Alright, let's break down the Huawei nova 8i versus the Nothing Phone (2). I’ll walk you through the specs and, more importantly, what they actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key differences:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Nova 8i: Slightly narrower, might feel a bit easier to hold for some. Phone (2): Marginally wider, similar thickness. |
| Weight | 190g | 201.2g | Nova 8i: Lighter, easier to carry around for extended periods. Phone (2): Slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness; you won't notice the difference. |
| PPI | 391 | 394 | Nearly identical pixel density; both screens look crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Phone (2): OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Nova 8i's IPS LCD. Movies, games, and photos will look significantly more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Phone (2): Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. A noticeable upgrade over the Nova 8i's 60Hz display. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Phone (2): Significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Nova 8i's brightness limitation will be frustrating under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Phone (2): Dramatically faster performance. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run much better. The Nova 8i will feel sluggish in comparison. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 1,135,786 | Phone (2): Shows just how much more powerful the Nothing Phone (2) is |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Phone (2): Superior graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890, 1.00 µm | Phone (2): Larger sensor size and pixel size generally translate to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80 µm | Phone (2): Higher resolution and a modern sensor should result in more detailed and better-looking selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | Phone (2): Better wide angle with a better sensor |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | N/A | Nova 8i: Dedicated depth sensor might offer slightly better bokeh effects, but software processing on the Phone (2) likely compensates. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | N/A | Nova 8i: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, but image quality is often limited by the low resolution. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Phone (2): Significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution, optical and electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera | Dual Camera, OIS, Night Mode | Phone (2): Optical image stabilization is a big plus for sharper photos and smoother videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4700mAh | Phone (2): Slightly larger battery capacity, likely resulting in moderately longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wireless | Nova 8i: Faster wired charging. Phone (2): Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Phone (2): Newer Android version with the latest features, security updates, and a longer lifespan for software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Phone (2): Faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity, especially on modern routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Phone (2): More efficient and secure Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Phone (2): More comprehensive GPS support for better location accuracy, especially in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Phone (2): Offers more storage options, crucial if you plan to store lots of photos, videos, or games. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8/12 GB | Phone (2): More RAM translates to smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
2. Key Insights
Nothing Phone (2) Strengths:
- Superior Display: OLED with 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for visual experience.
- Blazing Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers top-tier performance, handling anything you throw at it.
- Better Cameras: Modern sensors and features like OIS enhance photo and video quality.
- Up-to-Date Software: Android 13 ensures you get the latest features and security.
- Added Conveniences: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better connectivity.
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Wired Charging: 66W charging is impressively quick.
- Potentially Lower Price: Could be significantly cheaper, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Outdated chipset and software limit its long-term usability.
- The display is inferior in color accuracy, brightness, and smoothness.
- Cameras are decent but lack advanced features like OIS and 4K video.
- Nothing Phone (2):
- Heavier than the Huawei nova 8i.
- Wired charging isn't as fast as the Huawei.
- Huawei nova 8i:
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal for: Users on a tight budget who primarily need basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media.
- Use Cases: Suitable as a secondary phone or for users who don't prioritize performance, display quality, or advanced camera features.
Nothing Phone (2):
- Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and anyone who values performance, a great display, and advanced features.
- Use Cases: Perfect for gaming, photography, video recording, streaming, and heavy multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you want smooth, lag-free performance for gaming and demanding apps, the Nothing Phone (2) is the clear choice.
- How much do you value display quality? The OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate on the Nothing Phone (2) provides a much better viewing experience.
- What's your budget? If cost is the primary concern, and you're willing to compromise on other features, the Huawei nova 8i might suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: "I just need a phone for basic tasks, and I don't want to spend much." - Huawei nova 8i
- Performance Seeker: "I want a phone that can handle any game or app I throw at it without lag." - Nothing Phone (2)
- Camera Enthusiast: "I want a phone with great cameras for photos and videos in various lighting conditions." - Nothing Phone (2)
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Nothing Phone (2). Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance, display quality, and advanced features. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset in the Nothing Phone (2) ensures a smooth, responsive experience, whether I'm testing new apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking. The OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a joy to use, making everything from browsing the web to watching videos more enjoyable.
While the Huawei nova 8i has its merits, especially in terms of fast charging and potentially lower price, its older chipset and outdated software would be a significant limitation. The Nothing Phone (2)'s superior display, better cameras, and modern features make it a much more compelling choice, even if it costs more. It's a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience that will last for years to come.
