Alright, let's break down the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy S24. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're figuring out which phone fits your life better.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, what they mean, and how they impact your day-to-day:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | Nova 8i is noticeably larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use. S24 is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 190g | 167g | The S24 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods and less tiring in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.2" | Nova 8i offers more screen real estate, great for media consumption. S24's smaller size is more manageable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2340 | Practically identical sharpness. You likely won't notice a difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 391 | 416 | S24 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, though the difference may be subtle. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Nova 8i offers good color accuracy but may not be as vibrant or energy-efficient as an OLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24's 120Hz display delivers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. It’s a significant visual upgrade. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24's screen will be dramatically more visible outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24's chipset is vastly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 1,639,695 | Huge difference in performance. The S24 will handle demanding tasks with ease, while the Nova 8i might struggle. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | S24's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3, 1.00 µm pixel size | S24's larger sensor and wider aperture should result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1, 1.00 µm pixel size | S24 offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX564, 1.40 µm pixel size | S24's wide-angle lens should capture more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | Nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor which can improve the accuracy of background blur in portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | Nova 8i has a dedicated macro lens, which can improve the ability to take close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | S24 offers significantly better video quality, with higher resolutions, frame rates, and stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4000mAh | Nova 8i has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more screen-on time. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, getting you back up and running in less time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | S24 offers Bypass Charging (powering the phone directly when gaming) and Reverse Charging (charging other devices). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | S24 has a much newer OS, providing the latest features, security updates, and overall improved user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better efficiency and connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24 supports eSIM, allowing for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | S24 offers more storage options, crucial if you store a lot of photos, videos, or apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8/12GB | S24's extra RAM ensures smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | S24 offers only a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 screen is more durable, resisting scratches and cracks better. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei nova 8i: Strengths
- Larger screen for media consumption.
- Faster charging, getting you back up and running quickly.
- Dedicated Portrait mode(depth) and Macro lens
- Huawei nova 8i: Competitive Advantages
- Potentially better battery life due to a slightly larger battery.
Huawei nova 8i: Trade-offs
- Significantly weaker processor and GPU, impacting overall performance.
- Older Android version with fewer features and security updates.
- Lower-quality display with a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Inferior camera system.
- Larger and heavier design.
Samsung Galaxy S24: Strengths
- Incredibly powerful processor and GPU for top-tier performance.
- Modern, vibrant 120Hz display with excellent brightness.
- Versatile and high-quality camera system with telephoto lens.
- Newer Android version with long-term software support.
- More compact and lightweight design.
- Reverse wireless charging and Bypass Charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Competitive Advantages
- Cutting-edge technology and features.
- Higher storage options.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Trade-offs
- Smaller display.
- Slower charging speed compared to the Nova 8i.
- No dedicated Portrait mode(depth) and Macro lens
- Only basic fingerprint sensor
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Someone on a very tight budget who primarily needs a phone for basic communication, web browsing, and light social media use.
- Use Cases: A secondary device, a starter phone for someone new to smartphones, or for users who prioritize a large screen and fast charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photographers, or anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience with the best possible performance and features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography and videography, content creation, multitasking, and enjoying the latest software features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much does performance matter to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games, the S24 is the clear choice.
- What is your budget? The Nova 8i is significantly cheaper, making it a budget-friendly option. However, the S24 offers far superior value for the money if you can afford it.
- Do you prioritize a larger screen or a more compact design? If you prefer a bigger display, the Nova 8i might be appealing. But if you value portability, the S24 is the better option.
Scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24. The powerful chipset, high refresh rate display, and ample RAM will provide a much smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i. If your budget is extremely limited and you only need basic functionality, the Nova 8i can suffice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24. The versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, excellent low-light performance, and 8K video recording capabilities make it ideal for photography.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24. Here's why:
Even though the Huawei nova 8i has its merits – like faster charging and dedicated depth and macro cameras - the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a far superior device overall. It offers a significantly better display, more processing power, a more versatile camera, and a more modern software experience, and better build quality with screen protection.. The user experience would be dramatically more enjoyable.
