Huawei nova 11i vs Huawei nova Y91: Which budget phone is supreme?
Mondo Admin / 26-09-2024 / Tech
Discover the key differences between performance, camera quality and battery life, in our detailed comparison of the Huawei nova 11i and nova Y91 and make the right choice for you.
Huawei’s nova series has carved a niche for itself in 2024, offering budget-friendly smartphones that are packed with impressive features. The nova 11i and nova Y91 are two of the latest models designed to appeal to those who want both affordability and functionality. But which device offers the best bang for your buck?
Whether you're a selfie queen, a gaming guru, or a multitasking maestro, finding the right phone and making an informed decision shouldn’t be difficult or strain your budget.
Check out our head-to-head Huawei nova comparison where we break down the differences between the two phones, from display quality to camera performance, battery life to processing power.
Design and Build Quality Comparison
When it comes to design, both the Huawei nova 11i and the nova Y91 are similar in their sleek and modern aesthetics, though there are some differences in size and feel. The Huawei nova 11i is slightly more compact, measuring 75.55 x 164.6 x 8.55 mm weighting 193g. It features a plastic body that utilises 90% of the surface area and is available in back and green.
The Huawei nova Y91 is a bigger and therefore the slightly heavier option, measuring 79.9 x 171.6 x 8.9 mm and weighing 214g. It also features a plastic build, covering 85% of the surface, and is available in black and white, giving it a truly classic look and feel.
Display and Screen Features: Which Is Better?
Both phones offer similar screen specs. The nova 11i comes with a 6.8-inch display, boasting a screen resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels and a pixel density of 385 PPI. It has a 90Hz refresh rate and a 270Hz touch sampling rate, making it smooth and easy for daily use. The hole-punch notch and 2.5D curved glass add to its premium feel.
The Huawei nova Y91 on the other hand has a 6.95-inch display and although it has a slightly lower pixel density of 376 PPI, it still delivers crisp visuals at a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels. The 90Hz refresh rate and a 270Hz touch sampling rate make for a seamless viewing experience, but the wide-screen notch might be a dealbreaker, especially for users who enjoy gaming performance.
Camera Comparison: Photography and Video Capabilities
Smartphone cameras are your social media sidekick, essential for snapping everything from killer selfies to epic videos. The good news is both the Huawei nova 11i and Huawei nova Y91 phones are equipped with similar dual-camera setups.
However, the nova 11i offers more megapixels and video recording options, delivering crisp and detailed shots every time. On the rear, you get a 48MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth sensor, but the front camera is where the nova 11i shines, featuring a 16MP ultra-wide camera with 4K video recording.
The rear camera of the Huawei nova Y91 is similar, with a 50MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth sensor. Sadly, the front camera is a bit of a letdown with only 8MP and the video recording capabilities are also limited to 1080p on both the front and rear, offering less resolution than the nova 11i.
Performance: Processor, RAM, and Speed
Both phones have identical 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, but there are subtle software differences. The Huawei nova 11i runs on HarmonyOS, offering smooth performance and seamless multitasking but its lack of a card slot may limit your ability to expand storage. The Huawei nova Y91 runs on EMUI v13 and has the added bonus of a card slot for extra storage.
Battery Life and Charging: Which Lasts Longer?
The nova Y91 outshines the nova 11i with a significantly larger battery. Its 7000mAh battery is a powerhouse, ensuring longer usage between charges. However, the 22.5W fast charging is slower compared to the nova 11i.
The Huawei nova 11i is powered by a lesser 5000mAh battery with 40W fast charging, ensuring you’re always ready to go with minimal downtime. The reverse charge feature is a handy bonus, allowing you to power up other devices.
Software and User Experience: EMUI Differences
While both phones deliver a smooth and intuitive user experience, depending on your app preferences, the absence of Google services on Huawei devices may be a key factor worth considering.
Which Phone Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Huawei nova 11i and Huawei nova Y91 will depend on your personal preferences. The nova Y91 has a several plus points like 40% more battery power, stereo speakers, a gyroscope, and a wider front camera, while the nova 11i boasts a better 16MP front camera, is lighter, compact and charges faster
The Huawei nova 11i vs nova Y91 - The Verdict
Both the Huawei nova 11i and nova Y91 offer great value but there’s nothing groundbreaking compared to previous models like the nova 10 Pro, so don’t upgrade just for a new look. If you’re new to Huawei or want to upgrade older hardware, your choice will hinge on your priorities and budget. For a larger battery and expandable storage go for the nova Y91. For superior camera quality and faster charging, opt for the nova 11i.
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FAQs
The Huawei nova 11i has a better front camera with a 16MP ultra-wide lens and 4K video recording, making it ideal for selfies and high-quality videos. The nova Y91 has a lower 8MP front camera and can only record videos at 1080p, so it's not as strong in the camera department.
The Huawei nova Y91 has a significantly larger 7000mAh battery, which lasts longer between charges compared to the nova 11i’s 5000mAh battery. However, the nova 11i charges faster with 40W fast charging, while the Y91 offers 22.5W fast charging.
You can expand the storage on the Huawei nova Y91, as it comes with a card slot for extra memory. The Huawei nova 11i, on the other hand, does not have a card slot, so its 128GB of storage cannot be expanded.
Both phones offer smooth performance with 8GB of RAM, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 270Hz touch sampling rate. However, the wider front screen notch on the nova Y91 may be less ideal for gaming. If faster charging is important, the nova 11i might be a better choice.
References:
https://versus.com/en/huawei-nova-11i-vs-huawei-nova-y91
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/nova-11i/
https://www.kimovil.com/en/compare/huawei-nova-11i,huawei-nova-y91