Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the TCL 50 SE. I’ll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of each phone, along with some practical insights into what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is slightly taller but thinner, potentially impacting one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Negligible difference in weight; both are relatively lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for multimedia. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2460 | Similar sharpness; both provide a detailed viewing experience for most users. |
| PPI | 391 | 396 | Both phones have similar pixel density (TCL 50 SE: 391 PPI, Huawei nova 8i: 396 PPI) |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Consistent color accuracy and viewing angles for both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 50 SE has a smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 50 SE has significantly better outdoor visibility, essential for using the phone in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | TCL 50 SE offers a more responsive and efficient multitasking, and potentially smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 250,000 | TCL 50 SE offers slightly faster app loading, smoother operation |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Both are mid-range GPUs capable of handling casual gaming, but TCL 50 SE might perform slightly better in graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Huawei nova 8i captures more detailed images, while TCL 50 SE might perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Huawei nova 8i captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Huawei nova 8i offers a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Huawei nova 8i enhances portrait mode photos with better depth perception. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Standard video recording capabilities for both. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5010mAh | TCL 50 SE offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 8i charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a more modern OS with the latest features and security updates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | TCL 50 SE has 128GB more storage capacity (256GB vs 128GB). Huawei nova 8i comes in 128 GB while TCL 50 SE comes in 128 GB and 256 GB variants |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB or 6GB | suitable for moderate multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones have same expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Both phones share these audio features: Stereo Speakers; Huawei nova 8i has a slight edge in audio features offering clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture; Huawei nova 8i exclusively offers: Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | TCL 50 SE has a newer Bluetooth version; Both phones support: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), LE (Low Energy); Huawei nova 8i additionally supports: APT-x, LDAC, AAC; TCL 50 SE additionally supports: EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer similar location capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support: Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby; Huawei nova 8i supports using two SIMs simultaneously |
| Security | |||
| features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology; Provides basic biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Huawei nova 8i additionally features: Compass, Gyroscope; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is a significant advantage, rapidly replenishing the battery.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 16MP front camera for detailed selfies.
- Wide Angle Lens and Depth Camera: Adds versatility to photography with wider shots and enhanced portrait mode.
- Superior Audio: Huawei nova 8i has a slight edge in audio features offering clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture
- Additional Sensors: Compass, Gyroscope
TCL 50 SE Strengths:
- Newer OS: Runs on Android 14.
- Larger Battery: 5010mAh for extended usage.
- Brighter Display: 900 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz for more fluid animations.
- More Storage: 128GB more storage capacity (256GB vs 128GB). Huawei nova 8i comes in 128 GB while TCL 50 SE comes in 128 GB and 256 GB variants
- Performance: TCL 50 SE scores 24% higher than Huawei nova 8i in benchmarks, offering slightly faster app loading, smoother operation
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei nova 8i: Older Android version and no expandable storage.
- TCL 50 SE: Slower charging and lacks the additional camera lenses found on the nova 8i.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Someone who values fast charging, a better selfie camera, and additional camera features like a wide-angle lens. Also, value in Audio and more sensors.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts who take a lot of selfies and want quick battery top-ups.
- TCL 50 SE:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes battery life, a brighter display for outdoor use, and the latest Android version.
- Use Cases: Frequent travelers, outdoor workers, and users who consume a lot of multimedia content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is battery life and outdoor visibility to you?
- If these are critical, the TCL 50 SE is the better choice.
- Do you take a lot of selfies or need a wide-angle camera?
- If yes, the Huawei nova 8i offers superior options.
- How crucial is having the latest Android version?
- If you want the newest features and security updates, the TCL 50 SE is the way to go.
Which one would I choose?
For me, the TCL 50 SE is the more compelling option. The combination of a larger battery, brighter display, and newer Android version makes it a more future-proof and versatile device for everyday use. While the Huawei nova 8i has its strengths, such as faster charging and a better selfie camera, these aren't enough to outweigh the advantages offered by the TCL 50 SE. Plus, the 90Hz display makes a surprising difference in how smooth everything feels, which I appreciate.
