Huawei nova 8i vs Apple iPhone 15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 22, 2021 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 104.01 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.51 "/g 3.57 "/g
Weight 190 g 171 g
Height 161.9 mm 147.6 mm
Width 74.7 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Starry Black
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Interstellar Blue
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2376 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.4 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.65 mAh/in² 90.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.34 mAh/cm³ 40.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 3349 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Adreno 610 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 10 17
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into the Huawei nova 8i versus the Apple iPhone 15. Forget the marketing jargon; we're getting down to the nitty-gritty of what these specs actually mean for you, the user.

Huawei nova 8i vs. Apple iPhone 15: A Deep Dive

Here's a breakdown that cuts through the noise, giving you the real story on these two contenders.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureHuawei nova 8iApple iPhone 15Real-World Implications
Design
Physical Size161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mmiPhone 15 is noticeably more compact and pocketable. Nova 8i is larger and might feel bulkier.
Weight190g171giPhone 15 is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. Nova 8i has a heftier feel.
Display
Size6.67"6.1"Nova 8i's larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming. iPhone 15 is easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution1080x23761179x2556iPhone 15 offers a sharper image, especially noticeable in text and detailed images.
Pixel Density (PPI)391461iPhone 15's higher PPI results in visibly finer details and smoother visuals.
TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDiPhone 15 has superior contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks for a richer viewing experience.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsiPhone 15 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility, easily readable under bright sunlight.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer standard smoothness. Not ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 662A16 BioniciPhone 15 delivers drastically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance. Nova 8i will feel slower.
AnTuTu Score201,0001,470,000iPhone 15 is in a completely different performance league. This directly translates to a smoother, more responsive user experience.
GPUAdreno 610Apple 5-CoreiPhone 15's GPU handles demanding graphics tasks with ease, providing a superior gaming and multimedia experience.
Battery Life
Capacity4300mAh3877mAhNova 8i might offer slightly longer battery life under similar usage, but it's not guaranteed given other factors.
Charging66W Fast20W FastNova 8i charges much faster, minimizing downtime. iPhone 15 charging is comparatively slow.
Wireless ChargingNo15W MagSafe/7.5W QiiPhone 15 offers convenient wireless charging options, a feature the Nova 8i lacks.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.948MP, f/1.6iPhone 15's wider aperture and better sensor likely deliver superior low-light performance and image quality, despite lower MP count.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.012MP, f/1.9Similar performance in good lighting conditions, but iPhone 15 likely better in low light.
Wide Angle LensYes (8MP)Yes (12MP Wide + Macro)Nova 8i has a dedicated wide-angle, but iPhone 15 is most likely better in the macro.
Video1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@60fpsiPhone 15 captures significantly higher quality videos with better stabilization and features like HDR.
DxOMarkN/A145 (Mobile)iPhone 15's camera performance is objectively rated as excellent by DxOMark.
Software
OSAndroid 10iOS 17iPhone 15 gets access to the latest iOS features, security updates, and a vast ecosystem of apps. Nova 8i's Android version is outdated.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6iPhone 15 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.05.3iPhone 15 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version.
SIMNano SIM + Nano SIMNano SIM + eSIMiPhone 15 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for easy carrier switching.
Storage
Internal Storage128GB128/256/512GBiPhone 15 offers more storage options for users with large media libraries.
Expandable StorageNoNoBoth lack expandable storage; choose storage wisely at purchase.
Security
Security FeaturesSide FingerprintBasicNova 8i offers a fingerprint sensor for quick biometric unlock. iPhone 15 will likely use face unlock.

2. Key Insights

Huawei nova 8i:

  • Strengths: Larger screen, faster charging, and a lower price point. Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Competitive Advantages: Appeals to users prioritizing screen size and rapid charging on a budget.
  • Limitations: Significantly weaker performance, outdated software, inferior camera, and less durable build.

Apple iPhone 15:

  • Strengths: Superior performance, excellent camera, more vibrant and brighter display, modern software, and longer software support. Wireless charging.
  • Competitive Advantages: Appeals to users prioritizing performance, camera quality, and a premium user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
  • Limitations: Higher price, comparatively slower charging (though wireless charging is an option).

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Huawei nova 8i: Best suited for users on a strict budget who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption, and highly value fast charging. This is a good choice if performance isn't a major concern.
  • Apple iPhone 15: Ideal for users who demand top-tier performance, a great camera, a premium display, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Perfect for power users, content creators, and anyone who values a smooth, future-proof experience.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Nova 8i is the only realistic option.
  2. How important is performance and software? If you need a fast, responsive phone with the latest software, the iPhone 15 is the clear winner.
  3. What do you value most in a camera? If you prioritize video quality, low-light performance, and advanced features, the iPhone 15 will deliver a superior experience.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious Student: Huawei nova 8i – provides essential functionality without breaking the bank.
  • Social Media Enthusiast: Apple iPhone 15 – excels in photo and video quality for content creation.
  • Mobile Gamer: Apple iPhone 15 – offers unmatched gaming performance and a smooth experience.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15

If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd pick the Apple iPhone 15. Here’s why:

  • Performance is King: The A16 Bionic chip is simply in a different league compared to the Snapdragon 662. As someone who relies on my phone for productivity, gaming, and creative tasks, the responsiveness and speed of the iPhone 15 are essential.
  • The Camera Matters: While megapixels aren't everything, the iPhone 15's camera system (backed by that A16 chip) will almost certainly provide vastly better image and video quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Future-Proofing: With Apple's excellent software support, the iPhone 15 will receive updates and new features for years to come, ensuring it stays relevant and secure.

Yes, the iPhone 15 is more expensive, but the overall experience – the speed, the camera, the software – justifies the investment for me. I value a phone that can keep up with my demands and remain a reliable tool for years to come.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.