Alright, let's break down the Huawei nova 8i versus the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, not just by specs, but by how they'll actually feel in your hand and in your day-to-day. I'm thinking of this as a conversation with a friend who's trying to figure out which phone to buy – no jargon overload, just the real deal.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specs, but with a twist: I'm adding a "Real-World Implications" column so you know why each number matters.
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly wider, which might be noticeable in smaller hands. Both are similarly sized overall. |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Both feel the same in your pocket or hand – neither is particularly heavy or light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen size. You won't notice a difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2412 | Both screens are sharp enough for everyday use; no visible pixelation. |
| PPI | 391 | 395 | Pixel density is nearly identical; sharpness is comparable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Big difference: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It's the kind of screen that pops, especially for videos and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Another big difference: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's screen will feel smoother and more responsive, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will be much easier to see outdoors in sunlight. Huge win if you spend a lot of time outside. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Dimensity 7350 Pro | Major difference: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will feel much faster and snappier. Expect smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 805,721 | The numbers back it up: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly more powerful. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G610 MC4 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will handle graphics-intensive tasks (like gaming) much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.88 | More megapixels don't always mean better pictures. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's wider aperture lets in more light, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/2.2 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will capture much more detailed selfies. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | The Huawei has a dedicated ultrawide lens, whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus combines ultrawide and macro into a single lens. |
| Depth/Macro Lenses | 2MP f/2.4 each | None | The Huawei nova 8i has dedicated lenses, but in reality, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's software processing might produce better results overall. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus captures much higher-quality video. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, DIS | Dual Camera, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, 4k video | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has OIS (optical image stabilization) for smoother videos and better low-light shots, and a more modern feature set. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W | 50W | The Huawei nova 8i charges faster, but the difference may not be huge in real-world use. |
| Charger | Included | Not Included | Factor in the cost of a charger if you don't have one already for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Huge difference: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus gets you the latest features, security updates, and a longer software support lifespan. The Huawei is stuck on an old OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will have faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, especially on newer routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a slightly newer version for better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS,... | GPS, GLONASS,... | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus gives you double the storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will handle more apps running in the background and less likely to lag. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may offer slightly better audio fidelity. |
| Microphones | 2 | 3 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus potentially offers better audio recording quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Likely a negligible difference in everyday speed and reliability. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a tougher screen, less prone to scratches and cracks. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths: Its main selling points are its faster charging and potentially slightly more versatile camera setup (due to the dedicated depth and macro lenses, though results may vary). It also includes a charger in the box.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Strengths: It wins big on almost every other front: a superior display (AMOLED, 120Hz, much brighter), significantly faster performance, a better main camera and selfie camera, longer battery life, a much more up-to-date operating system, faster Wi-Fi, and more storage.
Trade-offs: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus doesn't include a charger, and its design might be polarizing (though many find it cool and unique).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i: This phone might be a decent option for someone on a very tight budget who prioritizes fast charging above all else, and doesn't mind using an older Android version. It could be a good option for older folks who don't want the latest phone.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: This is the clear winner for most users. It's for anyone who values a smooth, responsive experience, a vibrant display, good cameras, long battery life, and a modern software experience. Gamers, photographers, and power users will all appreciate it.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much does performance matter to me? If you just need a phone for basic calls and texts, the Huawei might suffice. But if you want to run demanding apps, play games, or multitask smoothly, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is essential.
- How important is the display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or spend time outdoors, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's AMOLED screen and high brightness are game-changers.
- How much do I care about having the latest software? The Huawei's outdated Android version means you'll miss out on new features, security updates, and potentially app compatibility down the road.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Budget is extremely tight: Huawei nova 8i
- You want the best possible all-around experience: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- You prioritize a smooth display and modern software: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- You need a phone that can handle demanding games: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
My Choice and Why
If I were buying, I'd choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus without hesitation. The performance difference is massive, the display is so much better, and the outdated software on the Huawei is a deal-breaker. While the Huawei's faster charging is nice, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's longer battery life means I wouldn't need to charge as often anyway. The additional cost of buying a charger is a small price to pay for everything else you're getting. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is just a much more modern and capable device that will provide a significantly better user experience for years to come.
