Alright, let's dive into a comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. I'll break down the specs, highlight key insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specs:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm, 196g | Nova 8i is taller and thicker but lighter. S23+ is wider and thinner, potentially feeling more premium and pocketable. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. Lack of information on the Nova 8i is a major concern. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23+ has a vastly superior display: deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode enabled. IPS LCD on the Nova 8i will look comparatively washed out. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 (391 PPI) | 1080x2340 (393 PPI) | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers much smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable improvement in daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is dramatically brighter, providing excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Lack of nit value for the Nova 8i means it likely has poor outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | S23+ is in a completely different performance league. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Snapdragon 662 is an older, budget-level chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 1,508,732 | A massive performance difference. The S23+ will handle demanding tasks with ease, while the Nova 8i may struggle. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 | S23+ has a much more powerful GPU, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | S23+ has more RAM for better multitasking and smoother operation. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Samsung GN5 | S23+ benefits from a larger sensor and bigger pixels, leading to better low-light performance. While the Nova 8i has a higher megapixel count, sensor size is usually more important for image quality. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40µm pixel size, Sony IMX564 | The S23+ captures higher-resolution ultrawide shots with a larger sensor, resulting in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Samsung S5K3K1 | S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed-in shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, pixel size, Samsung S5K3LU | Image quality will depend on sensor quality and software processing, which is generally superior on the S23+. The wider aperture on the Nova 8i should result in better low-light performance in theory. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps, EIS | S23+ offers vastly superior video capabilities: higher resolution, better frame rates, and electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. It's not even close. |
| Additional Lenses | 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | None | Nova 8i includes dedicated macro and depth sensors. However, the image quality from these dedicated 2MP sensors is typically quite poor and these features are often more gimmicky than useful. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4700mAh | S23+ has a slightly larger battery. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 45W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Nova 8i charges faster, potentially a significant convenience. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 10W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | S23+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience and versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | S23+ has a much newer OS and will receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring better security and access to the latest features. The Nova 8i is stuck on an outdated version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S23+ supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S23+ has a newer Bluetooth version, offering improved efficiency and range. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | S23+ offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | S23+ offers significantly more storage space, crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose a model with sufficient internal storage for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ features Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, promising a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more enjoyable visual experience than the Nova 8i's LCD.
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: The S23+ features a versatile camera system with excellent image quality, 8K video recording, and features like optical zoom and image stabilization.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, eSIM support, and a newer operating system enhance convenience and future-proofing.
- Better Build Quality: The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the S23+ offers substantially greater protection from drops and scratches.
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is noticeably faster than the S23+'s 45W.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: While image quality is unlikely to be amazing from it, it does at least offer more versatility in terms of shooting.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The S23+ is a premium phone and will cost significantly more than the Nova 8i.
- Software Support: The Nova 8i runs on an older version of Android and is unlikely to receive further updates, posing security and feature limitations.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S23+ is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Gamers and power users who need a phone that can handle demanding applications.
- Those who value a modern software experience and long-term software support.
- Anyone who needs a reliable phone with robust build quality.
Huawei nova 8i is suitable for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a decent phone for basic tasks.
- Those who prioritize fast charging over other features.
- People who don't mind running an older version of Android.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much are you willing to spend? The price difference is significant. If budget is a primary concern, the Nova 8i might be your only option.
- What do you use your phone for the most? If you primarily browse social media and make calls, the Nova 8i might suffice. If you game, take lots of photos, or use demanding apps, the S23+ is a better investment.
- How important is long-term software support? If you want a phone that will receive updates and security patches for years to come, the S23+ is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i
- Reasoning: It meets basic needs and offers fast charging at a lower price.
Scenario 2: Performance Seeker
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Reasoning: The powerful chipset, excellent display, and advanced features provide a superior user experience.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Reasoning: The versatile camera system with optical zoom, 8K video recording, and superior image processing capabilities is ideal for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the Samsung Galaxy S23+. The differences in display technology, performance, camera capabilities, and software support are just too significant to ignore. While the Nova 8i's faster charging is appealing, it simply doesn't outweigh the S23+'s overall superiority.
As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can keep up with my demands, whether it's running demanding apps, taking high-quality photos, or providing a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The S23+ ticks all those boxes and more. Plus, the improved build quality will give me peace of mind knowing my phone is better protected from accidental bumps and drops. I'd happily pay more for a vastly superior user experience.
