Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Nothing Phone (1). As a tech journalist and phone analyst, I'll break down the specs and tell you what they really mean for you, the user.
Huawei nova 8i vs. Nothing Phone (1): A Detailed Comparison
Here's a deep dive into what each phone offers, focusing on practical implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm, 190g | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm, 193.5g | Nova 8i is slightly taller and thicker, but weight is nearly identical. Nothing Phone (1) might feel a bit wider. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Slightly more screen real estate on the Nova 8i for media consumption. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Major difference: OLED on Nothing Phone (1) offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp enough for daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Major difference: Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience on the Nothing Phone (1). |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Major difference: Nothing Phone (1) is significantly brighter and much more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Major difference: Nothing Phone (1) offers substantially faster performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 624,253 | A clear indicator of the performance gap. The Nothing Phone (1) will feel much snappier. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) has a significantly more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics in games and other demanding tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4500mAh | Minor difference. Expect similar battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Major difference: Huawei nova 8i charges much faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, No Charger in Box, Non-removable | Nothing Phone (1) offers added convenience with wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor and bigger pixels which could translate to better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor and bigger pixels which could translate to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 Exmor RS, 1.00µm | Selfie Quality would be the same in both the devices |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Major difference: Nothing Phone (1) can record higher quality video and offers electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| Features | Quadruple Camera | Dual Camera, OIS, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) focuses on quality over quantity with features like OIS for sharper images and Night Mode for low-light. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Major difference: Nothing Phone (1) offers a much newer Android version and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Slightly newer Bluetooth version on Nothing Phone (1) for better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) offers more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers a larger storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Both phones offers Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both provides Fingerprint Sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) offers better screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 66W charging is a standout feature, allowing for incredibly quick top-ups.
- Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.
Huawei nova 8i Limitations:
- Older Software: Running on Android 10 is a major drawback, limiting access to newer features and security updates.
- Weaker Performance: The Snapdragon 662 is significantly less powerful than the 778G+ 5G in the Nothing Phone (1).
- Inferior Display: The IPS LCD screen pales in comparison to the OLED display on the Nothing Phone (1).
Nothing Phone (1) Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G provides a much smoother and more responsive experience.
- Excellent Display: The OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is vibrant, smooth, and enjoyable to use.
- Better Software Support: Comes with Android 12 (upgradable to 15), ensuring longer software support and access to new features.
- Wireless Charging: Adds a level of convenience not found on the nova 8i.
- Better Camera: Good sensor with OIS, make it a much better deal.
Nothing Phone (1) Limitations:
- Slower Charging: While 33W is still fast, it's noticeably slower than the 66W charging on the nova 8i.
- No Charger in Box: This might be an inconvenience for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i: Best suited for users who prioritize fast charging and are on a very tight budget. It's a decent option for basic tasks and media consumption, but be prepared for an older software experience.
- Nothing Phone (1): Ideal for users who want a smooth, responsive smartphone experience with a great display, good cameras, and long-term software support. It's a well-rounded device that balances performance, features, and design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you play demanding games or multitask heavily, the Nothing Phone (1) is the clear winner.
- What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Huawei nova 8i might be your only option.
- How much do you value software updates and a modern Android experience? The Nothing Phone (1)'s newer software and guaranteed updates are a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: Choose the Huawei nova 8i if you absolutely can't spend more.
- Performance Seeker: Go with the Nothing Phone (1) for a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- Camera Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone (1) will provide better quality photos and videos with its superior sensor and features like OIS and Night Mode.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (1) without hesitation. While the faster charging on the Huawei nova 8i is tempting, the overall package offered by the Nothing Phone (1) is far superior. The combination of a smooth 120Hz OLED display, significantly better performance, a more modern Android experience, and a better camera system makes it a much more compelling device. The faster charging on the Huawei nova 8i is a single advantage in an otherwise one-sided comparison. In my book, that just doesn't cut it.
