely 4500mAh)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The nova Y71 features a larger 6.8-inch display, which is great for media consumption and gaming. The nova 11i has a slightly smaller 6.67-inch display, but likely offers better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate (specifications vary by region). Both use LCD panels, so don't expect OLED-level contrast.
Camera Comparison
The nova 11i is expected to have a superior camera system. While both likely feature a primary 64MP sensor, the 11i's newer image processing capabilities and potentially additional lenses (like an ultrawide) should result in better image quality, especially in low light. The Y71's camera is adequate but lacks the refinement of the 11i.
Performance
The nova 11i's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Y71's older 14nm Kirin 710A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 11i. The Snapdragon also benefits from better software optimization.
Battery Life
The nova Y71 has a larger 6000mAh battery, offering potentially longer battery life under moderate usage. However, the nova 11i's 40W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. The 11i's battery is likely around 4500mAh.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova Y71 is a good choice for budget-conscious users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life, and who aren't overly concerned with top-tier performance. The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a better camera, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 11i worth the extra cost compared to the Y71?
Yes, the nova 11i's improved performance, faster charging, and better camera make it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The nova Y71 has a larger battery capacity, but the nova 11i's faster charging can offset the difference in real-world usage.
