The Huawei Nova 13i is a stylish and budget-friendly smartphone that combines solid performance, a great camera setup, and a large battery while staying within a reasonable price range. Released in January 2025, this device is set to appeal to users looking for a reliable mid-range phone focusing on camera quality and fast charging. Here’s a closer look at its features.
Table of Contents
Design & Build
The Huawei Nova 13i has a sleek design, with a 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm body and a weight of just 199g. The phone feels solid in hand, with a modern aesthetic featuring a glass front and a smooth plastic back. While it doesn’t feature an IP rating, the build quality still feels premium for its price. The device comes in two attractive colors, White and Blue, which give it a clean, polished look.
Display
The 6.7-inch IPS LCD offers decent clarity with a 1080 x 2388 pixels resolution. The screen delivers a 391 ppi density, ensuring sharp text and images. Though it may not be as vibrant or bright as AMOLED screens, the display is still good for everyday tasks, browsing, and streaming. With a 90Hz refresh rate, the phone offers a smooth and responsive touch experience, especially when navigating the UI or playing casual games. The always-on display feature is a nice addition for quick access to time, notifications, and battery status.
Performance
Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 13i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, a solid performer for mid-range devices. With an octa-core CPU (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) and Adreno 610 GPU, it efficiently handles most daily tasks, from browsing and social media to light gaming. It may not be the fastest chip on the market, but it provides good efficiency and solid performance for the price.
The device has 128GB of internal storage with 8GB RAM or 256GB with 8GB RAM, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. However, there’s no microSD card slot for further expansion, so choosing the right storage option is crucial.
Camera Setup
The Huawei Nova 13i’s 108MP primary camera is a standout feature at this price point. It delivers sharp and detailed photos in well-lit conditions, with accurate colors and a good dynamic range. The 2MP depth sensor helps create a bokeh effect for portraits, although the results are not as refined as those of more expensive devices. The camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps, which is standard for mid-range smartphones.
For selfies, the 8MP front camera performs well enough for casual photos and video calls. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring your selfies are clear and detailed.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5000mAh battery is a great feature, providing plenty of power for an entire day of use, even with moderate to heavy screen time. Whether browsing, watching videos, or using social media, the phone will easily last throughout the day.
Regarding charging, the 40W wired charging is fast and efficient, reaching 3-62% in just 30 minutes. This is particularly convenient for users who need a quick power boost during the day, making the Nova 13i ideal for those with a busy lifestyle.
Audio & Connectivity
The Huawei Nova 13i features stereo speakers, providing good sound quality for watching videos or listening to music. However, like many modern smartphones, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you must rely on Bluetooth or USB-C headphones.
For connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS, making it well-equipped for all your wireless needs. It also includes NFC, so you can easily make payments or transfer files.
Software
Running on EMUI 14.2, the Huawei Nova 13i offers a clean and smooth software experience. However, it does not support Google Play Services, which may limit access to some popular apps. Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party app stores can fill the gap, but this is something to consider when choosing this device.
Price & Availability
The Huawei Nova 13i is priced at around 200 EUR, making it an affordable option for users looking for a reliable smartphone focusing on camera quality and fast charging. While it may lack Google Play Services, its features and performance still make it a strong competitor in the mid-range market.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei Nova 13i delivers excellent value for money, especially with its 108MP primary camera, large battery, and fast charging capabilities. While it may not have all the high-end features of flagship devices, it provides a solid smartphone experience for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a phone with good performance, a capable camera, and reliable battery life, the Nova 13i is certainly worth considering.
