Huawei nova 8i vs Samsung Galaxy A03s - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 22, 2021 August 18, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.01 cm³ 113.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.51 "/g 3.32 "/g
Weight 190 g 196 g
Height 161.9 mm 164.2 mm
Width 74.7 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Starry Black
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Interstellar Blue
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2376 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.4 % 81.8 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.65 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.34 mAh/cm³ 44.09 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 610 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy A03s. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and figure out which phone might be a better fit for you. I'll focus on translating the technical jargon into real-world benefits, so you know exactly what you're getting.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:

FeatureHuawei nova 8iSamsung Galaxy A03sReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mmNova 8i is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand.
Weight190g196gNova 8i is marginally lighter, making it a bit easier to hold for extended periods.
Display
Size6.67"6.5"Nova 8i provides a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing.
Resolution1080x2376720x1600Nova 8i offers a significantly sharper and clearer display for better visuals.
PPI391270Text and images appear much crisper on the Nova 8i.
TechnologyIPS LCDPLS LCDNova 8i's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer standard smoothness; neither stands out.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 662Helio P35Nova 8i handles tasks, apps, and games significantly faster and smoother.
AnTuTu Score201,000117,049Reflects a considerable performance advantage for Nova 8i in daily usage.
GPUAdreno 610PowerVR GE8320Nova 8i provides better graphics performance for gaming and video playback.
RAM6 GB3 GB / 4 GBNova 8i handles multitasking more efficiently, reducing lag when switching between apps.
Storage128 GB32 GB / 64 GBNova 8i offers significantly more space for apps, photos, videos, and files.
Expandable StorageNoNoLack of expandable storage might be a limitation for users with large media libraries.
Camera
Main Camera64MP f/1.913MP f/2.2Nova 8i captures much more detailed and brighter photos, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera16MP f/2.05MP f/2.0Nova 8i produces higher-resolution and sharper selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP f/2.2N/ANova 8i allows you to capture wider scenes in a single shot.
Portrait Mode2MP f/2.4N/ANova 8i creates depth-of-field effects for professional-looking portraits.
Macro Lens2MP f/2.42MP f/2.3Both offer macro lenses for close-up shots, though the difference in aperture is negligible.
Battery Life
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhA03s will likely last longer on a single charge, especially during heavy usage.
Charging66W Fast ChargingStandardNova 8i charges from 0 to full much faster, saving you significant waiting time.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11nNova 8i supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections.
GPSGPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, GLONASSNova 8i offers more accurate positioning with additional satellite systems.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.0 LEBoth offer similar Bluetooth connectivity, although the Nova 8i supports additional audio codecs for higher quality audio.
Audio
FeaturesStereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation MicBasicNova 8i delivers superior audio experience with immersive sound and clearer calls.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11/12A03s has the advantage of running a newer version of Android, offering better compatibility.

2. Key Insights

Huawei nova 8i: Strengths and Advantages

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and 6GB of RAM make the Nova 8i significantly faster and smoother in everyday use compared to the Helio P35 and 3/4GB RAM options of the A03s.
  • Impressive Display: The higher resolution and pixel density of the Nova 8i's screen result in much sharper and more vibrant visuals.
  • Better Camera System: The 64MP main camera and additional lenses on the Nova 8i allow for more versatile and higher-quality photography.
  • Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to quickly top up the battery.
  • Enhanced Audio: The stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone provide a superior audio experience.

Samsung Galaxy A03s: Strengths and Advantages

  • Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers better endurance and longer usage time between charges.
  • Newer Android Version: Ships with a newer Android version, which will have better support and compatibility.

Trade-offs and Limitations

  • Huawei nova 8i: Smaller battery capacity, older Android version.
  • Samsung Galaxy A03s: Significantly weaker performance, lower-quality display, and less capable camera system.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Huawei nova 8i: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Best suited for those who enjoy gaming, streaming videos, and taking photos.
  • Samsung Galaxy A03s: Ideal for users who need a phone with long battery life and don't demand high performance. Suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games, the Nova 8i is the clear choice.
  2. Do you prioritize camera quality? The Nova 8i's camera system is significantly better than the A03s.
  3. How crucial is battery life? If you need a phone that can last all day on a single charge, the A03s might be a better option, but keep in mind the Nova 8i’s charging is much faster!

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and only need basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is a decent option.
  • Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei nova 8i's camera system offers much better image quality and versatility.
  • Mobile Gamer: The Huawei nova 8i provides a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd definitely go for the Huawei nova 8i. While the Samsung Galaxy A03s has a bigger battery and a newer version of Android, the performance difference is just too significant to ignore. The Nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 processor, combined with 6GB of RAM, will provide a much smoother and more responsive user experience, especially when multitasking or playing games. Plus, the higher resolution display and better camera system make it a more enjoyable device for consuming media and capturing photos.

I personally find fast charging to be a must-have feature and can't imagine downgrading to regular speed again; the long battery life on the A03s simply does not make up for the amount of time you would be tethered to an outlet. To me, these trade-offs are worth it to have a superior experience overall!

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.