Huawei nova 11 Pro vs Google Pixel 8a - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 27, 2023 May 14, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 96.57 cm³ 98.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.61 "/g 3.24 "/g
Weight 188 g 188 g
Height 164.3 mm 152.1 mm
Width 74.4 mm 72.7 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gold
  • Black
  • White
  • Green
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Bay
  • Aloe

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1200 x 2652 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.1 % 81.2 %
Pixel Density 429 PPI 430 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.89 mAh/in² 120.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.6 mAh/cm³ 45.64 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4492 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 642L Immortalis-G715s MC10

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 14
Maximum OS Version 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureHuawei nova 11 ProGoogle Pixel 8aPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9Pixel 8a is noticeably smaller and slightly thicker. Nova 11 Pro might feel more premium due to slimness.
Weight (g)188188Identical weight, negating portability differences.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.786.1Nova 11 Pro offers a significantly larger screen for media consumption and multitasking. Pixel 8a is more pocketable.
Resolution1200 x 26521080 x 2400Nova 11 Pro has a sharper display due to higher resolution, but the difference might not be noticeable in everyday use.
Display TypeOLED, 120HzOLED, 120HzBoth offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling thanks to OLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate.
Peak Brightness950 nitsNot specifiedNova 11 Pro's higher peak brightness ensures better outdoor visibility. Missing Pixel 8a data limits comparison.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)Tensor G3, being newer and built on a smaller process, should offer significantly better performance and power efficiency.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz & 4x2.45 GHz & 4x2.15 GHz)Tensor G3's more powerful CPU cores and architecture indicate superior processing capabilities, especially for demanding tasks.
GPUAdreno 642LImmortalis-G715s MC10Immortalis-G715s MC10 should deliver a noticeable improvement in gaming performance compared to Adreno 642L.
RAM6GB/8GB/12GB8GBPixel 8a offers more RAM in its base configuration, beneficial for multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.964MP, f/1.89, Sony IMX787Pixel 8a likely produces better image quality due to larger sensor size (indicated by lower f-stop and known sensor model), even with slightly lower resolution.
Ultrawide8MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX712Pixel 8a has a significantly better ultrawide camera in terms of resolution and sensor.
Video Capabilities720p@960fps with EISUp to 4K@60fps with OISPixel 8a offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution and optical image stabilization.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh4492 mAhVirtually identical battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend more on software optimization and chipset efficiency.
Charging SpeedNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare charging speeds due to missing information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
  • Potentially Slimmer Design: Might appeal to users prioritizing aesthetics.
  • Higher Resolution Display: Slightly sharper visuals, though not significantly noticeable.

Google Pixel 8a Advantages:

  • Significantly Better Performance: Tensor G3 provides superior processing power and efficiency for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior Camera System: Larger sensors and advanced processing likely result in better image and video quality.
  • More Recent OS with Longer Support: Guaranteed Android updates for several years.
  • Wider 5G Band Support: More reliable 5G connectivity across various regions.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Huawei nova 11 Pro: Users prioritizing a large display for media consumption, casual gaming, and general use. Price sensitive users might find it appealing if priced competitively.

Google Pixel 8a: Users who value performance, camera quality, a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, and reliable connectivity. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and mobile photography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget and how important is long-term software support?
  2. Do you prioritize a large display for media consumption or a more compact form factor?
  3. Is top-tier performance and camera quality essential, or is a good enough experience sufficient?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-conscious user primarily using social media and streaming: Nova 11 Pro if priced significantly lower.
  • Power user needing a reliable device for work and gaming: Pixel 8a.
  • Photography enthusiast: Pixel 8a.

My Choice: Google Pixel 8a

While the Nova 11 Pro offers a larger display, the Pixel 8a's superior performance, significantly better camera system, longer software support, and wider 5G band coverage make it a more compelling choice for me. The Tensor G3 chip provides a substantial performance advantage, ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing. The Pixel's camera reputation combined with the improved sensor specifications suggests significantly better image and video quality. Finally, the guaranteed Android updates and wider 5G compatibility provide peace of mind and long-term value. The slight difference in screen size isn't a significant trade-off for me compared to the Pixel 8a's overall advantages.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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