OnePlus 8 Pro vs Huawei nova 8i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 8 Pro
OnePlus 8 Pro
Oneplus

General

Launch Date April 21, 2020 July 22, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 104.54 cm³ 104.01 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 199 g 190 g
Height 165.3 mm 161.9 mm
Width 74.4 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Glacial Green
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Onyx Black
  • Starry Black
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Interstellar Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1440 x 3168 1080 x 2376
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 90.8 % 89.4 %
Pixel Density 513 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 98.11 mAh/in² 96.65 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.14 mAh/cm³ 41.34 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4510 mAh 4300 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPU Adreno 650 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 10
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 8 ProHuawei nova 8iPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.3 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm, 199g161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm, 190gThe Nova 8i is slightly smaller and lighter, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use.
Build QualityCorning Gorilla Glass 6Unknown screen protectionThe 8 Pro offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops.
Display
Size6.78"6.67"The 8 Pro has a marginally larger display.
Resolution1440 x 3168 (513 PPI)1080 x 2376 (391 PPI)Significantly sharper and more detailed visuals on the 8 Pro, especially noticeable in text, images, and videos.
TechnologyAMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1300 nitsIPS LCD, 60Hz refresh rate, Unknown nitsThe 8 Pro offers a dramatically superior display with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, smoother animations, and much better outdoor visibility. The unknown nit value for the Nova 8i prevents a complete brightness comparison.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 865 5GSnapdragon 662The 8 Pro's 865 significantly outperforms the 662, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
RAM8GB or 12GB6GBMore RAM in the 8 Pro allows for seamless multitasking and handling demanding applications without slowdown.
Storage128GB or 256GB128GBThe 8 Pro offers a higher storage option (256GB) for users with large media libraries.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.78, Sony IMX68964MP, f/1.9While the Nova 8i has a higher resolution, the 8 Pro's wider aperture and larger sensor likely result in better low-light performance.
FeaturesTelephoto, Ultrawide, Color Filter, 4K@60fps video, OISUltrawide, Macro, Portrait, 1080p@30fps videoThe 8 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities and optical image stabilization for smoother footage. The Nova 8i offers a dedicated macro lens.
Battery
Capacity4510mAh4300mAhNegligible difference in battery capacity.
Charging30W wired, 30W wireless66W wiredSignificantly faster wired charging on the Nova 8i, but the 8 Pro offers wireless charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 8 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly better display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, faster refresh rate, and higher brightness.
  • Superior performance: Much more powerful processor and more RAM.
  • Higher quality camera system: Better low-light performance, optical image stabilization, and 4K@60fps video recording.
  • Wireless charging: Adds convenience for charging.

Huawei nova 8i Advantages:

  • Faster wired charging: 66W charging significantly reduces charging time.
  • Lower price point: Offers decent features at a more budget-friendly price.
  • Dedicated macro lens: Allows for detailed close-up shots.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 8 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a premium display, high-quality camera capabilities, and wireless charging. Best suited for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and media consumption.

Huawei nova 8i: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and decent performance for everyday tasks. Good for social media, web browsing, and casual photography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The 8 Pro is a flagship device and significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Demanding tasks require the 8 Pro's performance; casual use might suffice with the Nova 8i.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Prioritize display quality, camera features, or fast charging based on individual needs.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Gamer/Power User: OnePlus 8 Pro
  • Budget-conscious Social Media User: Huawei nova 8i
  • Photographer/Videographer: OnePlus 8 Pro

My Choice: OnePlus 8 Pro

While the Huawei nova 8i offers impressive charging speeds for its price, the OnePlus 8 Pro is the clear winner for me. The superior display, significantly better performance, higher quality camera system, and inclusion of wireless charging make it a much more compelling device overall. The 8 Pro offers a truly premium experience that justifies the higher price tag for my needs. The smoothness of the 120Hz display and the responsiveness of the Snapdragon 865 are crucial for my daily workflow and entertainment. While I appreciate the fast charging of the Nova 8i, the overall user experience offered by the 8 Pro is far more important to me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.