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Huawei Nova 8i Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Release Date
2021, July 22
Camera
64MP
Battery
4300mAh
Battery Type
66W
Processor
Snapdragon 662
Screen
6.67"
Storage
128GB
Ram
6/8GB RAM
Operating System
Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei nova 8i is an embodiment of elegance and modern design. Its dimensions of 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm and weight of 190 grams make it an easy device to handle, providing a comfortable grip despite its size. The sleek body is available in three colors: Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, and Starry Black, which exude a sense of sophistication and premium quality.

The device features a dual SIM capability using Nano-SIM cards, and the stand-by feature adds to its utility. The absence of a memory card slot might be a downside for some users who prefer expandable storage options.

Display

Huawei nova 8i boasts a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 89.4% ensures an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption, gaming, and browsing.

The screen's pixel density of approximately 391 ppi results in crisp and clear images and text, providing users with rich details and vivid colors that enhance overall user experience.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Huawei nova 8i is powered by the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11 nm process. This processor is coupled with an octa-core CPU comprising four Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz. Additionally, the Adreno 610 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, making it suitable for mobile gaming and multimedia tasks.

The device comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, accommodating users who require substantial memory for apps and media. Although it runs on EMUI 11 based on Android 10, it does not support Google Play Services. Users might need to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery or other app stores for their application needs.

Camera

The quad-camera setup on the back of Huawei nova 8i is a major highlight. It includes a 64 MP wide camera with an f/1.9 aperture, providing stunning detail and clarity in shots. The 8 MP ultrawide camera with a 120° field of view is perfect for capturing landscapes and large groups. The setup is completed by two 2 MP cameras for macro and depth sensing, enhancing close-up shots and portrait photography with bokeh effects.

The front-facing camera is a 16 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, designed for high-quality selfies and video calls. Both the primary and selfie cameras support 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.

Battery and Charging

The Huawei nova 8i is equipped with a robust 4300 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. One of the standout features is its 66W fast charging capability, which, according to Huawei, can charge the battery up to 60% in just 17 minutes, and fully in 38 minutes. This makes it incredibly convenient for users who are constantly on the go and need quick charging solutions.

Connectivity and Network

This device supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity across various regions. The dual-SIM support further enhances its usability for people who require separate work and personal lines.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Huawei nova 8i features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE, and a comprehensive set of positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. However, it lacks NFC and radio capabilities, which might be a consideration for some prospective buyers.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Huawei nova 8i comes fitted with a suite of sensors that enhance its functionality. These include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro sensor, proximity sensor, and a compass, which collectively contribute to a seamless and secure user experience.

Conclusion

Overall, the Huawei nova 8i is a well-designed smartphone that offers a good balance of performance, design, and features for its price range. Its strong points include a premium design, excellent display, notable camera capabilities, and fast charging technology. However, the lack of Google Play Services and NFC might be a drawback for some users. It remains an appealing choice for those who can work within these constraints and value the other strengths the Huawei nova 8i brings.

Key Features of Huawei nova 8i

  • Display: 6.67 inches IPS LCD with a high screen-to-body ratio (~89.4%) and a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels.
  • Camera: Quad Rear Cameras with a 64 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensor. Supports LED flash, panorama, and HDR.
  • Front Camera: 16 MP sensor with HDR support for better selfies.
  • Performance: Powered by Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 chipset and Adreno 610 GPU.
  • Memory: Available in two variants - 128GB with 6GB RAM and 128GB with 8GB RAM.
  • Battery: 4300 mAh battery with 66W fast charging capability, reaching 60% in 17 minutes and 100% in 38 minutes.
  • Operating System: Android 10 with EMUI 11 (Note: No Google Play Services).
  • Connectivity: Dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C 2.0.
  • Audio: Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio flexibility.
  • Design: Available in attractive colors such as Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, and Starry Black.
  • Sensors: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.

Disadvantages of Huawei nova 8i

  • No Google Play Services, limiting app availability and integration.
  • Lacks 5G connectivity which is a prevailing technology in newer smartphones.
  • No expandable storage option as there is no card slot available.
  • Older Android 10 version without any announced updates to newer versions.
  • Uses an IPS LCD display instead of the more vibrant AMOLED screen technology.
  • The device is not equipped with NFC, which is a useful feature for contactless payments.
  • No radio feature which might be a disadvantage for some users who prefer built-in radio support.
  • Only supports video recording at 1080p@30fps which is lower compared to 4K recording features in other phones.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2021, July 07
Status Available. Released 2021, July 22
Body
Dimensions 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in)
Weight 190 g (6.70 oz)
SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPU Adreno 610
Memory
Card slot No
Internal 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Quad 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Features LED flash, Panorama, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Features HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFC No
Radio No
USB USB Type-C 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 4300 mAh, non-removable
Charging 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min (advertised)
Misc
Colors Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black
Models NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3
Price £ 202.52 / € 128.68

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