Huawei has learned to reinvent itself over the course of these few years of severe commercial lockdown, and its phone lineup was the one to adopt this change the fastest to avoid the impact of limited resource availability on the tough mobile market. A few days ago I used the Huawei Nova 8i and though I'm not learning to live with this version of Android, I think it can defend itself as a smartphone. This is the opinion of NIUSGEEK.

Huawei Nova 8i: technical specifications

Huawei Nova 8i: a polished design

While it's clear that design isn't everything on a phone, Huawei's style guide still finds fascinating paths like on this Nova 8i. To start with, we have a back cover with a pronounced curve that makes it easy to grip and contrasts with the straight lines of the screen.

On these slightly wide edges rests the interaction with the hardware: a fingerprint reader for the lock under the volume control, a headphone port on top and a SIM tray, a loudspeaker and a USB-C input on the base.

This "Moonlight silver" model has a slightly pink twist as it refracts what is in front of it, although it does not get rid of fingerprints. The aggressive camera layout is a classic Huawei feature complemented by an off-circle LED flash.

Huawei Nova 8i: screen with very thin edges

This is another detail that I liked and which, it is true, stands out. We have a very thin screen bezel on almost all edges except the bottom one. I have not seen such thin bezels on a flat panel in a long time.

Yes, we have a 1080p panel that captures colors well and responds well to touch, but the refresh rate does not exceed 60 Hz, which is a recurring detail in the category in which this smartphone competes.

Huawei Nova 8i: EMUI as software without Google support

I have already commented on my impressions of using HMS as an integrated service in Huawei hardware under Android, and it is in phones that the lack of Google is most noticeable. However, my grid of ordinary applications has grown, although there are still places to fill.

In terms of security, Huawei is leaving us with fixes until July 2021 and with EMUI version 11.0.1 I don't really know to what extent Huawei's service independence can improve the update speed, now that it can get a steady hand in AOSP and that theoretically it doesn't follow the dark trail Google update.

Regarding app syncing, I was able to control Spotify music on PC from my phone and watch Netflix or Disney Plus by syncing previews So far my limitation in using HMS is syncing WhatsApp from my Android phone with Google as no backup is done If this is not a problem for you, I consider using these applications in Huawei as a solvent.

Of course, nothing from Google in terms of maps, e-mail, YouTube, home automation, assistant or browser synchronization, but that was already known.

Huawei Nova 8i: There is no such advantage in cameras

In this case, we are dealing with a quadruple arrangement where the 64MP sensor stands out as the main lens, but eats away the photographic process under all shooting conditions. While we can get good photos, the lens creates a "flare" effect when it comes into direct light. if you are looking for this effect but the photos are less clean.

When used with a wide angle lens, it works well in natural light. Too bad "night mode" is not covered in this chapter.

A macro lens allows you to take pictures as close as 4cm from the lens, although 2MP is a limitation in terms of detail.

The front camera is compatible but at times it seems to suffer from backlighting, be it natural or artificial.

Aside from the software issue, what worries me about this team is performance compared to teams in the same price range, which could be a bit more profitable in this section. Huawei isn't bad at this, but there are brands that process photos better and movies. Hence my fears:

Huawei Nova 8i: We deserve a better processor

Here, I think, the team's problem focuses: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662. In other reviews I have been very critical of the integrated one and the limitations it causes on other models, and this is no exception. Overall, the hardware performs well in navigation and use, but it is the image process and the hardest steps that still fail in execution.

In my photos, I had several involuntary sweeps when using the night or longest exposure mode, a problem that computational photography can solve. Too long processing is another feature of this Qualcomm chipset.

Besides, we have a stable band in 4G connectivity and dual band Wi-Fi as I had no signal drops or connection issues. Even on bluetooth 5 Nova 8i no stability issues.

The multimedia is somewhat drowned out by the average level of contrast on the screen and the audio output through one loudspeaker. The good thing is we have an FM radio. In terms of security, it's well known that Huawei is developing a good fingerprint detection and facial recognition system, and this Nova 8i go keeps.

Huawei Nova 8i: There is nothing to discuss in autonomy

While 4300mAh is a small number compared to the standard mid-range, the band does a good job of energy control. Overall, during my use, I was able to hit the end of the day with 35 or 40% wattage, although having a 60Hz screen and HMS instead of Google services, it helps to use less of the phone. Another lapidary point is the use of 66W charging for this battery, a formidable and solid system in which Huawei has had a significant development advantage over the years. charge in 40 minutes.

Huawei Nova 8i: Is It Worth It?

I think of Viktor Navorsky's momentary struggle with migration to airports as he waited for his green seal to enter the United States in the marvelous movie Terminal. Here, Google's absence is always killing me, and it's the red seal at border control. That's not to say that for those looking for an option without Google and with traditional Android apps that don't require this system, this phone might be convenient for its autonomy, looks, and connectivity. The camera disappointed me a bit, and the Snapdragon 662 always leaves it behind. I have a bad taste in my mouth. It doesn't feel like a bad phone as long as you accept the restrictions I mention.

Equipment on loan from Huawei Peru from November 2 until review publication.Price in the local market: 1299 soles.