Huawei nova 11i Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Huawei Nova 11i is a mid-range smartphone that was announced on May 1st, 2023 and released on May 11th, 2023. Boasting a sleek design and powerful specifications, the Nova 11i is a highly anticipated addition to the Huawei Nova lineup. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, 128GB of internal storage, an 8GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery capacity, this smartphone is designed to be a reliable and efficient device for everyday use. The Huawei Nova 11i is also equipped with a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, making it ideal for streaming videos and browsing the web.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Nova 11i boasts a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads. Its physical appearance is quite stunning, with its large 6.8-inch display taking up almost the entirety of the front of the device. The phone has a slim profile and a lightweight frame, making it easy to hold and use with one hand.

The materials used in the construction of the Huawei Nova 11i are of high quality, with a sturdy metal frame and a durable glass back. The phone also features a splash and dust resistant design, which is a bonus for those who are constantly on the go and need a phone that can withstand the elements.

When it comes to ergonomics and comfort, the Huawei Nova 11i does not disappoint. The phone has a smooth and comfortable feel in the hands, with well-placed buttons and ports that are easy to access.

In terms of durability, the Huawei Nova 11i is built to last. It has a solid construction that can withstand minor drops and accidents. The phone's glass back is also scratch-resistant, which is a huge plus for those who are prone to dropping their devices.

Overall, the Huawei Nova 11i's design and build quality are impressive. The phone's sleek and modern design, durable construction, and comfortable ergonomics make it a top choice for those who are looking for a high-quality device that looks and feels great.

Display

The Huawei Nova 11i boasts a large 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and seamless user experience. The screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 385 PPI. The display is bright and vibrant, with accurate color reproduction, making it a pleasure to use for streaming videos and browsing the web.

The phone features a high screen-to-body ratio of around 90%, which is impressive and provides an immersive viewing experience. The screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, providing some added durability.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are excellent, and it has a good level of brightness, making it easy to use outdoors in bright sunlight. Overall, the display on the Huawei Nova 11i is a standout feature, making it an excellent choice for media consumption and gaming.

Performance

The Huawei Nova 11i is a smartphone that packs a punch when it comes to performance. Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset that is paired with an octa-core processor with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The phone also comes with Adreno 610 GPU that ensures smooth graphics performance.

The Nova 11i has an impressive 8GB of RAM that makes multitasking a breeze. The phone's 128GB internal storage also provides ample space for your apps, photos, and videos. Unfortunately, there is no option for expandable storage, but with the amount of internal storage available, this should not be a problem for most users.

In terms of real-world usage, the phone performs exceptionally well. Apps load quickly, and the phone is responsive to touch. Multitasking is a breeze, and the phone can handle several apps running in the background without any lag. The gaming experience on the Nova 11i is also impressive, thanks to the powerful chipset and GPU.

Benchmark scores on the Nova 11i are also impressive. The phone scored high in both single-core and multi-core tests, which is a testament to its powerful processing capabilities. The phone also performed well in graphics-intensive tests such as 3DMark.

Overall, the Huawei Nova 11i is a performance powerhouse that will not disappoint. Whether you are using it for everyday tasks or heavy gaming, the phone's powerful processor and ample RAM will ensure that you have a smooth experience.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Nova 11i comes with the latest EMUI 13 operating system, which is built on top of HarmonyOS. The user interface is highly customizable, allowing users to personalize their devices to their liking. The interface is also user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both novice and advanced users.

One impressive feature of the EMUI 13 is the App Twin, which allows users to have two instances of the same app running simultaneously. This is particularly useful for people who use multiple accounts on apps like WhatsApp or Facebook. The device also comes with a plethora of pre-installed apps, including Huawei Assistant, Petal Search, and MeeTime.

The phone's software is also optimized for performance, with features like GPU Turbo and App Assistant. These features help to enhance multitasking and app performance, making it easier to switch between apps and run multiple apps simultaneously.

One downside, however, is the lack of access to Google Play Services due to the ongoing trade ban between Huawei and the United States. This means that users will have to rely on Huawei's AppGallery or other third-party app stores for their app needs.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Huawei Nova 11i are impressive, with a plethora of features that cater to both casual and power users. However, the lack of Google Play Services may be a deal-breaker for some users, especially those who rely heavily on Google apps and services.

Camera

The Huawei Nova 11i boasts an impressive rear camera setup, consisting of a 48 MP primary lens with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor. The camera features LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, providing users with a range of shooting options.

In terms of image quality, the Nova 11i delivers exceptional results in various lighting conditions, including low light. The images capture vivid colors, crisp details, and excellent contrast. The device also features a range of zoom capabilities and image stabilization technology that ensures sharp and steady shots.

The video recording quality is also impressive, with the ability to shoot 1080p at 30 frames per second. The camera also features a front-facing 16 MP lens with f/2.2 aperture, which is perfect for taking selfies or video calling.

