Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Huawei nova 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | Similar size, Huawei slightly thinner. Minimal difference in pocketability and hand feel. |
| Weight | 177g | 175g | Virtually identical. Both feel light in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.57" | Huawei nova 9 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals. The difference in resolution is negligible. |
| PPI | 411 | 392 | Similar pixel density, both offer sharp display but Realme 8 slightly better |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use similar display tech. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei nova 9 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and general smoothness. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers significantly better outdoor visibility under sunlight, although the Huawei data may be missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | Huawei's chipset offers better performance and efficiency, faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 578,555 | Huawei nova 9 is considerably faster for gaming, app usage, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | Huawei's GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks more smoothly. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Realme 8 is likely to have better battery life and longer time before needing to recharge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 9 charges much faster allowing for quick top-ups, potentially offsetting smaller battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | Realme 8: higher resolution, slightly wider aperture; Huawei nova 9: larger sensor, larger pixels, typically better low-light. |
| Front Main Camera | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm) | 32MP (f/2.0) | Huawei nova 9: higher resolution, wider aperture for brighter selfies, especially in low light, but data is missing for sensor size. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Huawei nova 9: slightly wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Huawei nova 9 provides a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer the same basic macro capabilities. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 720p@960fps, EIS | Realme 8 offers higher quality video recording while Huawei offers higher frame rate slow motion |
| Camera Features | Multiple features including Ultra Stable Video | Multiple features including PDAF, CDAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama | Both offer multiple camera features. Huawei has features useful for focusing and shooting moving objects, while Realme has ultra stable video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | Realme 8 runs Android 11. OS details for Huawei nova 9 are missing, which is a critical point. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Huawei nova 9 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Huawei nova 9 uses the newer version, potentially with better stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei nova 9 has more satellite coverage for enhanced accuracy in location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro SIM + Nano SIM | Both offer Dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Huawei nova 9 offers more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth performance; Huawei provides a single configuration with 8 GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Realme 8 offers better audio quality for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Similar fingerprint sensor experience. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a good set of sensors for standard usage. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have unknown screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The Realme 8 boasts a much brighter display, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions.
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phone to last through a full day of heavy usage.
- Hi-Res Audio: The Hi-Res audio quality gives a better audio experience for the user
- Magnetometer: Additional sensor for advanced navigation and AR apps.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly smoother user experience, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming.
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chipset provides better performance, making apps load faster and multitasking smoother.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: The larger camera sensor and pixel size generally perform better in low-light conditions.
- Faster Charging: Huawei's 66W fast charging allows for quick top-ups, minimizing downtime.
- Better Wifi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more stable connection.
- More Storage Options: 256GB option available, a good advantage for users storing lots of media.
- More GPS systems supported: Better location accuracy with QZSS.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 trades performance and display smoothness for longer battery life, brighter screen, and better audio.
- The Huawei nova 9 trades battery life and potentially outdoor screen visibility for performance, camera quality, and charging speed.
- The operating system of the Huawei nova 9 is not known, which is a critical factor to consider
- The Realme 8 uses a less modern Wifi and Bluetooth generation.
- The Realme 8 misses a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, making the portrait photos on the Huawei slightly better
- The Huawei nova 9 misses a black and white sensor, and has slightly less advanced video capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a bright screen for outdoor use.
- Users who consume a lot of media and appreciate Hi-Res audio
- Users who value having different camera lens options.
- Users who prefer Android as OS.
- General users that don't need cutting-edge performance.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Daily usage for work, communication, and social media with long periods away from a power outlet.
- Outdoor activities where a bright screen is critical.
- Users who want a good audio experience.
- Users who want a diverse set of camera lens.
Ideal User for Huawei nova 9:
- Users who prioritize performance and a smooth display experience for gaming and everyday use.
- Photography enthusiasts who want good low-light performance.
- Users who prefer fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Users who need high storage capacity.
- Users who need the latest connection speeds with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Use Cases for Huawei nova 9:
- Mobile gaming and graphic intensive tasks that benefit from the powerful processor and smooth display.
- Photography, especially in low-light situations.
- Users who need a quick charging phone that doesn't stay too long in the socket.
- Users who need large internal storage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize battery life and outdoor visibility or display smoothness and performance?
- How important is low-light camera performance and charging speed to me?
- What is my budget, and is it worth sacrificing performance/display quality for better battery life, and vice-versa?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're constantly away from power outlets and spend much time outdoors, the Realme 8 is better due to its brighter screen and better battery.
- Scenario 2: If you're a gamer or someone who values a smooth experience and quick charging, the Huawei nova 9 is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: If you take a lot of low-light photos and need a good camera the Huawei Nova 9 is the superior option
- Scenario 4: If you require maximum storage for photos and videos the Huawei Nova 9 is better because of it's 256GB option
- Scenario 5: If you need the latest wireless connection technology, Huawei Nova 9 is better due to Wi-Fi 6.
- Scenario 6: If you value the Android OS, the Realme 8 is the superior option
Final Choice:
If I were choosing, I would lean towards the Huawei nova 9, despite the missing OS information. My reasoning is this: I value the 120Hz display and the significantly faster processor for a smoother and more responsive user experience. I also take many photos and appreciate the superior camera sensor and fast charging capabilities. However, the missing information about the OS is critical, and would be a deciding factor. If the OS is not adequate, the Realme 8 would be better. If we assume a proper OS, the better user experience and camera quality of the Huawei Nova 9 outweigh the longer battery life and brighter display of the Realme 8 for my specific needs.
