Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Xiaomi 12X. This isn't just about specs; it's about understanding which phone fits your life better. I will highlight the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses, and ultimately, which one I would pick and why.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, along with what they actually mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Xiaomi 12X | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | The Xiaomi 12X is noticeably more compact and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. The Nova 8i is larger and could feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 190g | 176g | Xiaomi 12X is slightly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.28" | Nova 8i offers a larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming if you prefer bigger displays. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp enough for typical use. |
| PPI | 391 | 419 | The Xiaomi 12X will have a slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Xiaomi 12X delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It's a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12X provides much smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi 12X is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see the screen outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Xiaomi 12X's Snapdragon 870 is vastly more powerful. It'll handle demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking with ease. The Nova 8i will feel slower and struggle with intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 815,210 | These scores reflect the huge performance gap. The Xiaomi 12X is significantly faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 650 | Better gaming experience with Xiaomi 12X. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.88, Sony IMX766) | While the Nova 8i has a higher megapixel count, the Xiaomi 12X's sensor is larger and likely to capture better low-light images and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed wide angle pictures |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated Portrait mode (depth) camera while Xiaomi 12X doesn't. |
| Macro lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X captures more detailed macro shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi 12X supports much higher video resolutions, making it suitable for content creators. It also has image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Features | Quad Camera, PDAF | Triple Camera, OIS, 4K/8K Video | Xiaomi 12X has more advanced features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper photos and videos, and higher resolution video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4500mAh | Both should last a full day for most users, but the Xiaomi 12X has a slightly larger battery. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Both offer very fast charging, getting you from 0% to full in a short time. Practically negligible difference. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12X has a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 12X supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Minor upgrade on the Xiaomi 12X, offering slightly better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | Standard | More Systems | Xiaomi 12X offers more accurate location tracking thanks to its support for additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256GB | The Xiaomi 12X offers a 256GB option, which is great if you store lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8/12GB | Xiaomi 12X offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | The Xiaomi 12X offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a plus for convenience and speed. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12X offers far superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Gravity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X supports Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Larger display might appeal to those who prefer bigger screens for media consumption.
- Fast charging is a plus.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Has a dedicated Portrait mode (depth) camera.
Huawei nova 8i Weaknesses:
- Significantly weaker performance.
- Older display technology (IPS LCD vs. AMOLED).
- No screen protection
- Older software.
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870.
- Excellent AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and brightness.
- Better camera system with OIS and higher video recording capabilities.
- More modern features like Wi-Fi 6, better Bluetooth, and advanced GPS.
- Superior screen protection.
- Xiaomi 12X Weaknesses:
- Slightly smaller display (but arguably more pocketable).
- basic fingerprint sensor.
The Xiaomi 12X outshines the Huawei nova 8i in almost every category that matters: performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and modern features. The only real advantage of the Nova 8i is its potentially more appealing price point and the dedicated Portrait mode (depth) camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i:
- Best For: Users on a strict budget who primarily need a large screen for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos.
- Use Cases: Casual users who don't play demanding games or require high-end camera features.
Xiaomi 12X:
- Best For: Users who value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It's also a great choice for gamers and content creators.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, videography, multitasking, and anyone who wants a smoother, more responsive smartphone experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you want a snappy, responsive phone that can handle demanding tasks, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner.
- How much do you care about display quality? The AMOLED screen on the Xiaomi 12X is significantly better than the IPS LCD on the Nova 8i.
- What's your budget? If the Nova 8i is significantly cheaper, it might be a reasonable option for basic use. However, consider the long-term value of the Xiaomi 12X.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If the Huawei nova 8i is substantially cheaper and you only need a phone for basic tasks, it might suffice. But strongly consider stretching your budget for the Xiaomi 12X if possible.
- Performance Seeker: The Xiaomi 12X is the obvious choice. Its superior performance will make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
- Camera Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12X’s camera is far better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12X without hesitation.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 870 is a beast compared to the Snapdragon 662. I value a smooth, responsive experience, and the 12X delivers that in spades.
- Display: As a daily driver, the AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate make a massive difference in enjoyment.
- Camera: I appreciate a good camera for capturing memories, and the Xiaomi 12X's combination of hardware and software makes it the better choice.
- Longevity: The Xiaomi 12X is simply more future-proof. The faster processor, better software, and modern features mean it will remain useful for longer.
While the Huawei nova 8i might be tempting at a lower price, the Xiaomi 12X provides a vastly superior experience that justifies the extra investment. It's a no-brainer for me.
