The Huawei Nova 8i is a premium-looking mid-range smartphone designed for users who prioritize aesthetics and fast charging speeds. Originally launched globally on 7 July 2021, this device currently retails in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 58,000, which converts to roughly $205 USD. It is a device tailored for media consumers and casual users who want a flagship-like feel without the premium price tag.

Key details

- Model: Huawei Nova 8i
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 58,000
- Price in USD: $205
- Official Website: consumer.huawei.com/pk/
- Fast Charging: 66W Huawei SuperCharge
- Camera: 64MP Main Sensor

Design & Build

The Nova 8i takes inspiration from the flagship Mate series, featuring a circular camera module on the back and a glossy finish that catches the light beautifully. Despite being made of plastic, the curved edges make it feel comfortable in the hand. It weighs 190g, providing a sturdy feel without being overly heavy for daily use.

Display

It sports a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels. The bezels are impressively thin, offering a 94.7% screen-to-body ratio, which makes watching videos highly immersive. While it lacks a high refresh rate—sticking to the standard 60Hz—the color reproduction and sharpness are more than adequate for social media and streaming content.

Performance

Under the hood, the phone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. In real-world usage, the phone handles multitasking and light gaming smoothly. However, it is important to note that the device relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) instead of Google Mobile Services, which requires users to rely on the AppGallery for their favorite applications.

Camera

The quad-camera setup is led by a 64MP primary sensor. During daylight, the photos are crisp with good dynamic range. The 8MP ultrawide lens is useful for landscapes, while the 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors provide basic utility. Selfies are handled by a 16MP front camera that performs well in well-lit environments.

Battery

One of the standout features is the 4300mAh battery. While the capacity is slightly lower than the industry standard, the 66W fast charging makes up for it. You can charge the phone from 0% to 60% in just 17 minutes, and it reaches a full charge in roughly 38 minutes, ensuring you spend very little time tethered to a wall outlet.

Verdict

The Huawei Nova 8i is a solid choice for those who value a stunning design and lightning-fast charging. While the lack of Google Mobile Services might be a hurdle for some, the hardware quality and the efficiency of the 66W charging system make it a reliable companion for daily productivity and media consumption.