Huawei Nova 8i

In Qatar, the Huawei Nova 8i is available in two variants. The 6GB RAM / 128GB storage model is priced at QAR 725, while the 8GB RAM / 128GB storage version costs QAR 999.

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

Huawei Nova 8i Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.67-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2376 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
RAM	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB
Rear Camera	64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	16MP
Battery	4300mAh, 66W fast charging
Operating System	Android 10, EMUI 11

 

The Huawei Nova 8i was released on July 22, 2021. It features a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, which offers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

One of the standout features of the Nova 8i is its camera setup. The rear quad-camera system includes a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This versatile camera array allows users to capture a wide range of photos in different scenarios. The front-facing 16MP camera is suitable for selfies and video calls.

The Nova 8i comes with a 4300mAh battery, which should provide enough power for a full day of use for most users. It also supports 66W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0% to 60% in just 17 minutes, according to Huawei. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to quickly top up their phone’s battery during the day.

In terms of software, the Nova 8i runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s EMUI 11 skin on top. However, it’s important to note that due to ongoing restrictions, the phone does not come with Google Mobile Services. Instead, it uses Huawei Mobile Services and the AppGallery for app downloads.

Comparison with Other Smartphones

When compared to other Huawei models, the Nova 8i sits between the Nova 8 and the Nova 7 SE in terms of specifications and price. The Nova 8 offers a more powerful Kirin 985 processor and a higher refresh rate display, but at a higher price point. The Nova 7 SE, while slightly older, provides 5G connectivity, which the Nova 8i lacks.

Compared to other brands in a similar price range, the Nova 8i faces stiff competition. The OnePlus Nord N200 5G, for instance, offers 5G connectivity and a 90Hz display at a lower price point, although its camera setup is not as advanced as the Nova 8i’s. 

The Samsung Galaxy A52 provides a higher refresh rate display, water resistance, and longer software support, but it‘s typically priced higher than the Nova 8i.

In the mid-range segment, phones from brands like Realme, Oppo, and Xiaomi often offer similar or better specifications at competitive prices. For example, the Realme 8 Pro provides a 108MP main camera and faster charging at a similar price point.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 108MP camera, often at a lower price than the Nova 8i.

The Nokia X20 and Google Pixel 4a, while in a similar price range, offer different strengths. The Nokia X20 provides a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, while the Pixel 4a offers exceptional camera performance and the pure Google experience. However, both may lag behind the Nova 8i in terms of raw specifications.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Nova 8i boasts a sleek and modern design that’s sure to catch the eye. It features a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back, which is common for phones in this price range. The device measures 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm and weighs 190 grams, making it relatively slim and lightweight for a phone with a 6.67-inch display.

The phone’s front is dominated by the large display, with minimal bezels and a small punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera. This design choice maximizes the screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The rear of the phone houses the quad-camera setup in a circular module, which adds a distinctive look to the device.

The Nova 8i is available in three color options: Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, and Starry Black. These color choices offer a range of options to suit different personal preferences. The phone’s build quality feels solid, with no creaks or flexing when pressure is applied.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button, which also doubles as a fingerprint sensor. This side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, providing quick and secure access to the device. The bottom of the phone houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome inclusion for those who prefer wired audio.

Display and Multimedia Experience

The Huawei Nova 8i features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels. This results in a pixel density of about 391 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The display covers approximately 89.4% of the front of the device, providing an immersive viewing experience.

While the display is not AMOLED, which would offer deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, the IPS LCD panel on the Nova 8i still provides good color reproduction and viewing angles. The display’s brightness is adequate for most situations, although it might struggle a bit under direct sunlight.

One area where the Nova 8i’s display falls short compared to some competitors is the refresh rate. It offers a standard 60Hz refresh rate, while many phones in this price range now offer 90Hz or even 120Hz displays. A higher refresh rate would have provided smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience.

For multimedia consumption, the Nova 8i’s large display is a definite plus. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games, the screen size and resolution combine to offer an enjoyable experience. The phone also supports Widevine L1, which means you can stream HD content from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Audio-wise, the Nova 8i comes with a single bottom-firing speaker. While it gets reasonably loud, the audio quality is average, lacking the depth and clarity you’d get from a stereo speaker setup. However, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired headphones or want to connect to external speakers easily.

