Huawei nova 8i vs Google Pixel 6 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 22, 2021 October 28, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.01 cm³ 110.72 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.51 "/g 3.19 "/g
Weight 190 g 210 g
Height 161.9 mm 163.9 mm
Width 74.7 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Starry Black
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Interstellar Blue
  • Stormy Black
  • Cloudy White
  • Sorta Sunny

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2376 1440 x 3120
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.4 % 88.6 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 512 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.65 mAh/in² 111.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.34 mAh/cm³ 45.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5003 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Google Tensor (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Mali-G78 MP20

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 12
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into comparing the Huawei nova 8i and the Google Pixel 6 Pro. I'll break down the specs in a way that’s not just informative but also shows you how these differences play out in your daily life.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key differences and their practical implications:

FeatureHuawei nova 8iGoogle Pixel 6 ProReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm, 190g163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm, 210gThe Pixel 6 Pro is slightly larger and heavier, which might be noticeable in pocket or during extended use. The nova 8i is more comfortable for those prioritizing lightweight design.
Build QualityUnknown Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusPixel 6 Pro has significantly better scratch and drop resistance, adding durability for everyday use.
Display
Size6.67"6.7"Negligible difference in size, both offer ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
Resolution1080x23761440x3120The Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals, making text and images appear crisper.
Pixel Density391 ppi512 ppiHigher pixel density on the Pixel 6 Pro translates to better clarity and detail, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDAMOLED on the Pixel 6 Pro offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast, enhancing the overall viewing experience, especially in dark mode.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzPixel 6 Pro provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, resulting in a more fluid and responsive user interface.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 662 (11 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)The Pixel 6 Pro's Tensor chip offers significantly faster processing speeds, better AI capabilities, and smoother multitasking, leading to a more responsive experience.
AnTuTu Score201,000721,000The Pixel 6 Pro is dramatically faster, handling demanding apps and games with ease.
RAM6 GB12 GBPixel 6 Pro allows for smoother multitasking, keeping more apps open in the background without performance degradation.
Camera
Main Camera64MP f/1.950MP f/1.85While the nova 8i has a higher megapixel count, the Pixel 6 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture often result in better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Telephoto LensNone48MP f/3.5Pixel 6 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed close-up shots without significant quality loss.
Wide-Angle Lens8MP f/2.212MP f/2.2Pixel 6 Pro captures wider scenes with better detail and less distortion.
Portrait Mode2MP Depth SensorNoneHuawei uses a 2MP depth sensor while Google relies on computational photography.
Macro Lens2MP Macro LensNoneAllows Huawei to take close up photos of small objects or in tight spaces.
Video Recording1080p@30fps4K@60fpsPixel 6 Pro records higher-quality, more detailed videos, with better stabilization and smoother frame rates.
Battery Life
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhPixel 6 Pro generally offers longer battery life, allowing for extended usage without needing frequent recharges.
Charging66W Fast Charging30W Fast ChargingHuawei nova 8i charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingNone23WPixel 6 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 10Android 12 (Upgradable to 14)Pixel 6 Pro offers a newer, more feature-rich operating system with guaranteed updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.

2. Key Insights

Huawei nova 8i: Strengths

  • Lightweight Design: More comfortable for extended use and pocket-friendly.
  • Fast Charging: 66W charging is significantly faster, perfect for users who need quick power-ups.
  • Macro and Depth Camera: The addition of a macro lens and depth sensor adds to the versatility of the camera system.

Google Pixel 6 Pro: Strengths

  • Superior Display: High-resolution AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers an unparalleled viewing experience.
  • Flagship Performance: The Google Tensor chip ensures smooth performance, excellent AI capabilities, and future-proof processing power.
  • Versatile Camera System: Advanced camera features, including a telephoto lens, superior image processing, and 4K video recording.
  • Software and Updates: Guarantees the latest Android updates, providing new features and enhanced security.
  • Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent screen protection, adding to the device's durability.

Trade-offs

  • The Huawei nova 8i sacrifices performance and display quality for a lighter design and faster charging.
  • The Google Pixel 6 Pro is larger and heavier, with a price tag that reflects its premium features.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Huawei nova 8i

  • Ideal for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and lightweight design.
  • Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, and users who want a dependable device without breaking the bank.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

  • Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, photographers, and power users who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, and cutting-edge camera capabilities.
  • Use Cases: Professional photography, gaming, video editing, and anyone who wants the latest and greatest Android experience.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to help you decide:

  1. What is your budget? The Huawei nova 8i is the clear choice if you're on a tight budget.
  2. How important is camera performance and display quality? If you value top-tier photography and a stunning visual experience, the Pixel 6 Pro is worth the investment.
  3. Do you prioritize software updates and long-term support? The Pixel 6 Pro offers guaranteed Android updates, ensuring your device stays current with the latest features and security patches.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Casual User: If you mostly use your phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing, the Huawei nova 8i offers good value for its price.
  • For the Photography Enthusiast: The Pixel 6 Pro is the better choice, offering a superior camera system with more versatility and advanced features.
  • For the Power User: If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking, the Pixel 6 Pro's powerful processor and ample RAM make it the clear winner.

My Choice: Google Pixel 6 Pro

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Google Pixel 6 Pro. While the Huawei nova 8i offers excellent value and fast charging, the Pixel 6 Pro provides a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect.

Here's why:

  • Display Quality: As someone who consumes a lot of content on my phone, the Pixel 6 Pro's high-resolution AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations make everything from watching videos to browsing the web a pleasure.
  • Performance: The Google Tensor chip ensures that the Pixel 6 Pro handles demanding tasks with ease. Whether I'm editing photos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the phone never lags or stutters.
  • Camera Capabilities: Photography is a hobby of mine, and the Pixel 6 Pro's camera system is exceptional. The image processing is top-notch, producing stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The telephoto lens offers excellent zoom capabilities, and the video recording quality is superb.
  • Software and Updates: I value having the latest software updates and features, and Google's commitment to providing timely updates for the Pixel 6 Pro is a significant advantage. It ensures that my device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest Android innovations.

Yes, the Pixel 6 Pro is pricier and slightly bulkier than the nova 8i, but the overall experience is well worth the extra investment for my needs. It's a flagship device that delivers on its promises, offering a combination of performance, features, and software support that the nova 8i simply can't match.

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.