Alright, let's dive into the Huawei nova 8i versus the Realme 11 Pro+. As a tech journalist, I'm always keen to see how specs translate to real-world performance, and that's exactly what we'll be focusing on here.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, designed to give you a clear understanding of the key differences and what they mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Marginally smaller and thinner so Realme 11 Pro+ might be slightly more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 190g | 183g | The Realme 11 Pro+ is negligibly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness, hard to notice a difference. |
| PPI | 391 | 394 | Virtually the same pixel density, so negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency, particularly with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz makes scrolling and animations much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme 11 Pro+ will be significantly easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Dimensity 7050 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 540,800 | Shows a significant performance gap. The Realme 11 Pro+ handles demanding tasks much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Realme 11 Pro+ offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 200MP f/1.69 | Realme 11 Pro+ has higher resolution, which can mean more detail in photos, and a slightly wider aperture, which means a bit better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.45 | Realme 11 Pro+ produces higher-resolution selfies, while the Huawei has a slightly brighter aperture, offering better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated portrait mode (depth) camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.3 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Realme 11 Pro+ can record in higher resolution, providing better video quality and EIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro+ will likely offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W | 100W | Realme 11 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradeable to 15) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a much more recent Android version, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers much more storage space. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 11 Pro+ has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 11 Pro+ Dominance: The Realme 11 Pro+ generally outclasses the Huawei nova 8i in most areas, especially performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and software.
Display Matters: The move from IPS LCD to AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. The Realme 11 Pro+ display is vibrant, smooth, and much better for outdoor viewing.
Performance Boost: The Dimensity 7050 chipset in the Realme 11 Pro+ provides a significant leap in performance, making it suitable for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks. The Huawei nova 8i, with its Snapdragon 662, will feel noticeably slower.
Camera Advantage: With its 200MP main camera, the Realme 11 Pro+ takes much more detailed photos and offers better video recording capabilities.
Software Support: The Realme 11 Pro+ runs on a newer version of Android and offers guaranteed updates, providing a longer software lifecycle.
Huawei's Niche: The Huawei does feature a depth sensor to make portrait images.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i: This phone might suit users who prioritize a lower price point and basic smartphone functionality. It's adequate for simple tasks like browsing, social media, and calls, but not ideal for power users or gamers.
Realme 11 Pro+: Ideal for users who want a well-rounded smartphone experience. Gamers, photographers, and anyone who values a smooth, responsive device will appreciate the Realme 11 Pro+'s capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear choice.
- How much do you value display quality? The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate on the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a far superior viewing experience.
- How much storage do you need? If you store lots of photos, videos, and files, the Realme 11 Pro+ offers significantly more storage options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If you are extremely budget-conscious, and only need basic functionality, the Huawei nova 8i might be adequate.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice for those who love streaming videos, playing games, and taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Long-Term User: The Realme 11 Pro+, with its newer software and likely longer support, is a better long-term investment.
Which Would I Choose?
If I were making the decision, I'd choose the Realme 11 Pro+, without hesitation. The superior performance, display, camera, and software experience make it a much better overall value. While the Huawei nova 8i might be cheaper, the compromises in performance and features are too significant for me. I value a smooth, responsive device with a great camera, and the Realme 11 Pro+ delivers on all fronts.
