Specs Comparison: Nokia 7 vs Huawei Nova 2i

In this episode of our specs comparison, we will be looking at HMD Global’s newly announced Nokia 7 and compare it with the recently-released Huawei Nova 2i. Let’s go!

The Nokia 7 was just announced in China yesterday. It has a 5.2″ IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, a Snapdragon 630 chipset, a 64GB internal storage, a 4GB/6GB RAM, a 16MP rear camera with Zeiss Dual-sight technology, a 5MP front camera, and a 3,000mAh battery.

The Huawei Nova 2i has already made a buzz after its release due to its decent specs-to-price ratio. It has a 5.9″ IPS LCD dsiplay with 18:9 aspect ratio with 2160 x 1080 resolution, a Kirin 659 chipset, a 64GB internal storage, a 4GB RAM, 16MP + 2MP dual rear cameras with LED flash, a 13MP + 2MP front cameras, and a 3,340mAh battery.

Let us look at their detailed specs:

Here are the advantages of each smartphone.

Nokia 7

+ Gorilla Glass 3

+ Better performing CPU

+ Better performing GPU

+ USB Type-C

+ NFC

+ IP54 dust and splash resistance

Huawei Nova 2i

+ Larger screen size

+ Higher display resolution

+ Dual rear cameras

+ Dual front cameras

+ Higher front camera resolution

+ Slightly larger battery capacity

In terms of display, the Nova 2i has a larger screen size, aspect ratio, and resolution which gives users a better viewing experience. However, this could affect the battery life performance of the device since it draws more power than the the Nokia 7. The latter may have a smaller screen size but it’s portable.

In terms of CPU and GPU, the Snapdragon 630 of the Nokia 7 has a better performing processor than the Kirin 659 of the Nova 2i. We know of this because we have checked out the benchmark score of the Zenfone 4 SD 630 variant since it carries the same chipset as the aforementioned smartphone. It received a score of 68,216 while the latter only received 62,964 when tested on the Antutu benchmark. As for the GPU, the Mali-T830 of the latter is only at par with the Adreno 505 GPU but since the former carries an Adreno 508 one, it is clear that it has a better gaming potential.

Camera-wise, we do not have any record yet of the photo quality for the Nokia 7 but we can safely assume that it will produce decent ones since it carries Zeiss dual-sight technology. We will know more of this once we get our hands on a unit. As for the Nova 2i, you can check out our sample photos which is located on our review for the device here.

For the battery capacity, the Nova 2i has a larger one with 3,340mAh compared with the Nokia 7’s 3,000mAh. Although it may seem that the Nova 2i will have the upperhand in the battery life, one major factor affecting the lifespan of a smartphone resides in its display. Take note that the latter has a larger screen size, aspect ratio, and resolution which will draw more power from the device. It is safe to assume that the former will last longer in terms of battery life but we can only make sure once we test the smartphone out when we get our hands on it.

For overall performance, the Nokia 7 gives a better performance especially in daily tasks and gaming potential, however, we must not underestimate the Nova 2i since it gives a better viewing experience for users.

Before we go to the pricing of these smartphones, let us take note their difference in features. The Nova 2i does not have any Gorilla Glass protection, NFC, dust and splash resistance certification, and lastly, USB Type-C.

The Nokia 7 is priced at ¥2,499 (~Php19,388.10USD 330INR 28,008EUR 315CNY 2,406) for the 4GB variant and  ¥2,699 (~Php20,939.77USD 357INR 30,250EUR 340CNY 2,599) while the Huawei Nova 2i is priced at Php14,990USD 255INR 21,655EUR 243CNY 1,860.

Which of the new smartphones would you pick? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.