Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Xiaomi Poco M5s. I’ll break down the specs, discuss what they mean for you in the real world, and give you my take on which phone might be the better fit, depending on your needs.
Huawei nova 8i vs. Xiaomi Poco M5s: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, presented in a way that highlights what they actually mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm, 178.8g | Both are similarly sized, but the Poco M5s is slightly smaller and noticeably lighter, making it a bit more comfortable to hold long term. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Nova 8i offers a larger screen, which some may prefer for media consumption or gaming. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco M5s wins here. AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 1080x2400 | Essentially identical; both are sharp enough for most users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (spec error) | 1100 nits | Poco M5s will be significantly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. This is a major win for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Helio G95 (12nm) | Poco M5s has a much more powerful chipset. Expect smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 418,627 | This benchmark difference confirms the Poco M5s has substantially better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 | The Mali-G76 in the Poco M5s is a more capable GPU, leading to better gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.7µm, 1/2" sensor | Similar main cameras, but Poco M5s has more data available. Image quality likely comparable but sensor size makes a difference |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm, 1/3.06" sensor | Huawei nova 8i has 3MP higher resolution (16 vs 13). Huawei nova 8i has wider aperture (f/2 vs f/2.4) |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Poco M5s can record in 4K, offering much higher video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M5s has a larger battery, meaning longer runtime on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, offsetting the smaller battery capacity. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Poco M5s can be used as a power bank to charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Poco M5s ships with a newer version of Android, likely offering better features, security, and longer software support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64/128/256GB | Poco M5s offers a 256GB variant for those who need more storage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. Choose a model with sufficient internal storage for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but Huawei nova 8i has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture; |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M5s has Gorilla Glass, offering better protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Key Insights:
- Poco M5s Wins on Performance and Display: The Poco M5s's Helio G95 chipset and AMOLED display are significant advantages. The difference in AnTuTu scores isn't just a number; it translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The AMOLED display offers superior visual quality, especially noticeable when watching videos or playing games.
- Huawei Nova 8i Charges Faster: The 66W charging on the Nova 8i is blazing fast, meaning you can top up the battery in a fraction of the time. If you're constantly on the go and need to quickly charge your phone, this is a major plus.
- Poco M5s Has Better Software and Video Capabilities: The newer Android version on the Poco M5s provides access to the latest features and security updates. Additionally, its ability to record 4K video is a significant advantage for content creators or anyone who wants higher-quality videos.
- Both Have Their Camera Strengths: While both have similar camera setups on paper, the Poco M5s's larger main camera sensor and 4k video recording give it a slight edge.
User Profiles and Recommendations:
- Huawei nova 8i: Best for users who prioritize fast charging and prefer a larger screen. If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, browsing, and media consumption, and want to quickly top up the battery, the Nova 8i is a decent option.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: Ideal for users who value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a smoother, more responsive experience will appreciate the Poco M5s. The better display and 4K video recording make it a great choice for content creators and media consumers.
Buying Decision Framework:
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility, the Poco M5s's AMOLED display is a clear winner.
- Do you need fast charging above all else? If so, the Nova 8i's 66W charging is a standout feature.
- How demanding are your apps and games? If you plan on playing graphics-intensive games or running demanding apps, the Poco M5s's more powerful processor is the better choice.
The Verdict:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M5s. The combination of a better display, stronger performance, a larger battery, more recent software, and 4K video recording makes it the more compelling device overall. While the Nova 8i's fast charging is appealing, the Poco M5s offers a more well-rounded and future-proof experience.
