Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Find X3 Neo vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Neo | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 72.5 x 8 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | The nova 8i is slightly larger and thicker, potentially making the X3 Neo easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 184g | 190g | The X3 Neo is marginally lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | The nova 8i offers a slightly larger viewing area, which could be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2376 | Both offer a sharp display, with minimal difference in resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 391 PPI | The X3 Neo has a slightly sharper display, which may be imperceptible to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The X3 Neo’s AMOLED display offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, ideal for enjoying high-quality videos and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The X3 Neo has smoother animations for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The X3 Neo's significantly higher brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility, a key benefit for users in bright environments. The nova 8i brightness spec is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | The X3 Neo's significantly more powerful chipset translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 743,500 | 201,000 | The X3 Neo provides much better overall performance compared to the Nova 8i. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | The X3 Neo's GPU will provide better graphics performance, especially in graphically demanding apps and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | The X3 Neo’s slightly larger battery offers a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both phones offer very fast charging capabilities. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The X3 Neo can act as a power bank to charge other devices, a convenient feature for on-the-go users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 64MP (f/1.9) | The nova 8i has a higher resolution camera, but the X3 Neo has a wider aperture and a larger sensor, which usually results in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The X3 Neo offers higher resolution selfies, but the nova 8i has a wider aperture which is better for lower light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | None | The X3 Neo has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming, which the nova 8i lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The X3 Neo has a higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode shots, which the X3 Neo lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer similar macro camera capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The X3 Neo records higher resolution videos with better stabilization, while the nova 8i is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMark | 106 (Mobile) | Not Available | The X3 Neo has a rated camera performance score, giving an indication of camera quality. The nova 8i doesn't have a DXOMark score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 10 | The X3 Neo has a newer OS, and will likely receive more updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The X3 Neo supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The X3 Neo has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potentially more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The X3 Neo supports more satellite systems for precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | The X3 Neo offers more internal storage options, which is suitable for users with a lot of media and apps. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB | The X3 Neo's higher RAM makes it superior for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which might be a problem for users who prefer external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but the X3 Neo's Hi-Res audio is better for music enthusiasts. The Nova 8i has additional microphone and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted sensor on the nova 8i is more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The X3 Neo offers better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Pedometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The X3 Neo includes a pedometer for fitness tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Neo Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 chipset provides significantly higher performance, making it smoother for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers significantly improved visual quality compared to the IPS LCD panel of the nova 8i.
- Advanced Camera System: It has a more versatile camera setup, including a telephoto lens, optical image stabilization and 4K video recording with HDR.
- Faster Wi-Fi: The X3 Neo supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which allows faster network speeds and more stable connections.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides additional protection for the screen.
- More RAM and storage options: Better multitasking and more space for apps.
Practical Implications: The X3 Neo is suited for users who prioritize performance, media consumption, and photography, with a smoother user experience and better outdoor visibility.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Lower Cost: The nova 8i is likely to be more budget-friendly.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers faster unlocking compared to the basic sensor of the X3 Neo.
- Wider Aperture for Selfie Camera: Allows more light for better quality selfies in darker conditions.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The additional sensor is used for portrait mode shots.
- Slightly Larger Screen: Better for media consumption
- Faster Charging Speed: Offers very slightly faster charging speed.
Practical Implications: The nova 8i is more suitable for budget-conscious users who value a large display, decent photography, and don't need top-tier performance.
Trade-offs:
- The X3 Neo trades a higher price for superior performance and features.
- The nova 8i trades performance, display quality, and camera versatility for affordability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Neo:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers, and those who want a premium experience.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, video editing, high-quality content creation, outdoor photography, watching HDR videos, multitasking with multiple apps.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for those who prioritize performance and advanced features.
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, casual gamers, users who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Use Cases: General browsing, social media, casual gaming, capturing everyday moments, basic video recording, media viewing at home.
- Price-to-Value: Good for those looking for a capable smartphone at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The X3 Neo is more expensive, so budget will be a significant factor.
- How important is performance to you? If you game, multitask, or use demanding apps, the X3 Neo is the better choice.
- What is your primary use case? If you want a smooth experience, better screen quality, and advanced camera features, go for the X3 Neo. If you're a casual user, the nova 8i may be sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you play games, run demanding apps, or need to multitask heavily, choose the Oppo Find X3 Neo. Its superior performance will enhance your experience.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks and want a more affordable option, the Huawei nova 8i will work for you.
Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you want a more versatile camera system that allows for different kinds of shots, including optical zoom and better low-light performance, go for the Oppo Find X3 Neo.
My Choice
Given the comparison, I would choose the Oppo Find X3 Neo. While the Huawei nova 8i is a decent phone for its price, the X3 Neo's performance, vastly superior display (AMOLED with 90Hz), the much better camera (4K recording, optical zoom, OIS) and faster Wi-Fi standard make it a significantly better overall device. Even though the nova 8i offers a slightly faster charging speed and a bigger screen it doesn't make up for the huge disparity in overall performance and the screen quality. As someone who values a smooth and fluid user experience, and enjoys mobile photography, the X3 Neo's advanced features are worth the higher cost for me. The Snapdragon 865 chipset, the 90Hz AMOLED screen, and its far more capable camera system, are the key factors for my decision.