Overall, the Nova 11i's camera performance is outstanding and offers users an exceptional photography experience. The camera setup is on par with some of the high-end flagship devices available in the market today.

However, one downside is that the device does not come with any advanced camera features such as night mode, slow-motion video, or ultra-wide-angle lens. Nevertheless, the camera performance is still impressive, and users are bound to be satisfied with the results.

In conclusion, the Huawei Nova 11i's camera is one of its strongest features and is perfect for users who prioritize camera performance in their smartphone. The device delivers exceptional image and video quality, and its camera performance is on par with some of the high-end devices available in the market today.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Huawei Nova 11i offers a range of connectivity options that are expected from a modern smartphone. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE cellular networks, ensuring that you can stay connected even while on the move. The device also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and supports dual-band connectivity, allowing for fast and reliable wireless internet access. Bluetooth 5.0 is included for seamless pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as wireless headphones or speakers.

However, it is disappointing to note that the phone does not support NFC, which means that you cannot use it for contactless payments or other similar transactions. Additionally, the absence of a headphone jack may be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer wired audio solutions.

The Huawei Nova 11i also has GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS positioning systems, which makes navigation more accurate and reliable. The fingerprint sensor is side-mounted, ensuring quick and easy access to your device while also keeping it secure. Other sensors on the device include an accelerometer and a compass, which work together to provide a more immersive and intuitive user experience.

Overall, while the Huawei Nova 11i offers a solid range of connectivity and networking options, the lack of NFC and a headphone jack may be a drawback for some users. However, the inclusion of other features such as fast and reliable Wi-Fi and GPS makes up for these shortcomings.

Additional Features

The Huawei Nova 11i comes with a range of additional features that enhance the user experience. First and foremost, the phone boasts a splash and dust resistant body, ensuring that it can withstand the rigours of everyday use. Additionally, the USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for fast charging, with the phone's impressive 5000mAh battery able to reach 60% charge in just 30 minutes.

Audio quality is also a focus, with the phone featuring dual speakers and support for Hi-Res Audio. While there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, the phone does come with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box, allowing users to use their existing headphones.

The phone's fingerprint sensor is side-mounted, which some users may find more convenient than rear-mounted sensors. The Nova 11i also features an accelerometer and compass, adding to its overall functionality.

One unique feature of the Huawei Nova 11i is the inclusion of the HarmonyOS operating system. While it may take some getting used to for Android users, HarmonyOS offers a streamlined and customizable interface, as well as improved app integration and security features.

Overall, the Huawei Nova 11i's additional features add to its value proposition and make it a compelling choice for those in the market for a mid-range smartphone.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Huawei Nova 11i to other related phones in the market, it is important to note that it falls within the mid-range category and competes with other devices in the same price range.

One of its closest competitors is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro. Both devices offer similar specifications, including a 6.8-inch display, 128GB storage, and a 5000mAh battery. However, the Redmi Note 11 Pro has a slightly better processor with the MediaTek Dimensity 920, compared to the Nova 11i's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680.

Another device that can be compared to the Nova 11i is the Samsung Galaxy A52. Both devices offer an AMOLED display, but the A52 has a slightly smaller screen size at 6.5 inches. The A52 also has a better camera setup, with a quad-camera system including a 64MP main sensor, compared to the Nova 11i's dual-camera setup.

The Oppo A95 5G is another device that can be compared to the Nova 11i, as both devices offer similar specifications such as a 5000mAh battery and 128GB storage. However, the A95 5G has a better processor with the MediaTek Dimensity 900, and also offers 5G connectivity.

Overall, the Huawei Nova 11i offers a well-rounded package in terms of specifications and features, and competes well with other mid-range devices in the market.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

After thoroughly analyzing the Huawei Nova 11i, it's safe to say that this device is a solid contender in the mid-range smartphone market. With a sleek design and impressive build quality, it's clear that Huawei has put a lot of effort into producing a product that is both visually appealing and durable.

The display is one of the standout features of the Nova 11i. The 6.8-inch IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience. The color accuracy and vibrancy of the screen are also commendable, making it a great device for multimedia consumption.

Performance-wise, the Huawei Nova 11i does not disappoint. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and 8GB of RAM provide enough power for multitasking and running various apps smoothly. Additionally, the 128GB internal storage will provide enough space for users to store all their important files and documents.

The camera setup is also impressive, with the dual rear camera setup offering great quality images in various lighting conditions. The 16MP front-facing camera is also great for selfies and video calls.

Overall, the Huawei Nova 11i is a great device that's worth considering for anyone looking for a mid-range smartphone. Though there are some minor drawbacks such as the lack of a headphone jack and NFC support, the device's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. At a price point of 280 EUR, it's a great value for money, making it a great option for those looking for a high-performing smartphone without breaking the bank.