Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy M35. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world performance, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a look at how these two phones stack up, along with what those numbers actually mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm, 222g | M35 is slightly larger and heavier. Nova 8i is more pocket-friendly and easier to handle. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer ample viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2340 | Both are Full HD+, providing sharp images for typical use. |
| Panel | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M35's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | M35's Exynos chipset is significantly faster, handling demanding apps and games more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 578,500 | M35 delivers a noticeably snappier experience in everyday tasks and resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 offers better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster video processing. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB/8GB | M35 with 8GB RAM offers better multitasking capabilities. |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 with 256GB is better if you store a lot of photos, videos, or apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack microSD card slots, so onboard storage is crucial. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8, Sony LYT-600 | M35's wider aperture and potentially better sensor (Sony LYT-600) may capture better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | Nova 8i has slightly higher resolution, but overall quality will depend on sensor and software. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 480fps slow motion | M35 offers superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and stabilization. |
| Additional Lenses | 8MP Wide, 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | 8MP Wide, 2MP Macro | Nova 8i has dedicated depth sensor. M35 has OIS for its main camera for stable pictures and videos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has significantly longer battery life, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, reaching full capacity in less time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | M35 runs on a much newer version of Android, with more features, security updates, and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | M35 offers better power efficiency and range. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Sleek Design: Lighter and more compact, making it comfortable to hold and carry.
- Fast Charging: The 66W charging is incredibly quick, perfect for those needing a rapid power-up.
Huawei nova 8i Limitations:
- Older Software: Android 10 is outdated, missing many recent features and security updates.
- Weaker Performance: Snapdragon 662 is significantly less powerful than the Exynos 1380.
- Inferior Display: LCD screen has much lower color quality compared to the AMOLED of the Samsung Galaxy M35
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Vibrant Display: The AMOLED screen offers superior image quality and viewing experience.
- Excellent Performance: The Exynos 1380 handles demanding tasks with ease.
- Long Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery provides all-day endurance.
- Modern Software: Android 14 ensures you're up-to-date with the latest features and security.
- Camera Performance: The main camera will be taking better pictures than the Huawei Nova 8i.
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus makes the screen more resistant to scratches and damage
Samsung Galaxy M35 Limitations:
- Bulkier Design: Slightly heavier and thicker, which might not be ideal for everyone.
- Slower Charging: 25W charging is decent but not as fast as the nova 8i.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal For: Users prioritizing design and quick charging.
- Use Cases: Casual users who primarily browse the web, check social media, and make calls.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal For: Users who value performance, display quality, battery life, and modern software.
- Use Cases: Gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, and those needing a reliable phone for daily productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps?
- If it's crucial, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
Battery Life: Do you need a phone that can easily last a full day or more?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better choice due to its larger battery.
Display Quality: Do you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an immersive viewing experience?
- If so, the AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy M35 is a significant advantage.
Alex's Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy M35. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech journalist, I constantly use my phone for research, communication, and content creation. The Exynos 1380 offers a significantly smoother and more responsive experience compared to the Snapdragon 662.
- Display Quality is Key: I spend a lot of time looking at my phone's screen, whether it's for reading articles, watching videos, or editing photos. The AMOLED display on the M35 would provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience with its vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Future-Proofing: With Android 14, the M35 is more future-proof, ensuring I receive the latest features and security updates for years to come.
- Battery Life is Essential: A larger battery means fewer interruptions during my busy day.
While the faster charging on the Nova 8i is appealing, the overall package offered by the Samsung Galaxy M35 is simply more compelling.
