Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones. Choosing between the nova Y90 and nova 8i can be tricky, as both offer compelling features at different price points. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 8i takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and slightly better overall performance. While the Y90 offers a more efficient chipset, the 8i's charging speed and slightly more powerful processor make it the more appealing choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 | 2022, June 23 | 2021, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 27 | Available. Released 2021, July 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12 | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 50% in 30 min | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black |
| Models | CTR-LX2, CTR-LX1, CTR-LX3 | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Huawei nova Y90
- Efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680
- Potentially longer battery life
- Stylish design
- Good value for money
- Slower charging speed
- Slightly less powerful processor
- May have a lower screen refresh rate
Huawei nova 8i
- Faster 66W charging
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially better camera system
- Premium feel
- Less efficient processor
- Potentially shorter battery life (despite larger capacity)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the nova 8i often has a slightly higher refresh rate (typically 60Hz for Y90, 60Hz for 8i, but confirm specific models). The nova 8i may also have a slightly more refined display panel, though both offer good viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
The nova 8i typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. While both phones offer decent camera capabilities, the 8i generally produces more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in low-light conditions. Both likely have a similar front-facing camera.
Performance
The Snapdragon 680 in the nova Y90 is built on a more efficient 6nm process, potentially leading to better power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 662 in the nova 8i generally offers slightly better raw performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. Expect smoother multitasking and gaming on the 8i.
Battery Life
The nova Y90 likely has a larger battery capacity (typically around 5000mAh), but the nova 8i's 66W charging significantly offsets this. The 8i can charge from 0 to 60% in just 17 minutes, a massive advantage over the Y90's 40W charging.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova Y90 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a more efficient processor for everyday tasks. The Huawei nova 8i is perfect for those who value fast charging, smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps, and a more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Huawei nova 8i generally offers a smoother gaming experience due to its slightly more powerful processor and potentially higher screen refresh rate.
❓ Is the Huawei nova Y90 worth buying if I prioritize battery life?
Yes, the nova Y90's efficient chipset and potentially larger battery capacity make it a good choice for users who prioritize long battery life.
❓ How does the charging speed of the nova 8i compare to other phones?
The 66W charging on the nova 8i is exceptionally fast, allowing for a significant charge in a very short time – much faster than many other phones in its price range.
