Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the P50 Pro. Both phones came out around the same time, but they target different users and boast significantly different capabilities. Here's a breakdown designed to help you figure out which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table summarizing the key specs and their real-world impact:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Huawei P50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | P50 Pro is slightly more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Negligible difference; both feel relatively lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Virtually the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1228x2700 | P50 Pro is noticeably sharper, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 391 | 450 | P50 Pro delivers a crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | P50 Pro has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, leading to a more vibrant and immersive display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | P50 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to make accurate comment as the data is incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Kirin 9000 | P50 Pro is significantly faster and more responsive, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 697,566 | P50 Pro provides a drastically better user experience for gaming, video editing, and general multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G78 MP24 | P50 Pro handles graphically intensive applications and games far better than the nova 8i. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | P50 Pro may capture better low-light photos due to its wider aperture and larger sensor size, despite having a lower megapixel count. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/3.4) | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed close-ups without significant quality loss. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Both phones have ultra-wide lenses which provide a broader field of view and will let you take photos and videos with an expanded perspective. |
| Additional Lenses | Macro, Depth | Black & White | P50 Pro will produce more sophisticated photography results with the help of its Black & White lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | P50 Pro allows for higher quality video recording with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 143 | P50 Pro's camera capabilities are highly rated, indicating excellent image and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery life; expect a full day of moderate usage on both devices. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Both charge quickly, but the P50 Pro adds the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | P50 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | P50 Pro offers slightly improved Bluetooth performance and connectivity. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | P50 Pro provides more accurate and reliable location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | P50 Pro gives you more storage options, especially important if you plan to store lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8/12GB | P50 Pro can handle more apps running simultaneously without slowdowns. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Strengths: More affordable, decent camera for the price point.
- Limitations: Noticeably slower performance, less impressive display, lacks advanced camera features.
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Flagship-level performance, stunning display, versatile and high-quality camera system, wireless charging.
- Limitations: Higher price tag, no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Casual users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls.
- Huawei P50 Pro is ideal for:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance and a premium experience.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with excellent image quality.
- Users who value a high-quality display for media consumption and gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks without lag, the P50 Pro is the clear winner.
- How much do you value camera quality? If photography is a priority, the P50 Pro's advanced camera system and image processing capabilities are worth the investment.
- What's your budget? The nova 8i is the more affordable option, but you'll be making significant compromises in performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a Budget: Huawei nova 8i
- Social Media Enthusiast: Huawei P50 Pro (for better camera and display)
- Mobile Gamer: Huawei P50 Pro (for superior performance and smoother gameplay)
Which One Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd go for the Huawei P50 Pro. As someone who appreciates a responsive device, a top-notch camera, and a vibrant display, the P50 Pro checks all the boxes. While the price is higher, the significant improvements in performance and overall user experience make it worth the investment.
