Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. As a tech journalist, I'll break down the specs, highlight what matters most to users, and give you a clear picture of which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, focusing on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm, 181g | A73 5G is taller/wider, nova 8i is thicker. A73 5G is slightly lighter (9g difference). |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G offers better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Panel | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A73 5G provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G offers much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical, but actual nits is missing from data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 778G 5G | A73 5G provides significantly faster performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 575,551 | A73 5G is considerably more powerful, ideal for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G provides better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting; wider aperture helps too. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G captures slightly higher resolution ultrawide shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G captures sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | A73 5G records much higher quality video, suitable for content creation. |
| Image Stabilization | Digital | Optical (OIS) | A73 5G offers superior stabilization for smoother videos and sharper low-light photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G provides longer battery life, especially with its efficient AMOLED display. |
| Charging | 66W | 25W | nova 8i charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | A73 5G offers a more modern Android experience with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A73 5G offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, but A73 5G supports more profiles. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256GB | A73 5G offers a larger storage option for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Stereo, Noise Cancellation | Stereo, Dolby Atmos | nova 8i has better noise cancellation; A73 5G offers more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Huawei nova 8i features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i:
- Strengths: Super-fast 66W charging, potentially better noise cancellation during calls, convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: The nova 8i stands out for its rapid charging capabilities. If you're someone who frequently needs to top up your battery quickly, this is a major plus.
- Trade-offs: Older Android version, significantly weaker performance, inferior display technology.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Strengths: Excellent performance, vibrant AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, versatile camera system, longer battery life, and modern software.
- Competitive Advantages: The A73 5G offers a superior overall experience thanks to its powerful processor, stunning display, and advanced camera features.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging compared to the nova 8i.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal For: Users on a tight budget who prioritize fast charging above all else. Also suitable for those who don't need top-tier performance or cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, and anyone who wants a smooth, responsive, and feature-rich smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography, videography, streaming, multitasking, and productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding games and applications without breaking a sweat, the Galaxy A73 5G is the clear winner.
- Do you value display quality? The A73 5G's AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience compared to the nova 8i's IPS LCD.
- How critical is fast charging? If you absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds, the nova 8i's 66W charging is a standout feature.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: The Huawei nova 8i offers decent value for the price if your needs are basic and fast charging is a must-have.
- Performance Seeker: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the superior choice for anyone who wants a fast, smooth, and responsive smartphone experience.
- Camera Enthusiast: The Galaxy A73 5G's higher resolution sensors, OIS, and 4K video recording make it the better option for photography and videography.
- Software Fanatic: The Galaxy A73 5G ships with a newer operating system.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
After thoroughly analyzing both phones, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G emerges as the better choice for most users. While the Huawei nova 8i has its merits—particularly its blazing-fast charging—the A73 5G offers a more balanced and compelling package.
Which one would I choose and why?
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks—from browsing and social media to gaming and photo editing—I need a device that can keep up with my demands. The Snapdragon 778G 5G in the A73 5G provides a much smoother and more responsive experience than the Snapdragon 662 in the nova 8i.
- Display: I spend a lot of time watching videos and browsing photos on my phone, so the quality of the display is important to me. The A73 5G's AMOLED screen is significantly more vibrant and enjoyable to use than the nova 8i's IPS LCD. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth.
- Camera: I enjoy taking photos and videos, and the A73 5G's camera system is simply more versatile and capable than the nova 8i's. The higher resolution sensors, OIS, and 4K video recording make it a great tool for capturing memories.
While the nova 8i's fast charging is tempting, it's not enough to outweigh the A73 5G's other advantages. The Galaxy A73 5G offers a more complete and compelling smartphone experience, making it the better investment in the long run.
