Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. The nova Y90 and nova 11i are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 11i edges out the Y90 thanks to its slightly faster charging and potentially improved camera capabilities (though specifics are limited). Both offer the Snapdragon 680, so performance is similar. Ultimately, the 11i provides a bit more value for a potentially slightly 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 | 2022, June 23 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 27 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12 | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 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 |
| Single | 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 |
|---|
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 50% in 30 min | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | CTR-LX2, CTR-LX1, CTR-LX3 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova Y90
- Large Display
- Reliable Performance
- 40W Fast Charging
- Competitive Price
- Potentially less advanced camera
- Slower charging (50% in 30 min)
- May lack some premium features
Huawei nova 11i
- Faster Charging (60% in 30 min)
- Potentially better camera
- Sleek Design (typical of nova series)
- Likely higher refresh rate display
- Potentially higher price
- Similar chipset to Y90 (performance parity)
- May lack some features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, potentially around 6.5-6.7 inches. The nova 11i might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the Y90, based on typical nova series trends) leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are crucial. The nova 11i is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. The Y90 likely features a standard triple-camera setup. Actual camera performance will depend on software optimization and sensor quality.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and 6GB/8GB of RAM. While the Y90 uses Kryo 265 cores, and the 11i uses Cortex-A73/A53 cores, the Snapdragon 680 is generally consistent in performance across devices. Expect smooth multitasking and adequate performance for most apps and games at medium settings.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 40W wired charging, but the nova 11i charges to 60% in 30 minutes, compared to the Y90's 50%. This suggests a more efficient charging circuit or slightly larger battery capacity in the 11i. Both likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova Y90 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and reliable performance for everyday tasks. The nova 11i is a better choice for those seeking faster charging and potentially a more refined camera experience, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 chipset good enough for gaming?
The Snapdragon 680 is suitable for casual gaming and less demanding titles. You can expect playable frame rates at medium settings, but don't expect high-end gaming performance.
❓ What is the difference between the Kryo 265 and Cortex-A73 cores?
Both are mid-range CPU cores. The Cortex-A73 is generally considered slightly more efficient and offers better single-core performance than the Kryo 265, but the overall impact on real-world usage is minimal with the Snapdragon 680.