Camera Performance

The camera system is one of the standout features of the Huawei Nova 8i. The quad-camera setup on the rear consists of:

1. 64MP main camera (f/1.9 aperture)
2. 8MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree field of view)
3. 2MP macro camera (f/2.4 aperture)
4. 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4 aperture)

The main 64MP camera uses pixel binning technology to produce 16MP images by default, which helps in capturing more light and reducing noise in photos. In good lighting conditions, the main camera captures detailed images with accurate colors. The dynamic range is generally good, although it can struggle a bit in high-contrast scenes.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera allows you to capture more of the scene in a single shot. While it doesn’t match the main camera in terms of detail, it’s still useful for landscape shots or group photos. There’s some noticeable distortion at the edges, which is common for ultra-wide lenses.

The 2MP macro camera allows you to take close-up shots of small objects. While it’s a nice feature to have, the low resolution limits its usefulness. You might often get better results by using the main camera and cropping the image.

The 2MP depth sensor assists with portrait mode shots, helping to create a bokeh effect by blurring the background. The edge detection is generally good, although it can sometimes struggle with complex outlines.

In low-light conditions, the Nova 8i’s camera performance is decent but not exceptional. The night mode helps to brighten up dark scenes and reduce noise, but the results can sometimes look a bit soft or over-processed.

For selfies, the Nova 8i sports a 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It captures good-quality selfies in well-lit environments, with accurate skin tones and a fair amount of detail. The portrait mode for selfies works well, with good background blur and generally accurate edge detection.

Video recording capabilities on the Nova 8i are somewhat limited compared to some competitors. The rear camera can record up to 1080p video at 30 frames per second, while some phones in this price range offer 4K recording. The lack of optical image stabilization means that videos can be a bit shaky if you’re not using a tripod or gimbal.

Overall, the camera system on the Huawei Nova 8i is versatile and capable of producing good results in most situations. While it may not match the camera performance of more expensive flagship devices, it offers a solid photography experience for its price range.

Performance and Gaming

The Huawei Nova 8i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, an octa-core chip built on an 11nm process. This processor is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose. For most day-to-day tasks, this configuration provides smooth and responsive performance.

The Snapdragon 662 is a mid-range processor that balances performance and power efficiency. It’s capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and video streaming without any noticeable lag. Multitasking is generally smooth, especially on the 8GB RAM variant, allowing you to switch between apps quickly.

For gaming, the Nova 8i’s performance is decent but not exceptional. It can handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, for more demanding games or higher graphics settings, you may experience some frame drops or stuttering.

The Adreno 610 GPU in the Snapdragon 662 is adequate for casual gaming but may struggle with more graphically intensive titles. If gaming is a priority for you, there are other phones in this price range with more powerful processors and GPUs that might be better suited to your needs.

In terms of storage, the Nova 8i comes with 128GB of internal storage. This should be sufficient for most users, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. However, it’s worth noting that the phone doesn’t have a microSD card slot for expandable storage, so you’ll need to manage your storage carefully if you tend to store a lot of data on your device.

One area where the Nova 8i falls short compared to some competitors is the lack of 5G support. As 5G networks become more widespread, this could be a consideration if you’re planning to keep the phone for several years and want to take advantage of faster mobile data speeds.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Nova 8i runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s EMUI 11 skin on top. EMUI 11 offers a range of customization options and features, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences. The user interface is generally smooth and responsive, with animations and transitions that feel fluid.

However, it’s crucial to note that due to ongoing restrictions, the Nova 8i does not come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. This means that Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store are not available out of the box. Instead, the phone uses Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the Huawei AppGallery for app downloads.

The lack of GMS can be a significant drawback for many users, especially those who rely heavily on Google services. While Huawei has been working to expand its app ecosystem, the AppGallery still lacks many popular apps that are available on the Google Play Store. There are workarounds to install some Google apps and services, but these can be complex and may not work for all apps.

On the positive side, EMUI 11 offers several useful features:

1. Dark Mode: This system-wide dark theme can help reduce eye strain and potentially save battery life.
2. Always-On Display: This feature shows basic information like time, date, and notifications on the lock screen without fully waking the device.
3. App Twin: This allows you to run two instances of the same app, which can be useful for managing multiple accounts.
4. Performance Mode: This mode optimizes the system for better performance at the cost of increased power consumption.
5. Digital Balance: This feature helps you monitor and manage your screen time and app usage.

EMUI 11 also includes a range of privacy and security features, such as App Lock, which allows you to password-protect individual apps, and Private Space, which creates a separate, secure area on your device for sensitive files and apps.