Huawei Nova 8i review
The Huawei Huawei Nova 8i ranks as the #705 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 42. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #632-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the Honor X6a or vivo Y28 4G, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Nova 8i boasts a sleek, modern design with a glossy, curved back that exudes a premium feel despite its plastic construction. Available in Black, Blue, and Silver, its slim profile (8.6 mm thick) and lightweight frame (190 g) ensure effortless handling. The 6.67-inch display features slim bezels and a 2.5D curved glass edge, enhancing both visual immersion and ergonomic grip. While the plastic body may lack the heft of metal or glass, its polished finish and curved contours provide a comfortable, grippy experience. The device’s compact dimensions (74.7 mm width) balance portability with a large-screen feel, making it a visually striking yet practical choice for everyday use. For an improved design, Huawei nova Y70 is worth considering.
Battery Life
The Huawei Nova 8i is equipped with a 4300 mAh battery, delivering all-day usage on a single charge. Its 66W fast charging capability allows the device to reach 100% power in approximately 38 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. The battery’s non-removable design maintains a sleek profile while supporting rapid energy replenishment. With efficient power management, the phone sustains performance through extended tasks, making it ideal for users prioritizing long-lasting battery life and quick recharging solutions. You might want to check out Honor X20 SE, featuring an upgraded battery for a superior experience.
Display
The Huawei Nova 8i features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2376 pixels) and a vibrant 391 PPI pixel density, ensuring sharp, immersive visuals. Its 2.5D curved glass edges blend seamlessly with the frameless design, creating a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic. Slim bezels maximize screen real estate, while a hole-punch notch houses the front-facing camera, preserving uninterrupted viewing. The display supports a peak brightness of 500 cd/m² for clear visibility in sunlight and a 180 Hz touch sampling rate for responsive interactions. With a 20:9 aspect ratio and capacitive multi-touch capabilities, it balances portability and productivity, delivering rich colors and smooth performance for everyday use. Take a look at Huawei Enjoy 50 Pro - its improved display sets a new standard.
Camera
The Huawei Nova 8i’s quad-camera system offers versatile photography options, anchored by a 64MP main lens for sharp, detailed images. Complementing it is an 8MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots, while two 2MP sensors handle depth and macro photography. The setup supports digital zoom, digital image stabilization, and features like autofocus, HDR, and scene modes to enhance photo quality. However, the lack of optical stabilization and smaller sensor sizes may result in darker, shadow-heavy outputs in low-light or shaded environments, requiring post-processing for optimal clarity. The front-facing 16MP camera delivers clear selfies, aided by a 118° ultra-wide angle for group shots. While the hardware prioritizes resolution, software enhancements and features like phase detection autofocus aim to balance performance for everyday use. If you're after top-notch camera, consider Honor X9.
Price and Value
The Huawei Nova 8i offers mid-range value with a balance of performance, battery life, and camera versatility. While lacking flagship specs, its 66W fast charging and quad-camera setup justify its positioning. However, the absence of official services and plastic build may affect perceived premium appeal.
Performance
The Huawei Nova 8i delivers smooth performance with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, 6GB RAM, and Adreno 610 GPU, handling daily tasks and multimedia efficiently. While its mid-range specs ensure reliable operation for browsing, gaming, and apps, heavy multitasking or resource-intensive workflows may show minor limitations. An Antutu score of 201,000 (top 55% of devices) reflects balanced efficiency, making it a practical choice for users prioritizing consistent, no-frills performance without flagship-level power. Give Huawei nova Y71 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Pros
1. Fast 66W charging and 4300 mAh battery ensure all-day usage with quick replenishment.
2. Vibrant 6.67-inch Full HD+ display with 391 PPI and 2.5D curved glass for immersive visuals.
3. Quad-camera system with 64MP main lens and versatile shooting modes for detailed photography.
4. Smooth performance from Snapdragon 662 and 6GB RAM for everyday tasks and multimedia.
5. Sleek design with slim bezels, curved edges, and multiple color options for a modern aesthetic.
Cons
1. Plastic body may feel less premium compared to metal or glass alternatives.
2. Lacks optical image stabilization, potentially affecting low-light photo quality.
3. No official services (e.g., Google Mobile Services) may limit ecosystem integration.
4. No expandable storage via microSD slot, restricting future upgrades.
5. Mid-range processor may struggle with heavy multitasking or high-end gaming.
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