Smartphone Comparison: Realme GT 5G vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Realme GT 5G is slightly more compact, easier for one-handed use; Huawei nova 8i is a bit larger, may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 190g | Negligible difference in weight. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2376 | Virtually identical sharpness, both provide crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 409 | 391 | Similar pixel density, both screens look equally detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme GT 5G has significantly better color contrast, deeper blacks, better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Realme GT 5G offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, but the value is missing. Cannot comment on real-world visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Realme GT 5G is significantly faster, handles demanding apps, games, and multitasking far more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 201,000 | Realme GT 5G is drastically faster for all tasks, from simple browsing to heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Realme GT 5G provides a far superior gaming experience with higher frame rates and better graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Realme GT 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Huawei nova 8i has a wider aperture, better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly wider aperture potentially better for low light performance. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are identical macro cameras, expect similar performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme GT 5G can record in higher resolution for sharper, more detailed videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Both phones have stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 480fps | Up to 120fps | Realme GT 5G offers far more detailed slow-motion capture. |
| Camera Features | More: 4K Video, Triple cam, Ultra stable, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | More: Quad camera, Exposure Compensation | Realme GT 5G has more premium camera features, while Huawei has exposure compensation and a quadruple camera setup. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Realme GT 5G has a slightly larger battery, may result in slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both have comparable fast charging speeds; negligible difference in charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 10, Unknown Upgrade Path | Realme GT 5G has a newer OS and guaranteed OS updates, Huawei nova 8i is one generation behind and no guarantee of future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar wifi, Realme GT 5G has WiFi direct, for more enhanced connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Realme GT 5G has a more modern Bluetooth standard, slightly faster data transfer. |
| GPS | More satellite systems supported | Fewer satellite systems supported | Realme GT 5G offers slightly better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | Realme GT 5G has a 256 GB option for users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6 GB | Realme GT 5G offers significantly more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Realme GT 5G has more advanced audio processing for richer sound; Huawei nova 8i has a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei nova 8i has a more convenient, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, faster unlocks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gyroscope | Huawei nova 8i has a gyroscope for enhanced motion sensing, important for certain apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing, app loading, and gaming.
- Better Display: AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers much better visual experience with smoother animations and deeper blacks.
- Advanced Camera: Offers 4K 60fps video recording and more advanced camera features.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Available with more RAM (12GB) and storage (up to 256GB).
- More Modern Software: Runs on a newer version of Android (11, upgradeable to 14).
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio offer a richer audio experience.
- More advanced GPS: Better GPS accuracy using dual frequency.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: The 6.67" screen may be preferred by users who enjoy media consumption or multitasking.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Enables better portrait mode photos with more accurate background blur.
- Slightly Better Selfie Camera: f/2.0 aperture, may have slightly better performance in low-light selfies.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be more convenient for some users compared to an in-display or back fingerprint scanner.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better clarity in voice calls.
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Sacrifices a dedicated depth sensor, slightly smaller display, potentially weaker selfie camera for its superior performance, display and video.
- Huawei nova 8i: Trades high-end performance, a premium display for an IPS LCD, less advanced video features, and a potentially slower update cycle for a larger display, depth sensor, side mounted fingerprint sensor, and a noise cancellation microphone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz refresh rate make it ideal for demanding mobile games.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, use demanding apps, or need fast performance across the board.
- Video Enthusiasts: Those who want high quality video recording with 4K 60fps and more features such as ultra stable video, manual focus and laser autofocus.
- Media Consumers: Users who want better visuals for watching movies and shows, and listen to music.
- Users who value Future-Proofing: Those who want a phone with the latest software and long-term support.
Use Cases for Realme GT 5G:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Editing videos or photos on the go.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously with no lag.
- Consuming media content with high visual quality and immersive audio.
- Users who need a fast, powerful phone with long term software support.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a large display and a decent camera for everyday use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for good value at a lower price point.
- Users who take a lot of selfies: Users who prioritize a better selfie camera.
- Users who prefer a more conventional biometric approach: Users who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases for Huawei nova 8i:
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Taking casual photos and selfies.
- Watching videos and movies.
- Users who want a phone with a bigger screen and noise cancellation microphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Priority: Is top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks essential? If yes, the Realme GT 5G is the clear choice.
- Display Preference: Do you value a premium display with smoother animations, deeper blacks, and richer colors? If yes, the Realme GT 5G with its AMOLED 120Hz display is superior. Or do you value a slightly larger display, then Huawei nova 8i is more preferable.
- Software Support: Do you prefer long term software support with newer Android versions? If so, Realme GT 5G is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a hardcore mobile gamer and want a phone that can handle the most demanding games. Recommendation: Realme GT 5G is the obvious choice with its superior performance, high refresh rate display.
- Scenario 2: You primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and casual photography. Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i offers decent performance at a lower price point with a large display and dedicated depth sensor.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize taking high-quality photos and videos, using your phone for vlogging. Recommendation: Realme GT 5G with its 4K recording capabilities and more advanced camera features is the better option.
- Scenario 4: You prefer a physical fingerprint sensor over in-display, and you would prefer a noise cancellation microphone, and do not require a high refresh rate display, and you would prioritize a better selfie camera. Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i is the choice for you.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme GT 5G. While the Huawei Nova 8i offers a slightly larger screen and a better selfie camera, the Realme GT 5G's superior performance, higher refresh rate AMOLED display, more versatile camera, 4K video recording, future-proof software and enhanced audio experience is what I am looking for in a smartphone. The significant performance advantage alone makes it the more compelling option for me, and the ability to play games with much higher framerates and richer visuals is something I would prioritize over a depth sensor and a marginally larger display size. The significantly better software support and updates are a crucial factor for long term use. While Huawei nova 8i's side fingerprint sensor would be more convenient, the significant advantages offered by Realme GT 5G would be worth the trade-off.
