Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. I'll break down the specs, tell you what they actually mean for you, and help you figure out which phone (if either!) is the right fit.
Huawei nova 8i vs. Huawei Pura 70 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a look at the crucial specifications, side-by-side, with my take on how they impact your daily use:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-07-22 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Pro is significantly newer, meaning it's likely to have more up-to-date software, features, and components. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | Both phones are similarly sized. The Pura 70 Pro is negligibly taller and wider, but a hair thinner. Unlikely to feel different. |
| Weight | 190g | 220g | The nova 8i is noticeably lighter. This matters if you hold your phone for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro has a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro's higher resolution means sharper text and images. You'll see more detail, especially in photos and videos. |
| PPI | 391 | 460 | Higher PPI on the Pura 70 Pro leads to a noticeably crisper display. Pixels are less visible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED on the Pura 70 Pro delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the IPS LCD on the nova 8i. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Pura 70 Pro makes scrolling and animations feel smoother and more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Pro's significantly higher brightness makes it much easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Kirin 9010 is a more powerful and efficient chip. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Pro's massive AnTuTu score reflects its significantly superior performance across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Maleoon 910 | The Maleoon 910 in the Pura 70 Pro offers much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5050mAh | The Pura 70 Pro's larger battery should provide longer battery life, especially with its more efficient processor. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The Pura 70 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless Charging | The Pura 70 Pro offers added convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" | The Pura 70 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, suggesting better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | The nova 8i has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | The Pura 70 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, a significant advantage for photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro captures more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Nova 8i has a dedicated portrait mode lens. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Nova 8i has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes | The Pura 70 Pro offers higher video resolution and likely better stabilization. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera | The Pura 70 Pro has additional features: 4K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, RAW, Night Mode.The nova 8i has additional features: Quadruple camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | N/A | The nova 8i runs on an older version of Android. The Pura 70 Pro's OS is unspecified, but it is safe to assume it is running on a newer OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Pura 70 Pro supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro has slightly improved Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | The Pura 70 Pro supports more satellite systems for greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | The Pura 70 Pro offers significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB | The Pura 70 Pro can handle more apps running simultaneously without slowing down. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise Cancelling | Dolby Atmos | The Pura 70 Pro has better audio immersion thanks to Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint reader may be more convenient for some users. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: OLED, 120Hz, high brightness – a significantly better viewing experience.
- Blazing Performance: Kirin 9010 chipset and 12GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile cameras with telephoto lens, larger sensor, and better low-light capabilities.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, fast wired charging, and a newer OS.
- More Storage: Comes with significantly more internal storage.
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use.
- Lower Cost: This is likely the biggest advantage, though the specifications do not provide the price.
- Dedicated macro and portrait mode lenses: Offers a bit more versatility in this area.
Trade-offs:
- The Pura 70 Pro is heavier and likely more expensive.
- The nova 8i's older processor and display will feel dated compared to the Pura 70 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Pura 70 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or running demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The advanced camera system offers greater flexibility and image quality.
- Media Consumers: The OLED display and stereo speakers provide an immersive viewing experience.
- Users who want the latest and greatest features: Wireless charging, 5G, and a modern design.
Huawei nova 8i is suitable for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
- Casual Users: Those who don't need the latest features or cutting-edge performance.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: The lower weight makes it more comfortable to hold for long periods.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks or gaming, the Pura 70 Pro is the clear winner.
- How much do you value camera quality? The Pura 70 Pro's advanced camera system offers significant advantages over the nova 8i.
- What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the nova 8i may be the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want the best possible camera and performance, and budget is not a major concern." Choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone for basic tasks, and I want to spend as little as possible." Choose the Huawei nova 8i.
- Scenario 3: "I want a good all-around phone with a decent camera and performance, but I don't want to break the bank." If this is the case, I would consider phones that are similar to the Pura 70 Pro, but made by other brands to see if they are more affordable.
Final Thoughts: Which Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. While the weight difference is noticeable, the superior display, significantly faster performance, and advanced camera system make it worth the investment. I also find the absence of a portrait and macro lens on the Pura 70 Pro inconsequential. I'm willing to sacrifice those features for the other improvements. As someone who values photography and uses their phone for a lot of media consumption, the Pura 70 Pro simply offers a much better overall experience. It's a device that's built to last, with enough power to handle future software updates and demanding apps for years to come.
