Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Nokia X30. I'll break down the key differences, highlight what they mean for you in everyday use, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, emphasizing what they mean in practice:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Nokia X30 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | The Nokia X30 is slightly more compact, which could be better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 190g | 185g | Negligible weight difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | The Nova 8i offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Similar sharpness; both are Full HD+ and will look great. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Nokia X30 will feel smoother in everyday use, especially when scrolling through feeds or playing games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This seems incorrect, as both phones would be unusable. Assuming typical brightness levels, both should be adequate for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 695 5G | The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Nokia X30 offers significantly better performance and 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 410,072 | The Nokia X30 will feel much faster, handle multitasking better, and run games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Nokia X30 provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Nokia X30's larger pixel size (1.00 µm) may result in better low-light performance despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.4 | The Huawei nova 8i wider aperture (f/2 vs f/2.4) may result in slightly better low-light selfie performance |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.4 | Nokia X30 higher resolution gives more detailed wide angle shots |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Huawei nova 8i allows to capture Portrait mode using depth camera, which Nokia X30 lacks |
| Macro lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Huawei nova 8i allows to capture Macro lens camera, which Nokia X30 lacks |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Nokia X30 has better stablization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4200mAh | Similar battery life; expect a full day of moderate use from both. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Huawei nova 8i charges much faster, getting you back up and running in less time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12/13 | The Nokia X30 offers a more up-to-date Android experience and should receive future updates, enhancing longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 on the Nokia X30 offers faster speeds and better efficiency on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Minor Bluetooth improvement; both offer good wireless connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nokia X30 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Nokia X30 offers a 256GB option for users who need more storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6/8 GB | The 8GB RAM option on the Nokia X30 provides smoother multitasking, especially with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on either phone, so choose storage wisely. |
| Audio | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Huawei nova 8i provides an immersive audio experience |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Huawei nova 8i features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Nokia X30 uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Compass | No Compass | Huawei nova 8i has Compass for navigation purpose |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is significantly faster than the Nokia X30's 33W.
- Immersive Audio: It has Stereo Speakers and 2 microphones for a better audio experience.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 662.
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- More Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and promises future updates.
- 5G Connectivity: Ready for the next generation of mobile networks.
- Wide Angle lens Resolution: Gives more detailed wide angle shots
- Screen Protection: Better screen protection thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Trade-offs:
- Charging Speed vs. Overall Performance: The Huawei nova 8i prioritizes fast charging and a immersive audio experience, but sacrifices overall performance and screen quality.
- Camera Complexity vs. Image Quality: The Huawei has more camera sensors but Nokia produces better Images.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i: Best for users who prioritize fast charging and a immersive audio experience and are on a tight budget. This phone is suitable for casual social media users who are okay with more basic performance.
- Nokia X30: Ideal for users who value performance, display quality, and future-proof features like 5G and software updates. It suits users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming, and want a phone that will stay relevant for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- How important is performance and future-proofing? If you play a lot of mobile games or want a phone that will last for several years, the Nokia X30 is the better choice.
- How crucial is fast charging? If you need to top up your phone quickly, the Huawei nova 8i is the winner.
- How much are you willing to spend? If budget is a primary concern, the Huawei nova 8i might be more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want the best possible gaming experience on a budget": Nokia X30
- "I need a phone that charges super fast and will last for at least 5 years": Nokia X30
- "I mostly browse social media and need to text, with fast charging as a plus": Huawei nova 8i
- "I need a phone that provides an immersive audio experience": Huawei nova 8i
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Nokia X30. While the faster charging of the Huawei nova 8i is tempting, the overall package of the Nokia X30 is more compelling. The Snapdragon 695 5G provides a much smoother user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking. The AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade for enjoying videos and everyday use. Plus, the promise of future software updates ensures the phone will remain secure and up-to-date for longer. For me, the superior performance, display, and software longevity outweigh the faster charging.
