Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Realme 12 Pro. As a tech journalist, I always aim to provide clear, practical insights, so you know exactly what you're getting with each device.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specifications for the Huawei nova 8i and Realme 12 Pro, along with real-world implications.
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Both are similar in size, though the Realme is slightly thicker. The difference is negligible in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Both phones feel substantial but not overly heavy. Comfortable for daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical viewing area. The small difference won't be noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp images, suitable for most users. |
| PPI | 391 | 394 | Pixel density is nearly identical, meaning similar clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making media consumption more enjoyable. IPS LCD is still decent but less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Significantly better outdoor visibility on the Realme 12 Pro, making it easier to use under direct sunlight. The Nova 8i will struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Realme 12 Pro has a much newer and more efficient chipset, offering faster performance, better power efficiency, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 574,000 | The Realme 12 Pro is significantly faster, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The Nova 8i might show some lag with heavier tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 710 in the Realme 12 Pro provides better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme 12 Pro offers longer battery life, allowing you to go through a full day of moderate to heavy usage without needing to recharge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both phones offer fast charging capabilities, but the Realme 12 Pro might have a slight edge due to its larger battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX882 | The Realme 12 Pro's sensor offers better low-light performance and dynamic range despite the lower megapixel count. The IMX882 is a solid performer. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Similar selfie performance, though the wider aperture on the Nova 8i might provide slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, Sony IMX709 | The Realme 12 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots, a significant advantage over the Nova 8i. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Both phones offer a wide-angle lens, though the Realme 12 Pro combines it with a macro lens, making it more versatile. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 (Depth) | None | Huawei nova 8i has a Portrait mode (depth) camera while Realme 12 Pro doesn't |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Huawei nova 8i has a Macro lens camera while Realme 12 Pro doesn't |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | The Realme 12 Pro can record in 4K, offering much higher video quality with electronic image stabilization. The Nova 8i is limited to 1080p. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | The Realme 12 Pro comes with a much newer version of Android, ensuring better features, security updates, and overall software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Realme 12 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Realme 12 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 256GB/512GB | The Realme 12 Pro offers significantly more internal storage, which is crucial as neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8GB/12GB | The Realme 12 Pro provides smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps, thanks to its higher RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i
- Strengths:
- Competitive price point.
- Decent camera setup for casual photography.
- Fast charging.
- Limitations:
- Older chipset leading to slower performance.
- IPS LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED.
- Outdated software.
- Limited video recording capabilities (1080p only).
Realme 12 Pro
- Strengths:
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
- Vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and 4K video recording.
- Longer battery life and fast charging.
- Modern software (Android 14).
- Limitations:
- Potentially higher price point.
- Lacks dedicated Macro and depth sensor
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal for: Users on a tight budget who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
- Use Cases: Suitable for older adults or first-time smartphone users who prioritize simplicity and affordability.
- Realme 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, social media creators, and gamers who want a smooth, responsive experience with a great display and versatile camera.
- Use Cases: Excellent for photography, videography, gaming, and general multitasking. Its vibrant display and fast performance make it a great all-around device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between these two phones, ask yourself these questions:
- What's your budget? The Huawei nova 8i is likely more affordable, but the Realme 12 Pro offers significantly more value for the extra cost.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- What are your camera needs? If you want versatile photography options, including zoom capabilities and 4K video, the Realme 12 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you're strictly on a budget and need a basic smartphone, the Huawei nova 8i will suffice.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: For better photos, videos, and a smoother overall experience, invest in the Realme 12 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The Realme 12 Pro's superior performance and 120Hz display make it ideal for gaming.
Which one would I choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Realme 12 Pro. Here’s why:
- Future-Proofing: The Realme 12 Pro has a much more modern chipset, display, and software, which means it will remain relevant and usable for a longer period. The Nova 8i, with its older specs, will likely feel outdated sooner.
- Overall User Experience: The 120Hz AMOLED display is a game-changer for everyday use, making scrolling, animations, and media consumption much more enjoyable.
- Camera Versatility: The addition of a telephoto lens and 4K video recording capabilities makes the Realme 12 Pro a more versatile tool for capturing memories and creating content.
- Performance Matters: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including editing documents, browsing the web, and playing games, the faster performance of the Realme 12 Pro is essential.
Yes, the Realme 12 Pro might cost more, but the value you get for the extra investment is well worth it. It's a more capable, more enjoyable, and longer-lasting device overall.
