Huawei nova 8i

Huawei nova 8i Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger With a Few Notable Caveats

I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Huawei nova 8i through its paces, and it’s been an interesting experience, to say the least. Coming in at a mid-range price point, this phone is clearly aimed at users who want a stylish device without breaking the bank. After some thorough testing, focusing on daily use, photography, and general performance, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what the nova 8i brings to the table – and where it falls a little short.

Navigating a Unique Market Position

The Huawei nova 8i arrives in a market still adjusting to Huawei's unique situation. The elephant in the room, of course, is the absence of Google Mobile Services. This significantly shapes the phone's appeal and usability for many. From my perspective, Huawei is clearly doubling down on its own ecosystem, and the nova 8i serves as a compelling entry point into that world. The pricing feels competitive for the hardware on offer, but potential buyers need to be aware of the software landscape they’re stepping into.

Design That Doesn't Disappoint

My first impression of the nova 8i was definitely positive in terms of design. The "Starry Black" colour of my review unit looks and feels quite premium, defying its mid-range status. The phone is undeniably sleek, and while the 6.67-inch display contributes to a larger footprint, it still feels comfortable enough in hand. However, at 190 grams and with a thickness approaching 9mm, it's not the lightest or slimmest phone out there. You'll certainly notice it in your pocket, but the build quality feels reassuringly solid. The materials used don’t scream cheap, and overall, it presents a polished aesthetic.

A Display That Gets the Job Done

The display is a 6.67-inch IPS LCD, and while it lacks the vibrant punch of an OLED, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday tasks. I found the 1080 x 2376 pixel resolution sharp enough for comfortable reading and enjoyable video consumption. With a pixel density of 391ppi, details are crisp, and I had no issues scrolling through social media or watching YouTube. While it doesn't boast the inky blacks and vibrant colours of an OLED, the brightness was sufficient for most indoor and even some outdoor scenarios. What impressed me most about the screen was its responsiveness. The 180Hz touch sampling rate makes scrolling and navigating feel noticeably smoother than I initially anticipated for a phone in this category. Gaming felt responsive, and general UI interactions were fluid.

Performance: Everyday Tasks Are Handled With Ease

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 662 chipset isn’t a flagship powerhouse, but in my testing, it proved to be a capable performer for everyday tasks. I could seamlessly switch between browsing, emails, and social media apps without any noticeable lag. While I wouldn't recommend it for graphically intensive gaming, it handled less demanding titles without a hitch. My experience with multitasking was also positive, and the 6GB of RAM seemed sufficient to keep several apps running in the background. The phone didn’t get excessively hot during my testing, even when pushing it with some moderate gaming, which is a definite plus. It strikes a good balance for users who prioritize smooth daily operation over hardcore gaming performance.

A Surprisingly Versatile Camera System

The camera system was one of the pleasant surprises of the nova 8i. The 64-megapixel main sensor punches above its weight, capturing some genuinely impressive shots, particularly in good lighting conditions. I remember snapping some photos of a sunlit landscape, and the level of detail and colour accuracy was quite pleasing. The inclusion of an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens is useful for capturing broader scenes, though there’s a noticeable drop in quality compared to the main sensor, which is typical for this price range. There’s also a 2-megapixel macro lens, which, to be honest, I didn’t find myself using extensively, and two 2-megapixel depth sensors, which felt a bit redundant. I did manage to grab some decent family photos during a recent trip, and the versatility of having different lenses came in handy for quick snaps. While it's not going to compete with top-tier camera phones, for its price point, the nova 8i offers a surprisingly capable and versatile photography experience for everyday users.

Battery Life and Charging: A Tale of Two Halves

Battery life on the nova 8i has been a bit of a mixed bag in my experience. The 4300mAh battery is decent and will generally get you through a standard day of mixed usage. However, if you're a heavy user, frequently using GPS or indulging in extended video sessions, you might find yourself needing a top-up before the day is over. That's where the 66W SuperCharge comes to the rescue. This is where the nova 8i truly shines. The charging speed is remarkably fast, and I’ve been consistently impressed by how quickly it can replenish the battery. This fast charging capability has been a real lifesaver on several occasions when I needed a quick power boost.

Software: Navigating the Huawei Ecosystem

The Huawei nova 8i runs on Android 10 with Huawei's EMUI skin on top. While the interface is generally smooth and intuitive, the absence of Google Mobile Services remains a significant factor. Daily usage requires adapting to Huawei’s AppGallery for app downloads, and while it has grown considerably, it still lacks some popular apps available on the Google Play Store. While workarounds exist for some Google apps, it's not a seamless experience. The lack of NFC for contactless payments is another omission that I personally found inconvenient. While Huawei's own services are developing, the reliance on an older version of Android without native Google support is a crucial consideration for potential buyers.

Value Analysis: Weighing Features Against Ecosystem Limitations

Assessing the value of the Huawei nova 8i requires careful consideration of its price point and feature set against the backdrop of its software limitations. For the asking price, you get a well-designed phone with a good display, capable performance for everyday tasks, and a surprisingly versatile camera system, topped off with incredibly fast charging. However, the lack of Google services and NFC are significant drawbacks for many users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.

I believe this phone is a solid option for users who are less reliant on Google services or are willing to adapt to Huawei's ecosystem. It could also appeal to those who prioritize fast charging and a stylish design in a mid-range device.

However, if access to the full suite of Google apps is a must-have, or if NFC for mobile payments is essential, then you’d be better served looking elsewhere. Competitors in this price range, while perhaps lacking the same charging speed, offer the convenience of Google services.

Conclusion: A Capable Contender with a Specific Audience

The Huawei nova 8i is a capable mid-range smartphone with several compelling features, particularly its design, camera, and incredibly fast charging. It offers a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and presents a good value proposition for the hardware on offer. However, the absence of Google services and NFC are significant factors that cannot be overlooked.

Ultimately, whether the Huawei nova 8i is the right phone for you depends on your individual needs and your willingness to navigate the Huawei ecosystem. If you’re comfortable with the limitations, or perhaps already invested in Huawei’s offerings, then the nova 8i is a well-rounded device that offers a lot for its price. But for those heavily reliant on Google services, the compromises might be too significant to ignore.