Huawei Nova 11i

In Qatar, the Huawei Nova 11i is available in two storage variants. The 128GB model with 8GB RAM is priced at QAR 949, while the 256GB model with 8GB RAM costs QAR 1,099.

These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

Huawei Nova 11i Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.8″ IPS LCD, 1080 x 2388 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm)
RAM	8 GB
Storage	128 GB
Rear Camera	48 MP (wide) + 2 MP (depth)
Front Camera	16 MP
Battery	5000 mAh, 40W fast charging
Operating System	EMUI 13 (based on Android 12)
Dimensions	164.6 x 75.55 x 8.55 mm
Weight	193 g

 

Release Date and Availability

Huawei released the Nova 11i in May 2023. The phone is now available in Qatar through various retailers and online stores. Customers can choose between two color options: Starry Black and Mint Green. These colors add a touch of style to the device’s sleek design.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Nova 11i features a modern design with a large 6.8-inch display. The phone has slim bezels, which give it a contemporary look. The device measures 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm and weighs 193 grams. While it’s not the lightest phone in its class, it still feels comfortable to hold and use.

The back of the phone is made of plastic, which helps keep the cost down. However, Huawei has given it a glossy finish that mimics the look of glass. The camera module is neatly arranged in the top left corner, giving the phone a clean and organized appearance.

Display

One of the standout features of the Huawei Nova 11i is its large 6.8-inch IPS LCD display. The screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, which results in sharp and clear visuals. With a pixel density of about 385 pixels per inch, text and images appear crisp and easy to read.

The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear smoother compared to standard 60Hz displays. It’s a feature that was once reserved for more expensive phones, so it’s nice to see it in this mid-range device.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 11i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G processor. This chip is built on a 6nm process, which helps with power efficiency. While it’s not the most powerful processor in Qualcomm’s lineup, it provides good performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which is generous for a mid-range device. This amount of RAM allows for smooth multitasking and helps apps stay open in the background for longer. Users can choose between 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, there’s no option for expandable storage via a microSD card.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera setup on the Huawei Nova 11i. The main rear camera features a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This camera can capture detailed photos in various lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2-megapixel depth sensor, which helps create a bokeh effect in portrait shots.

On the front, there’s a 16-megapixel selfie camera. It’s housed in a small punch-hole cutout at the top of the display. This camera is capable of taking clear selfies and is also useful for video calls.

The camera app on the Nova 11i comes with several features to enhance your photography experience. These include AI scene recognition, which automatically adjusts camera settings based on what you’re photographing, and night mode for better low-light shots.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the highlights of the Huawei Nova 11i is its large 5000 mAh battery. This capacity is above average for a mid-range phone and should easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. For many users, it might even stretch to two days with lighter use.

When it comes time to recharge, the Nova 11i supports 40W fast charging. Huawei claims this can charge the battery to 60% in just 30 minutes. This fast charging capability is a great feature for those who are always on the go and need to quickly top up their phone’s battery.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Nova 11i runs on EMUI 13, which is based on Android. EMUI offers a clean and intuitive user interface with several customization options. Users can personalize their home screen layout, apply themes, and use various gesture controls.

However, it’s important to note that due to ongoing restrictions, Huawei devices don’t come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. Instead, they use Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery for downloading apps. While the AppGallery’s selection has grown significantly, some popular apps may not be available or may need to be sideloaded.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the Huawei Nova 11i supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has GPS for navigation and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.

One feature that some users might miss is NFC (Near Field Communication). This technology is useful for contactless payments and quick pairing with other devices. Its absence might be a drawback for those who frequently use these features.

Comparison with Other Models

When compared to its siblings, the Huawei Nova 11i holds its own. The Nova 11 offers a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display but with OLED technology, which provides better contrast and color reproduction. The Nova 11 also has a more powerful processor and a higher-resolution 50MP main camera. However, these upgrades come at a higher price point.

The Nova 10 Pro, while older, offers some premium features like a 120Hz OLED display and a more versatile camera system with an ultra-wide lens. It also has faster charging capabilities at 100W. However, it comes with a smaller 4500 mAh battery compared to the Nova 11i’s 5000 mAh.

The Nova 10 SE and Nova 10 sit between these models, offering varying combinations of features. The Nova 10 SE, for instance, has a 108MP main camera, while the Nova 10 boasts a sleeker design and an OLED display.

Comparison with Competitors

In the same price range as the Huawei Nova 11i, there are several compelling options from other brands. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offers a similar-sized AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 5G connectivity. It also comes with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, which the Nova 11i lacks.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is another strong competitor. It features a 108MP main camera and 5G support, although it has a slightly smaller battery at 4500 mAh. However, it does offer faster 67W charging.

Nokia’s G60 5G provides a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, 5G connectivity, and a durable design, although its processor may not be as powerful as the Nova 11i’s.

The Google Pixel 6a, while slightly more expensive, offers excellent camera performance and the pure Android experience with quick updates. However, it has a smaller display and battery compared to the Nova 11i.

In the budget segment, phones like the Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G and Infinix Note 30 Pro offer competitive specs at lower price points. They often include large displays, high-resolution cameras, and big batteries, although they may compromise on build quality or software optimization.

Realme and Oppo also have several models in this price range, such as the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G and Oppo Reno8 T 5G. These phones often prioritize fast charging and sleek designs, with some models offering AMOLED displays and 5G connectivity.

Pros and Cons of the Huawei Nova 11i

To help you make an informed decision, let’s summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of the Huawei Nova 11i:

Pros:

1. Large 6.8-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
2. Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery
3. 40W fast charging support
4. Decent 48MP main camera
5. 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
6. Sleek design with slim bezels

Cons:

1. No 5G support
2. Lack of Google Mobile Services
3. No expandable storage
4. No NFC for contactless payments
5. IPS LCD display instead of OLED
6. No ultra-wide or telephoto camera lenses

Who Should Buy the Huawei Nova 11i?

The Huawei Nova 11i is a good choice for users who prioritize battery life, screen size, and overall value for money. It’s particularly suitable for:

1. Students or professionals who need a phone with a large display for reading, browsing, or light productivity tasks.
2. Users who value long battery life and fast charging capabilities.
3. People who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, messaging, social media, and web browsing.
4. Those who are comfortable using Huawei’s AppGallery or sideloading apps instead of relying on Google Play Store.
5. Budget-conscious buyers looking for a stylish phone with decent performance.

However, it may not be the best choice for:

1. Heavy gamers who need top-tier performance.
2. Photography enthusiasts who require a versatile multi-camera setup.
3. Users who heavily rely on Google services and apps.
4. Those who need 5G connectivity for future-proofing.