Huawei Nova 11i Review

Top Features of the Huawei Nova 11i

• 6.8″ FHD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole selfie camera
• Snapdragon 680 processor with 8GB RAM
• 128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card
• Dual rear cameras: 48MP main and 2MP depth sensor
• 16MP front-facing camera
• 5000mAh battery with 40W SuperCharge
• EMUI 13 based on Android (no Google Play Services)
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headphone jack

A Well-Rounded Mid-Range Smartphone with Everyday Appeal

The Huawei Nova 11i brings a generous display, solid battery life, and fast charging to the table, making it an excellent choice for users who want reliable performance without paying flagship prices. It's designed to meet the needs of day-to-day life, offering useful features packaged in a stylish and practical design.

Refined Design with Practical Comfort

The Nova 11i comes with a soft matte finish on the back that helps reduce fingerprints and gives the phone a neat, refined appearance. It’s available in calming Starry Black and refreshing Mint Green, giving users two attractive options to suit their style. Despite its large screen, the phone remains comfortable to hold thanks to its balanced weight and curved edges.

Large and Smooth Display Experience

One of the highlights of this device is the large 6.8-inch LCD display. With its full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, users can enjoy smooth scrolling, sharper text, and immersive video playback. Whether you're catching up on your favourite YouTube series or just browsing social media, the viewing experience is enjoyable and engaging. The high screen-to-body ratio ensures that you get as much display as possible without unnecessary borders.

Responsive Performance for Daily Tasks

Powered by the Snapdragon 680 processor and supported by 8GB of RAM, the Nova 11i handles everyday tasks like messaging, email, web browsing, and light app usage without any difficulty. It isn't designed for heavy gaming or advanced multitasking, but for most users, the performance will be more than satisfactory. Apps open quickly, and the phone remains responsive during extended use.

Battery That Keeps Up with Your Day

Huawei has equipped the Nova 11i with a 5000mAh battery, which provides dependable battery life. Most users will find that the phone easily lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy use. If you do find yourself running low, the 40W SuperCharge technology ensures that the battery recharges quickly, reducing downtime significantly. It’s a helpful feature for anyone on the go.

Cameras That Deliver Where It Counts

The rear camera system features a 48MP main lens, capable of capturing crisp and clear images in good lighting. The 2MP depth sensor helps add background blur for portrait shots, giving photos a more professional look. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera is more than capable of delivering detail-rich selfies and smooth video calls. While it might not be a low-light champion, the Nova 11i still performs reliably in most common shooting scenarios.

Simple and Intuitive Software

The phone runs on Huawei’s EMUI 13 interface, which is based on Android. It provides a clean and easy-to-navigate experience with added features like smart folders and customizable themes. It's worth noting that the device doesn’t come with Google Play Services, so users will rely on Huawei’s AppGallery or web apps. Many popular apps are still accessible either through the AppGallery or through alternatives.

Plenty of Storage and Useful Extras

With 128GB of built-in storage and support for microSD expansion, the Nova 11i offers ample room for apps, photos, videos, and documents. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a practical touch for users who still prefer wired audio, while NFC makes contactless payments and pairing easier. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, providing a secure way to unlock the phone.

Final Thoughts

The Huawei Nova 11i stands out as a dependable and attractive smartphone for everyday use. It offers a well-rounded set of features, from its large screen and long battery life to its fast charging and solid camera performance. While the absence of Google services may require some adjustment, the phone’s strengths more than make up for it. For South African users looking for a phone that gets the job done without unnecessary complications, the Nova 11i is a worthy contender.