Huawei Nova 3i vs ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018) specs comparison

Due to insistent reader demand, we’ll be putting Huawei‘s newest mid-range smartphone, the Nova 3i against the ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018). Place your bets because we’re about to begin this specs comparison!

The Huawei Nova 3i is currently one of the most hyped smartphones in the country as it sports a 6.3-inch 19.5:9 display with 2340 x 1080 resolution, Kirin 710 processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, 16MP + 2MP dual rear cameras, 24MP + 2MP dual front, and 3,340mAh battery.

The ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018) is the company’s latest mid-range device to sport a Snapdragon 636 processor. It also comes with a 6.2-inch 19:9 display with 2246 x 1080 resolution, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, 12MP + 8MP dual rear cameras, 8MP front camera, and 3,300mAh battery with BoostMaster and Smart Charging technology.

Here are their detailed specs:

Here are their benchmark scores:

Here are the advantages of each smartphone:

Huawei Nova 3i

• Slightly higher screen size

• Higher aspect ratio

• Higher pixel density

• Better Performing CPU

• Better performing GPU

• Larger internal storage

• Higher main rear resolution

• Higher front camera resolution

• Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box

ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018)

• Higher secondary camera resolution

Both smartphones have excellent display specs, however, the Nova 3i came out on top with only a slight lead. Having a better screen size, aspect ratio, resolution, and pixel density means that viewing experience will be a bit more enjoyable.

Performance is the most demanded comparison by our readers so let’s jump right to it. The ZenFone 5 has an AI boost which increases the overall performance and management of resources. Based on the AnTuTu benchmarking app, however, the Nova 3i’s score still beats it even with the boost enabled. This simply means that in overall performance, the latter wins. If users prefer faster performance and better gaming experience, they should already know which to choose.

While it is true that a higher camera resolution is an advantage, it always doesn’t mean that it has better overall shooting performance. The ZenFone 5 proves that statement as it is listed as the top 11 best performing smartphone shooter in DxOMark (see article here). The Nova 3i, on the other hand, also produces excellent images (check here) but we’ve yet to know its placement in the camera benchmarking platform.

Moving on, the ZenFone 5 lasted longer in PC Mark’s Battery Test by a significant time compared to the Nova 3i. Those who are looking for longer battery life should put their money on ASUS’ mid-range star.

For this comparison, the Nova 3i wins in most of the key specs (see advantages), however, the ZenFone 5 does not fall far behind as it has its own perks as well. The Huawei Nova 3i is priced at Php15,990USD 272INR 23,099EUR 260CNY 1,984 while the ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018) is priced at Php19,995USD 341INR 28,885EUR 325CNY 2,481. It will now come down to what users are looking for — camera, performance, or battery life.

What do you guys think? Let us know your thoughts on this comparison in the comments section below.