Introduction
The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with manufacturers vying to deliver cutting-edge features at competitive price points. In this landscape, the Huawei Nova 2i emerges as a compelling mid-range option that punches above its weight class. This comprehensive review delves deep into the Nova 2i's features, specifications, and overall value proposition, offering insights for tech enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
Design and Display: A Visual Masterpiece
At the heart of the Nova 2i's appeal is its impressive 5.9-inch FullView display. This IPS LCD panel boasts a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a crisp 409 ppi pixel density. The 18:9 aspect ratio is a standout feature, offering users an immersive viewing experience that's becoming increasingly standard in modern smartphones.
The near bezel-less design is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's functional too. By maximizing screen real estate without significantly increasing the phone's overall dimensions, Huawei has created a device that feels comfortable in hand despite its large display. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 83% is impressive for a mid-range device, rivaling some flagship models.
Corning Gorilla Glass protection adds durability to the display, offering resistance against scratches and minor impacts. This is a welcome addition for users who may be prone to accidentally dropping their devices.
The color reproduction on the Nova 2i's display is vibrant and accurate, with good viewing angles typical of quality IPS panels. While it may not match the deep blacks of OLED displays, the IPS technology provides excellent brightness and outdoor visibility, making the Nova 2i a versatile device for use in various lighting conditions.
Camera System: Quad-Lens Innovation
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the Nova 2i is its innovative quad-camera setup. This configuration consists of dual cameras on both the front and rear of the device, a rarity in the mid-range segment at the time of its release.
The rear camera array features a 16-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This combination enables the Nova 2i to capture detailed images with natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode. The primary sensor boasts an f/2.2 aperture, allowing for decent low-light performance, while the depth sensor aids in creating more accurate edge detection for subject isolation.
On the front, users are treated to a 13-megapixel main selfie camera accompanied by another 2-megapixel depth sensor. This dual front-facing camera system brings portrait mode capabilities to selfies, a feature typically reserved for rear cameras or higher-end devices.
The camera software is equally impressive, offering a range of modes and features to enhance photo-taking capabilities. These include:
- Portrait Mode: Utilizing both sensors to create a depth map for realistic background blur.
- Pro Mode: Allowing manual control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus.
- Beauty Mode: Offering adjustable skin smoothing and facial enhancements.
- Night Shot: Enhancing low-light photography through software processing.
Video capabilities are solid for a mid-range device, with the Nova 2i capable of recording 1080p footage at 30 frames per second. While not groundbreaking, it's more than adequate for casual video capture and social media sharing.
Performance and Hardware: Punching Above Its Weight
Under the hood, the Nova 2i is powered by Huawei's own HiSilicon Kirin 659 octa-core processor. This chipset features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.36 GHz for performance tasks, and four additional Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz for efficiency. While not the most powerful processor in its class, the Kirin 659 provides a good balance of performance and energy efficiency.
Complementing the processor is 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app switching. This amount of RAM was generous for a mid-range device at the time of the Nova 2i's release and continues to provide a comfortable user experience for most tasks.
Graphics processing is handled by the Mali-T830 MP2 GPU. While not designed for hardcore gaming, it's capable of running most mobile games with acceptable performance at medium settings. Casual gamers and those who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and video consumption will find the Nova 2i more than adequate.
Storage-wise, the Nova 2i comes with 64GB of internal memory, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. This provides ample space for apps, photos, and media, with the option to add more storage as needed.
Software and User Experience: EMUI's Charm and Challenges
The Nova 2i runs on Huawei's EMUI 5.1, based on Android 7.0 Nougat. While not the latest version of Android, EMUI 5.1 offers a feature-rich experience with numerous customization options. The interface is clean and intuitive, with thoughtful additions that enhance usability.
Some notable software features include:
- App Twin: Allowing users to run two instances of the same app, useful for managing multiple accounts.
- One-handed UI: Making it easier to use the large display with one hand.
- Knuckle gestures: Enabling screenshot capture and app launching through knuckle taps and drawings.
However, it's worth noting that the Android version (Nougat) is dated, and users shouldn't expect updates to newer Android versions. This could be a concern for those who prioritize having the latest software features and security updates.
