OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Huawei nova 8i: A Practical Face-Off
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Nord CE is more compact and pocket-friendly |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | Nord CE feels noticeably lighter in hand |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Nova 8i's sensor may be more ergonomic |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Nord CE offers richer colors, true blacks |
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Nova 8i better for media, Nord CE more ergo |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Nord CE feels smoother in UI navigation |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified | Nord CE far better in sunlight visibility |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | Snapdragon 662 | Nord CE has 92% higher benchmark scores |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nord CE better for gaming/graphics |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6GB | Nord CE future-proof for heavy multitasking |
| Storage Options | 128/256GB | 128GB | Nord CE offers more capacity flexibility |
Camera System
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 64MP f/1.9 | Similar daylight performance |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP f/2.25 | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable utility |
| Additional Lenses | 2MP B&W | 2MP macro + depth | Nova 8i offers more versatility |
| Video Capabilities | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE significantly better for videography |
| DxOMark Score | 84 | N/A | Nord CE has tested camera quality |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Nord CE has slight endurance advantage |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 66W | Nova 8i charges twice as fast |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
- Display Advantage: The AMOLED panel with 90Hz refresh rate and 700-nit brightness makes it superior for media consumption and outdoor use
- Performance King: Snapdragon 750G demolishes the nova 8i's 662 in benchmarks - expect smoother performance in demanding apps and games
- Camera Versatility: Despite fewer lenses, the 4K video capability and better-tuned sensors make it more capable for serious photography
- Software Support: Runs newer Android 11 with promise of updates to Android 13
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Charging Speed: 66W charging is dramatically faster - can juice up in half the time of the Nord CE
- Audio Setup: Stereo speakers provide better multimedia experience
- Ergonomic Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint may be more intuitive than in-display solutions
- Camera Options: Additional macro and depth sensors offer more shooting modes
Trade-offs to Consider:
- Huawei's lack of Google services impacts app ecosystem
- Nord CE's 30W charging feels slow compared to nova 8i's 66W
- Nova 8i's IPS display can't match AMOLED quality despite larger size
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
- Prioritize performance for gaming or productivity
- Want the best display quality available
- Need reliable camera for photography/videography
- Value software updates and clean Android experience
- Prefer lighter, more compact devices
Choose Huawei nova 8i if you:
- Need ultra-fast charging (66W is a game-changer)
- Want stereo speakers for media consumption
- Like shooting macro photos or playing with portrait modes
- Prefer larger screen real estate
- Don't rely heavily on Google Mobile Services
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- What's my priority - performance or convenience features? (Nord CE wins on raw power, nova 8i on charging/speakers)
- How important is display quality versus size? (AMOLED vs larger IPS)
- Will I miss Google apps? (Critical for some, irrelevant for others)
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student/Young Professional: Nord CE - better performance for productivity
- Media Enthusiast: Tie - Nord CE for display, nova 8i for speakers
- Travel Photographer: Nord CE - superior camera system
- Power User Who Forgets to Charge: nova 8i - that 66W charging is a lifesaver
Final Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
While the Huawei nova 8i makes a compelling case with its ultra-fast charging and stereo speakers, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the more balanced package. Its superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, and more capable camera system (especially for video) make it the smarter long-term investment.
The 90Hz refresh rate and brighter screen transform everyday interactions, while the Snapdragon 750G ensures the phone won't feel outdated quickly. Though the nova 8i charges faster, the Nord CE's combination of better battery life, lighter design, and cleaner software experience tips the scales in its favor for most users.
Unless you absolutely need that 66W charging or stereo speakers, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G delivers better value where it matters most for daily use.
