Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Huawei nova 8i and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. We’ll break down the specs, see what they mean in the real world, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the Huawei nova 8i and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra across key categories:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly larger and might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 224g | Nova 8i is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; negligible difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 391 | 388 | Essentially identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency (especially with dark mode). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly faster and more responsive for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 201,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a vastly superior performance, suitable for demanding applications and future-proof usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers much better graphics performance, ideal for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP | 50MP (Sony IMX890) | Nova 8i has higher resolution, but Zenfone 11 Ultra's sensor and processing are likely to deliver better image quality in most conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 32MP (Omnivision OV32C) | Zenfone 11 Ultra should provide more detailed and clearer selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 13MP | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (Depth) | None | Nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Nova 8i offers macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports much higher resolution video recording with stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 125 (Mobile) | Zenfone 11 Ultra’s camera performance is objectively rated as good. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera, OIS, Gimbal | Zenfone 11 Ultra has better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra is likely to offer significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | 10W | Zenfone 11 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much newer OS with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more accurate location tracking with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more storage space. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra has more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei nova 8i fingerprint sensor on side. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra additionally features: Hall; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i:
- Strengths: Lighter design, potentially faster charging, dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- Competitive Advantages: More affordable (likely, given the age and specs), side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Trade-offs: Significantly weaker performance, older software, inferior display, limited camera capabilities.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths: Flagship performance, excellent AMOLED display, versatile camera system with telephoto lens and 8K video, larger battery with wireless charging, newer software, superior connectivity.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier processing power, advanced features like wireless charging and Hi-Res Audio, better screen protection.
- Trade-offs: Heavier and bulkier, potentially more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i: Best suited for users on a very tight budget who prioritize lightweight design and basic smartphone functionality. Ideal for those who primarily browse social media, make calls, and don't require high performance or advanced features.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand the best possible performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It's also a great choice for those who value long battery life and the convenience of wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If you have to save every penny, the Huawei nova 8i is the only realistic option.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle demanding games, multitasking, and future software updates, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner.
- What do you value most in a phone? If you want a lightweight device for basic tasks, the Nova 8i suffices. But if you prioritize a stunning display, versatile camera, and long battery life, go for the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Huawei nova 8i.
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: Go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a superior camera system.
- Average User: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra if the budget allows, otherwise the Huawei Nova 8i is a more affordable, if compromised, alternative.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and ample RAM ensure that the phone will remain fast and responsive for years to come.
- Display Excellence: The AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides an immersive and visually stunning experience.
- Camera Versatility: The camera system is top-notch, offering excellent image quality in various shooting scenarios.
- Overall Experience: The Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a complete and premium smartphone experience that the Nova 8i simply can't match.
While the Huawei nova 8i might be a decent choice for those on an extremely tight budget, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is in a different league altogether.
