Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world benefits, and figure out which phone is the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-07-22 | 2024-10-03 | The S24 FE is significantly newer, so it benefits from advancements in tech. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 | 162 x 77.3 x 8 | Similar size. The S24 FE is slightly wider, the nova 8i is a hair thicker. |
| Weight | 190g | 213g | The nova 8i is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The S24 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Essentially the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2340 | Nearly identical resolution. Sharpness will be very similar. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 391 | 385 | Minimal difference in pixel density; both are sharp enough for everyday use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Makes a huge difference in viewing experience, especially for videos and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. A definite upgrade for daily interaction. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 1900 | The S24 FE is vastly brighter and much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Exynos 2400e (4nm) | The S24 FE's chip is much more powerful and efficient. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 1,600,000 | This benchmark score really says it all: The S24 FE is much faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics in games and other demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | More RAM in the S24 FE allows for better multitasking and keeps more apps running in the background. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | The S24 FE's larger sensor and wider aperture often lead to better low-light performance, despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S24 FE offers higher resolution for its ultrawide lens. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Only the S24 FE has a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom without significant quality loss. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Each offers strengths, but the S24 FE captures greater detail in good lighting. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K | S24 FE offers significantly better video quality and more options (higher frame rates, resolutions). |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Triple Camera, OIS, Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, RAW | The S24 FE has more advanced camera features like OIS (optical image stabilization) and 8K video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE has a slightly larger battery which means more usage time. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | The nova 8i charges faster with its 66W charger. S24 FE has wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 10 | Android 14 | The S24 FE runs a much newer version of Android, with better security, features, and support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | The S24 FE supports newer WiFi standards for faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | The S24 FE offers more storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both include a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: Its 66W charging is a significant plus if you need to top up quickly.
- Lighter Weight: If you prioritize a lightweight device, the nova 8i has an edge.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a major upgrade.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2400e chipset blows the Snapdragon 662 out of the water. Expect a much smoother and more responsive experience.
- More Versatile Camera: Telephoto lens, better video recording, and features like OIS make it a much more capable camera system.
- Newer Software: Comes with a much more modern Android version.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, better screen protection, more storage options.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- nova 8i: Older technology, slower performance, less impressive display and camera.
- S24 FE: Slower charging than the nova 8i, slightly heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i is best for:
- Users on a very tight budget who prioritize fast charging and a lightweight design.
- People with very basic smartphone needs (calls, texts, simple browsing).
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is best for:
- Users who want a modern smartphone experience with a great display, smooth performance, and a versatile camera.
- Anyone who values future-proofing and wants a phone that will stay relevant for longer.
- Users who consume a lot of media on their phone (videos, games, photos).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you want a smooth, lag-free experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the S24 FE is the clear winner.
- How much do you value display quality? The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate on the S24 FE is a massive upgrade over the nova 8i's LCD.
- What is your budget? If you're on a very tight budget, the nova 8i might be your only option. However, if you can afford it, the S24 FE offers much better value for the money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you absolutely cannot spend more, the Huawei nova 8i will work. But seriously consider saving up a bit more for the S24 FE.
- Photography Enthusiast: The S24 FE's more versatile camera system, especially with the telephoto lens and features like OIS, makes it a better choice.
- Gamer: The S24 FE's much more powerful processor and GPU will provide a far superior gaming experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE without hesitation. The significantly better display, far superior performance, more versatile camera, and newer software make it a much more compelling device. While the faster charging on the nova 8i is appealing, the overall experience on the S24 FE is simply in a different league. You get so much more for your money with the Samsung device and it offers a future-proof experience.
