Huawei nova 8i vs Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 22, 2021 September 1, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.01 cm³ 100.87 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.51 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 190 g 189 g
Height 161.9 mm 159.9 mm
Width 74.7 mm 75.1 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Starry Black
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Interstellar Blue
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Purple
  • Awesome Mint

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2376 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.4 % 84.9 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 405 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.65 mAh/in² 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.34 mAh/cm³ 44.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 642L

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. I'll break down the specs, highlight key insights, and give you a practical guide to help decide which phone might be right for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, focusing on how the specifications translate into real-world user experiences:

FeatureHuawei nova 8iSamsung Galaxy A52s 5GReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 189gSimilar size and weight; A52s 5G is slightly more compact. Minor differences in hand feel and pocketability.
Build QualityUnknown screen protectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5A52s 5G provides better durability against scratches and accidental drops.
Display
Size6.67"6.5"Nova 8i offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDA52s 5G offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and power efficiency, especially with dark mode.
Resolution1080x2376 (391 PPI)1080x2400 (405 PPI)Both are sharp, but A52s 5G has slightly higher pixel density.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzA52s 5G provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
Brightness0 nits800 nitsA52s 5G has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)A52s 5G offers significantly faster processing, better multitasking, and smoother graphics for gaming and demanding apps.
AnTuTu Score201,000570,752A52s 5G has a much higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance in real-world usage.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 642LA52s 5G has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance, especially in gaming.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.964MP, f/1.8, OISA52s 5G has OIS for stable photos and videos, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.032MP, f/2.0A52s 5G captures more detailed and higher-quality selfies.
Ultra-Wide Camera8MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.2A52s 5G captures wider and more detailed ultra-wide shots.
Depth/Macro Lens2MP/2MP5MP/5MPA52s 5G offers better detail in macro and portrait shots.
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps with EISA52s 5G supports higher resolution video recording with EIS for stabilization.
FeaturesDigital Image StabilizationOptical Image Stabilization (OIS)OIS on A52s 5G delivers smoother video and sharper images, especially in low light.
Battery Life
Capacity4300mAh4500mAhSimilar battery life, though A52s 5G may last slightly longer due to more efficient components.
Charging66W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingNova 8i charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradeable to 14A52s 5G offers a newer Android version with more features, security updates, and a longer software support lifespan.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6A52s 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Standard Bluetooth connectivity on both.
Storage
Internal128GB128GB or 256GBA52s 5G offers the option for more internal storage for apps, photos, and videos.
ExpandableNoNoNo option to expand storage on either device.
AudioStereo SpeakersDolby AtmosNova 8i offers stereo speakers for immersive audio, while A52s 5G offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio quality.
SecuritySide-mounted fingerprint sensorStandard fingerprint sensorBoth have fingerprint sensors, but the side-mounted one on Nova 8i might be more convenient for some users.
SensorsProximity, GravityHall, GeomagneticBoth provide a range of sensors for various functionalities.

2. Key Insights

Huawei nova 8i:

  • Strengths:

    • Fast Charging: The 66W charging is a standout feature, allowing for quick power-ups.
    • Larger Display: The 6.67" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
    • Stereo Speakers: Good for media consumption without headphones.
  • Limitations:

    • Older Chipset: Snapdragon 662 is significantly less powerful.
    • IPS LCD: The display lacks the vibrancy and contrast of AMOLED.
    • Older Android Version: Ships with Android 10, limiting future updates.

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:

  • Strengths:

    • Performance: Snapdragon 778G 5G offers excellent performance for gaming and multitasking.
    • Display: AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a superior visual experience.
    • Camera: OIS, higher-resolution selfie, and better video recording capabilities.
    • Software Support: Ships with Android 11 and will receive updates up to Android 14.
  • Limitations:

    • Slower Charging: 25W charging is slower compared to the Nova 8i.
    • No Expandable Storage: Limited to the internal storage option you choose.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Huawei nova 8i:

    • Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes fast charging and media consumption on a larger screen and is less concerned about top-tier performance or the latest software features. Good for casual users and those on a tight budget.
    • Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, and basic productivity tasks.
  • Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:

    • Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, and users who value a high-quality display, strong performance, and up-to-date software.
    • Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography, video recording, and using demanding apps.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling, the A52s 5G's AMOLED 120Hz display is a clear winner.
  2. Do you prioritize performance or fast charging? The A52s 5G offers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking, while the Nova 8i charges much faster.
  3. How long do you plan to keep the phone? The A52s 5G offers more extended software support, making it a better long-term investment.

Final Recommendation

If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. While the Huawei nova 8i has its merits, the A52s 5G offers a more well-rounded package with its superior performance, display, camera capabilities, and software support. The faster Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, combined with the vibrant AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate, makes it a much more enjoyable device to use daily. Although the 25W charging is slower than the Nova 8i's 66W, the overall user experience is significantly better.

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.