Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. We'll break down the specs, talk about what they mean for you, and figure out which phone is the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table summarizing the key differences and what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | Similar size; ZTE slightly taller and wider. Doesn't make a massive difference in hand feel, but might matter to some. |
| Weight | 190g | 189g | Negligible difference. Both feel fairly solid. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Virtually the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 720x1612 | Huawei's display is significantly sharper and clearer for reading text and viewing high-resolution images/videos. |
| PPI | 391 | 267 | Huawei offers noticeably crisper details. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | ZTE's 90Hz display feels smoother when scrolling and navigating menus. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Unisoc T606 | Different chipsets. ZTE scored higher in AnTuTu benchmark. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 240,000 | ZTE might feel snappier in everyday tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Huawei captures more detailed shots in good lighting. ZTE might perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP | Huawei takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Huawei allows for wider shots, capturing more of the scene. |
| Depth Sensor | Yes (2MP) | No | Huawei offers potentially better portrait mode with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Huawei allows for extreme close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE should last longer on a single charge, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 66W | 22.5W | Huawei charges much faster, filling the battery in a fraction of the time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | ZTE offers a more up-to-date Android experience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | ZTE provides more space to store photos, videos, and apps if you choose the 256GB version. |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB/8GB | ZTE has more RAM in 8GB variant, good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to add more storage with microSD card on either phone. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X | Huawei offers better audio quality than ZTE with Stereo Speakers. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | ZTE has Dual band and Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Huawei has APT-x, LDAC, AAC. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | Huawei has Compass and Gravity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei nova 8i Strengths: Superior display resolution, more versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lenses, and significantly faster charging.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G Strengths: Larger battery capacity, newer Android version, higher benchmark scores and potentially smoother performance, available in larger storage option, and higher refresh rate on the display.
- Trade-offs: The Huawei sacrifices battery life and software version for a better display and camera, while the ZTE prioritizes battery and newer software at the expense of display clarity and camera features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei nova 8i: Best for users who prioritize display quality, photography versatility, and fast charging. Ideal for social media enthusiasts, content creators, and those who consume a lot of visual content.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: Best for users who need long battery life, want a more up-to-date Android experience, and prefer smoother scrolling. A solid choice for everyday users, students, and those who value practicality over premium features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value sharpness and detail, the Huawei's higher-resolution display is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize battery life or charging speed? The ZTE offers longer battery life, while the Huawei charges much faster.
- Which is more important: camera versatility or performance? The Huawei has a more comprehensive camera system, while the ZTE has a slightly better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Social Media Influencer: Huawei nova 8i (better camera and display for content creation).
- For the Frequent Traveler: ZTE Blade A75 4G (longer battery life).
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: ZTE Blade A75 4G (offers a balanced experience with a newer OS and solid battery life).
- For the Photography Enthusiast: Huawei nova 8i (more versatile camera setup).
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Huawei nova 8i. While the ZTE's larger battery and newer Android version are appealing, the significantly better display resolution, versatile camera system (including wide-angle and macro lenses), and incredibly fast 66W charging make it a more compelling option. As someone who values high-quality visuals and quick charging, the Huawei aligns better with my priorities.
