Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Motorola ThinkPhone. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you my take on which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what each spec actually means for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm, 190g | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm, 188.5g | The ThinkPhone is slightly more compact and lighter, making it a bit more pocket-friendly. The difference is minor, but it might be noticeable if you prefer smaller phones. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone wins here. Gorilla Glass Victus is significantly more durable, meaning better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference. You likely wouldn't notice the 0.07" difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Virtually identical visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Huge win for ThinkPhone. P-OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles compared to IPS LCD. It's a much more vibrant and immersive display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Another win for ThinkPhone. 144Hz makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. It's a noticeable upgrade, especially for gamers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Another massive win for ThinkPhone. The nova 8i brightness is unknown, but 1200 nits is super bright, and makes the screen is easily viewable even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | ThinkPhone obliterates the nova 8i here. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a flagship-level chip. This translates to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 1,232,700 | Confirms the chipset difference. The ThinkPhone is significantly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Megapixels aren't everything. While the nova 8i has more, the ThinkPhone's larger sensor size and wider aperture will likely result in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45 | ThinkPhone's selfie camera should capture more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4 (Wide Angle + Macro) | The nova 8i has a dedicated wide-angle lens, which can be useful for group shots and landscapes. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The ThinkPhone is far superior for video recording, offering much higher resolution and potentially better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The ThinkPhone's larger battery should provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | ThinkPhone has negligibly faster charging as well as wireless charging, which is a very convenient feature. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has a much newer OS, which means the new ThinkPhone will be receiving updates for longer than the Huawei nova 8i. |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB | More storage on the ThinkPhone. A big plus if you store lots of photos, videos, or apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Sound will likely be clearer on the Motorola phone. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Decent main camera, but likely outperformed by the ThinkPhone in most conditions.
- Slightly more compact design.
- Noise cancellation microphone
Motorola ThinkPhone Strengths:
- Blazing-fast Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a powerhouse.
- Stunning Display: P-OLED with 144Hz refresh rate is a huge upgrade.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent protection.
- Excellent Camera Capabilities: Better low-light performance, and up to 8K video recording.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Wireless Charging: A very convenient feature.
- Newer Software: Android 13.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Motorola ThinkPhone does not have a compass or gravity sensor.
- The Huawei nova 8i is older, which means the software is outdated.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i: Best suited for users with very basic smartphone needs who prioritize a lower price point and don't need cutting-edge performance or features.
Motorola ThinkPhone: Ideal for:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with good low-light capabilities.
- Anyone who appreciates a premium display experience with smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.
- Users who value durability and want a phone that can withstand daily wear and tear.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you're a heavy user or gamer, the ThinkPhone is the clear winner.
- How much do you value display quality? The ThinkPhone's P-OLED screen is significantly better.
- What is your budget? The Huawei nova 8i might be a more budget-friendly option, but you'll sacrifice performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget, the Huawei nova 8i might be an option, but its performance is significantly lower than the Motorola ThinkPhone. I would honestly advise you to buy a refurbished ThinkPhone than a nova 8i.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Motorola ThinkPhone has higher video resolution, resulting in higher quality photos and videos.
- Power User: The Motorola ThinkPhone is the obvious choice for demanding tasks.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would without a doubt choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. The difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is just too significant to ignore. While the Huawei nova 8i might be cheaper, the ThinkPhone offers a much better overall experience and will likely last you longer due to its more powerful processor and newer software. The P-OLED display and 144hz refresh rate alone are worth the upgrade.
