Design and Display
The Huawei Nova 3i boasts a distinct design that sets it apart from its predecessor, exuding a premium feel with 2.5D glass on the front and back, complemented by a glossy metallic frame. The 6.3-inch display features a notch that is slightly wider than the one seen on the P20, accommodating a 24-megapixel and 2-megapixel front camera sensor, earpiece, and LED flash. The device also incorporates a hybrid dual SIM tray on the left, with the volume and power lock buttons conveniently located on the right. Additionally, it sports a secondary microphone at the top and a 3.5mm audio port, main microphone, loudspeaker, and microUSB port at the bottom.
Back Design and Handling
The back of the Nova 3i showcases a protruding dual rear camera setup, LED flash, and fingerprint scanner, all encased in a gradient color finish. The device feels comfortable in hand with its glass front and back, offering a unique curved design that is both elegant and easy to grip. The 6.3-inch full view display 2.0 with full HD+ resolution and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio provides a captivating visual experience, further enhanced by adjustable color modes and temperature settings. Users also have the flexibility to hide the notch and enable split-screen support for added convenience.
Audio and Music Party Feature
The Nova 3i's single speaker delivers crisp and loud audio suitable for casual music listening, video playback, and gaming. While the device's audio quality is adequate for hands-free voice calls, using the included earphones or a Bluetooth speaker enhances the overall listening experience. Notably, the Nova 3i introduces a unique feature called "Music Party," which allows synchronized music playback across multiple Nova 3i smartphones or other compatible devices, presenting an engaging and immersive audio experience.
Camera Capabilities
The Huawei Nova 3I is equipped with impressive camera features that cater to both photography enthusiasts and casual users. With dual 16-megapixel and 2-megapixel rear cameras, as well as 24-megapixel and 2-megapixel front cameras, the device is capable of capturing high-quality images and achieving stunning bokeh effects for selfies. Additionally, the inclusion of AR lens features such as 3D emoji and background animation adds a fun and creative element to the camera experience, reminiscent of popular smartphone functionalities. The Nova 3I's AI camera toggle further enhances images automatically, although it may occasionally result in overly saturated and artificial-looking photos. Moreover, the device supports video recording at up to full HD resolution at 60fps, providing users with the flexibility to capture moments in high definition.
Low-Light Performance
While the Nova 3I excels in capturing sharp images with accurate colors and contrast in well-lit environments, its performance in low-light conditions may present some limitations. Images taken in dim settings tend to appear soft and exhibit noticeable noise, potentially impacting the overall clarity of the photos. Despite this, the Nova 3I's camera capabilities remain versatile, catering to a wide range of photography scenarios and preferences.
Software and User Experience
Running on EMUI 8.2.0, which is based on Android 8.1 Oreo, the Huawei Nova 3I offers a user interface that closely aligns with the experience found in other honor devices. The interface features multiple home screens for app organization, alongside convenient access to toggle keys and notifications by swiping down from the top. However, the presence of pre-installed apps, including those from Huawei and third-party sources, may result in a cluttered user experience for some individuals. While these apps can be uninstalled, the process may require additional effort, especially for users with storage concerns.
Clean and Customizable Interface
Despite the presence of pre-installed apps, the Nova 3I's interface retains a clean and intuitive design, offering users the flexibility to customize their home screens and app layouts according to their preferences. Additionally, the inclusion of features such as the phone manager, themes app, and gallery further enhances the overall user experience, allowing users to personalize and optimize their device to suit their individual needs.
Hardware and Performance
The Huawei Nova 3I is powered by a Kirin 710 octa-core chipset clocked at 2.2 gigahertz and a Mali G-51 GPU, delivering impressive performance for everyday tasks such as navigating the UI and multitasking between apps. The device's fingerprint scanner and face unlock feature are fast and responsive, offering seamless device unlocking comparable to the P20 series. With 4GB of RAM, running multiple apps simultaneously and gaming, including popular titles like Asphalt 9 and Mobile Legends, is smooth and efficient. The Nova 3I's hardware ensures a reliable and responsive user experience across various usage scenarios.
Connectivity
The Huawei Nova 3I provides dual 4G with voice over LTE support, ensuring fast and reliable mobile data connectivity. Additionally, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS functionalities are seamlessly integrated, catering to diverse connectivity needs. While the absence of NFC may be noted, its omission does not significantly impact the device's overall connectivity capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of usage scenarios.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 3340mAh battery, the Huawei Nova 3I offers reliable all-day battery life, with enough power to last through extended usage. In a video loop test, the device demonstrated impressive endurance, delivering approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes of playback when playing a 1080p video at 50% brightness and volume. The Nova 3I's battery performance ensures long-lasting usage, making it a dependable companion for daily activities.
Comparing the Nova 3I to its Predecessor
The Huawei Nova 3I builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Nova 2I, by offering significant upgrades across various aspects. It features a larger screen, improved performance, a more premium body design, higher resolution cameras, doubled storage capacity, and introduces new features. However, it is worth noting that the Nova 3I lacks USB Type-C, video stabilization, and a dedicated micro SD card slot, which were present in its predecessor. Despite these omissions, the Nova 3I presents a compelling upgrade over the Nova 2I, catering to the evolving needs of mid-range smartphone users.
Pricing and Competitiveness
With a price tag of fifteen thousand nine hundred ninety pesos, the Huawei Nova 3I offers a competitive value proposition in the mid-range smartphone segment. Priced just 1000 pesos higher than the introductory price of the Nova 2I, the Nova 3I delivers enhanced features and performance, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking a balance of affordability and functionality. Its competitive pricing solidifies its position as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, providing users with a compelling choice that offers excellent value for money.
Is the Nova 3I the New Mid-Range King?
The Huawei Nova 3I emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering enhanced features, impressive performance, and excellent value for money. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and versatile camera capabilities, the Nova 3I sets a new standard for mid-range smartphones, catering to the evolving needs of consumers.
FAQ
What are the standout features of the Huawei Nova 3I?
The Huawei Nova 3I boasts a sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities, making it a standout choice in the mid-range smartphone segment. Its 6.3-inch display, dual rear and front cameras, and Kirin 710 chipset contribute to its appeal.
How does the Nova 3I compare to its predecessor, the Nova 2I?
The Nova 3I offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a larger screen, improved performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and doubled storage capacity. However, it lacks certain features present in the Nova 2I, such as USB Type-C, video stabilization, and a dedicated micro SD card slot.
What sets the Nova 3I apart from its competitors in the mid-range segment?
The Nova 3I stands out due to its competitive pricing, premium design, impressive camera features, and reliable performance. It presents a compelling value proposition, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
