Alright, let's break down the Huawei nova 8i and the Honor 90. I'll be your guide through the tech jargon, turning specs into real-world scenarios so you can make the best choice for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison, focusing on what these numbers actually mean when you're using the phone:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm, 183g | Slightly slimmer and lighter Honor 90 feels more modern and pocketable; Huawei is negligibly thicker and heavier, impact imperceptible. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical, non-foldable smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Nearly identical screen size – both feel large in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1200x2664 | Sharper Honor 90 display – noticeable if you're looking at very fine details or using VR. |
| Pixel Density | 391 PPI | 435 PPI | The Honor 90 will look just a bit crisper; Huawei is still sharp enough for the vast majority of users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Honor 90 brings richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency (especially with dark mode). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor 90's smoother scrolling and animations will be immediately noticeable – a more premium feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | HUGE advantage for Honor 90 in bright sunlight – you'll actually be able to see the screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Honor 90 is significantly faster. Apps open quicker, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is far more enjoyable. The Huawei feels sluggish in comparison. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 701,227 | This benchmark score confirms the vast performance difference: Honor 90 is in a completely different league. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 644 | Better graphics on the Honor 90 – smoother frame rates and higher detail in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 200MP f/1.9 | The Honor 90 has the potential for significantly more detail in photos, especially in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/2.4 | Sharper selfies on the Honor 90. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated Ultrawide lens while Honor 90 has a combined Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated Macro lens while Honor 90 combines Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Honor 90 captures much higher quality video, especially if you plan to record vlogs or important events. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 will likely last significantly longer on a single charge, especially with its more efficient display. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Honor 90 has a much newer version of Android, meaning more features, better security, and a longer lifespan for updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on the Honor 90, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Slightly newer Bluetooth version on the Honor 90. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Much more space for photos, videos, and apps on the Honor 90. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps on the Honor 90. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 90 Dominates Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset in the Honor 90 is a massive upgrade over the Snapdragon 662 in the nova 8i. This translates to a dramatically faster and more fluid user experience.
Display Advantage: Honor 90: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and scrolling is buttery smooth. Plus, the high brightness makes it usable in direct sunlight.
Camera Versatility: Honor 90: While the nova 8i has a quad-camera setup, the 200MP main sensor and the 4K video recording capability of the Honor 90 give it a significant edge.
Battery and Software: Honor 90: The larger battery combined with the more efficient display and the newer version of Android make the Honor 90 the clear winner.
Huawei Nova 8i - Ultrawide and Macro Lens: The Huawei Nova 8i has the upper hand with dedicated ultrawide and macro lens.
Trade-offs: The Huawei nova 8i does offer Stereo Speakers and 2 microphones, a feature which the Honor 90 lack.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i: This phone is best for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Its still capable, but is quickly becoming outdated. The dedicated Ultrawide and Macro Lens could be a deciding factor if these are important to you.
Honor 90: This is the phone for anyone who values performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and a modern user experience. It's a great all-around device for everyday use, content creation, and gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much does performance matter to you? If you want a smooth, responsive experience and plan to play games or use demanding apps, the Honor 90 is the only real choice.
- How important is display quality? If you watch videos or spend a lot of time on your phone, the AMOLED screen and high brightness of the Honor 90 will make a huge difference.
- What is your budget? If you absolutely cannot spend more, the Huawei nova 8i will get the job done. However, the Honor 90 offers significantly better value for the money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: Huawei nova 8i (but consider looking for deals on slightly older, but better-performing phones).
- Content Creator: Honor 90 (for the high-resolution camera and 4K video).
- Gamer: Honor 90 (for the powerful processor and smooth display).
- Everyday User: Honor 90 (for the overall better experience and future-proofing).
Personal Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go with the Honor 90. While the nova 8i might seem tempting due to a lower price tag, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, and future-proofing makes the Honor 90 the far better investment. The Honor 90 simply delivers a much more enjoyable and capable smartphone experience that is well worth the extra cost. The stereo speakers and 2 microphones on the nova 8i are nice, but the advantages of the Honor 90 outweigh this. You will get far better pictures and videos from the Honor 90. You can then listen to them using Bluetooth headphones that are compatible with the Honor 90.
