Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Huawei nova 8i and the nova Y90. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'll break down the specs and focus on what they mean for you, the user, in everyday scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that highlights the key technical specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-07-22 | 2022-07-27 | Y90 is newer; might have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Similar size and feel in hand; Y90 is slightly taller and thinner, but barely noticeable. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Minimal difference; both feel relatively lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2388 | Sharpness is almost the same; both are Full HD+. |
| PPI | 391 | 391 | Identical clarity and sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Y90 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Y90's 680 is more power-efficient and offers slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 249,000 | Y90 handles multitasking and gaming better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Similar graphics performance for everyday tasks; Y90 might handle gaming a bit better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | 8i captures more detailed images in bright light; Y90 has better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | 8i takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | 8i offers a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Depth/Macro Lenses | 2MP/2MP | None | 8i provides additional creative options for portraits and close-up shots. |
| Other Cameras | None | 2MP + 2MP | Extra lenses that most people won't really use. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 30fps Slow-mo | Both are fine for basic video recording, but the 8i is slightly better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Y90 lasts longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | 8i charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | (Likely HarmonyOS) | Significant difference; potentially limited app compatibility on Y90. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi ac, Dual Band, Direct | Y90 has more versatile Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, aptX, LDAC | 5.0, EDR | 8i has better Bluetooth audio codec support (higher quality wireless audio). |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS | Y90 has slightly more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB | Plenty of space for most users. |
| RAM | 6GB | 4/6/8GB | Y90, if configured with 8GB RAM, handles multitasking more smoothly. |
| Expandable | No | No | Limited storage if you have a lot of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | Basic | 8i offers better audio quality and call clarity. |
| Security | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Quick and reliable unlocking. |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Proximity | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | 8i has gyroscope for advanced gaming while Y90 saves space and money on the proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i: Strengths
- Superior Camera System: Boasts a versatile quad-camera setup with a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses for wide-angle, macro, and depth effects.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone provide a better audio experience for multimedia consumption and calls.
- Better Wireless Audio: Supports aptX and LDAC Bluetooth codecs for higher quality wireless audio.
Huawei nova Y90: Strengths
- Larger Battery: Offers a substantial 5000mAh battery, providing extended battery life for all-day usage.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate display results in a more fluid and responsive user interface.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 680 is more power-efficient and offers slightly better overall performance compared to the Snapdragon 662.
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 8GB of RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and demanding applications.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Software: The Nova 8i runs on Android 10, which may be outdated compared to the likely HarmonyOS of the Nova Y90. However, the HarmonyOS is known to have limited app compatibility.
- Camera: The Nova Y90's camera setup is less versatile compared to the Nova 8i, lacking dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
- Charging Speed: The Nova Y90 has slower charging at 40W compared to the Nova 8i.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize camera versatility, fast charging, and enhanced audio quality. Good for photography enthusiasts and multimedia consumers.
- Use Cases: Capturing detailed photos in various scenarios, quickly charging the phone before heading out, and enjoying immersive audio experiences.
- Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal for: Users who value long battery life, smoother display, and better multitasking capabilities. Suitable for heavy users and gamers.
- Use Cases: Extended usage throughout the day without frequent charging, smooth scrolling and animations for gaming, and seamless switching between multiple apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need all-day battery life, the Y90 is the clear winner. If you prefer faster charging over maximum battery capacity, the 8i is better.
- Do you value camera versatility, and are you happy with basic video recording? If yes, go for the 8i. If the camera is not important to you, the Y90 is fine.
- What is your budget? Always consider if the Y90 is worth the extra cost over the 8i for the additional RAM and smoother screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the power user: If you spend long hours on your phone, the Y90's battery and smoother display make it a better choice.
- For the social media enthusiast: The 8i's versatile camera and better wireless audio make it ideal for capturing and sharing content.
- For the budget-conscious: Weigh the cost difference against the benefits of the Y90's battery and display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would lean towards the Huawei nova Y90. While the camera versatility and faster charging of the Nova 8i are tempting, the longer battery life, smoother display, and newer chipset of the Y90 offer a more well-rounded experience. The extra RAM is a plus, ensuring smoother multitasking and better long-term performance. I also think that with the Y90, you are future-proofing a little more, since it's a newer device.