Battery Life: Endurance for Days
Powering the Nova 2i is a non-removable 3,340mAh battery. While not the largest in its class, the combination of this capacity with the energy-efficient Kirin 659 processor results in impressive battery life. Most users can expect a full day of moderate to heavy use, with some even stretching to two days with lighter usage patterns.
Huawei has implemented various software optimizations to extend battery life further. These include:
- Power-saving mode: Limiting background processes and reducing screen brightness.
- Ultra power-saving mode: Restricting the phone to basic functions for emergencies.
- App standby: Intelligently managing app power consumption when not in use.
Unfortunately, the Nova 2i does not support fast charging, which is becoming increasingly common in mid-range devices. The included 10W charger takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge the device from 0% to 100%.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Nova 2i offers a standard array of connectivity options for its class. These include:
- 4G LTE support for fast mobile data
- Dual-SIM capability for managing multiple numbers
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet connectivity
- Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessory connections
- GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate location services
One notable omission is NFC (Near Field Communication), which may disappoint users looking to use their phone for contactless payments.
The fingerprint sensor, located on the rear of the device, is fast and accurate. It can be used not only for unlocking the phone but also for capturing photos, answering calls, and scrolling through notifications.
Audio and Multimedia Experience
The Nova 2i features a single bottom-firing speaker that produces adequate sound for casual listening. While not exceptional, it's sufficient for watching videos or making hands-free calls. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is welcome, allowing users to connect their preferred wired headphones without the need for an adapter.
The device supports various audio and video codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of multimedia content. The large, vibrant display makes the Nova 2i an excellent device for media consumption, whether streaming videos or browsing photos.
Price and Value Proposition
At its launch, the Huawei Nova 2i was positioned as a mid-range device offering premium features at an accessible price point. While exact pricing varies by region and has fluctuated since its release, the Nova 2i generally represents excellent value for money.
The combination of a large FullView display, quad-camera setup, decent performance, and good battery life makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on features. When compared to other devices in its price range, the Nova 2i often comes out ahead in terms of overall package and user experience.
Pros and Cons
To summarize the Nova 2i's strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Impressive FullView display with minimal bezels
- Versatile quad-camera system for both front and rear photography
- Good battery life with software optimizations
- Attractive design and solid build quality
- Ample storage with microSD expansion option
- Feature-rich EMUI software
Cons:
- Dated Android version with unlikely future updates
- No fast charging support
- Lack of NFC for contactless payments
- No water resistance rating
- Micro-USB port instead of the more modern USB-C
Who Should Consider the Huawei Nova 2i?
The Huawei Nova 2i is an excellent choice for several types of users:
Photography enthusiasts on a budget: The quad-camera setup offers versatility and features typically found in more expensive devices.
Media consumers: The large, vibrant FullView display makes the Nova 2i ideal for watching videos, browsing social media, and reading.
Users seeking a balanced mid-range device: For those who want a mix of good performance, camera capabilities, and battery life without breaking the bank.
Dual-SIM users: The Nova 2i's dual-SIM capability makes it perfect for managing personal and work numbers on a single device.
Huawei ecosystem fans: Users already invested in Huawei's ecosystem of apps and services will find the Nova 2i a natural fit.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Contender
The Huawei Nova 2i represents a compelling package in the mid-range smartphone market. Its standout features – the FullView display and quad-camera setup – provide a premium feel at a more accessible price point. While it may not boast the latest processor or Android version, it offers a well-rounded experience that caters to a wide range of users.
The device's strengths in photography, display quality, and battery life make it a strong contender against similarly priced competitors. However, potential buyers should weigh these advantages against the lack of certain modern features like fast charging, NFC, and water resistance.
Ultimately, the Huawei Nova 2i proves that mid-range smartphones can offer impressive features without commanding a flagship price. It's a testament to Huawei's ability to innovate and bring premium experiences to a broader audience. For users who prioritize camera performance, display quality, and overall value, the Nova 2i remains a worthy consideration in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.
As smartphone technology continues to advance rapidly, devices like the Nova 2i serve as important milestones, showcasing how once-premium features can quickly become accessible to a wider range of consumers. While newer models may offer more cutting-edge specifications, the Nova 2i's balance of features and affordability ensures its place as a significant player in the mid-range smartphone segment.
