Huawei nova 12i vs Google Pixel 8a - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 16, 2024 May 14, 2024
Release Year 2024 2024

Physical

Volume 102.47 cm³ 98.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 3.24 "/g
Weight 199 g 188 g
Height 163.3 mm 152.1 mm
Width 74.7 mm 72.7 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • White
  • Green
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Bay
  • Aloe

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.1 % 81.2 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 430 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 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 111.38 mAh/in² 120.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 48.8 mAh/cm³ 45.64 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4492 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 610 Immortalis-G715s MC10

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 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 12iGoogle Pixel 8aPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mmPixel 8a is noticeably smaller and potentially easier to handle one-handed.
Weight199g188gPixel 8a is slightly lighter, contributing to better one-handed use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR, 120HzPixel 8a's OLED offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. The higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. HDR support enhances video quality.
Size6.7"6.1"Nova 12i provides a larger viewing area for media consumption, while Pixel 8a offers better portability.
Resolution1080 x 23881080 x 2400Similar pixel density, resulting in comparable sharpness.
Peak BrightnessNot specified2000 nitsPixel 8a's significantly higher peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility. Lack of data for Nova 12i prevents comparison in this area.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)Tensor G3 is a significantly more powerful chip, offering superior performance in demanding tasks and gaming. The 4nm process also suggests better power efficiency.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)Pixel 8a's CPU boasts a more modern and powerful architecture, leading to faster processing speeds.
GPUAdreno 610Immortalis-G715s MC10Pixel 8a's GPU is considerably more powerful, enabling smoother gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
RAM8GB8GBBoth phones offer the same amount of RAM, suggesting similar multitasking capabilities.
Storage256GB256GBBoth phones offer equal storage capacity.
OSNot specifiedAndroid 14Pixel 8a runs the latest Android version, offering the newest features and security updates. Missing OS information for Nova 12i hinders a complete comparison.
Camera
Rear CameraNot specifiedNot specifiedCamera comparison is impossible without detailed sensor and lens information.
Video Capabilities1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps (OIS)Pixel 8a offers significantly superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and optical image stabilization (OIS).
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh4492 mAhNova 12i has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world battery life depends on numerous factors, including software optimization and display type.
Charging SpeedNot specifiedNot specifiedCharging speed comparison is impossible without specific data.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Huawei nova 12i Advantages:

  • Potentially longer battery life: The larger 5000mAh battery may offer longer usage between charges, but this depends on other factors not specified.
  • Larger display: The 6.7" screen provides more immersive media consumption.

Google Pixel 8a Advantages:

  • Significantly superior performance: The Tensor G3 chip and more powerful GPU offer a much smoother and faster user experience.
  • Higher quality display: The OLED display with HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate provides a more vibrant and responsive visual experience.
  • More advanced camera features: Superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and OIS.
  • Latest Android OS: Ensures access to the newest features and security updates.
  • Brighter display: The 2000 nits peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Huawei nova 12i: Users on a tighter budget prioritizing a large display and potentially longer battery life for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.

Google Pixel 8a: Users who value performance, a premium display, a compact form factor, the latest software, and advanced camera features. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and mobile photography/videography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? Both phones are in the mid-range, but actual pricing may vary.
  2. What are your performance requirements? For demanding tasks and gaming, the Pixel 8a is significantly better.
  3. What are your priorities in a display? For vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling, the Pixel 8a's OLED with 120Hz is superior. If screen size is paramount, the Nova 12i offers a larger display.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user, gamer, photographer: Pixel 8a is the clear choice.
  • Casual user prioritizing large screen and battery life on a budget: Nova 12i might be suitable, pending further price and battery life confirmation.
  • User prioritizing the latest software and long-term support: Pixel 8a, due to its updated Android version.
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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.