#SmartphonesFaceoff: Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro v/s Huawei Nova 3i
What's the story
Talking of present-day trends in the smartphone space, increased screen real-estate and improved cameras are the main highlights.
However, what's fairly new in this arena is the adoption of dual front-cameras.
And with Redmi Note 6 Pro launched today, a comparison with its nearest competitor, the Huawei Nova 3i, is only fair.
Hence, here's our face-off.
Design
At a glance
Up front, both the Redmi Note 6 Pro and Nova 3i are quite similar with a notched display and prominent bezel. However, Nova 3i has marginally narrower bezels than the Xiaomi mid-ranger.
On the back, both the phones sport a dual-camera setup and a fingerprint scanner. But, with the in-trend gradient color finish, the Nova 3i (Iris-Purple variant) is more eye-catching.
Winner: Nova 3i.
Display
All about the screen
The Nova 3i features a 6.3-inch full-HD+ (1080x2340 pixels) LCD panel with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9.
The Redmi Note 6 Pro sports a 6.26-inch full-HD+ (2280×1080 pixels) LCD display with a 19:9 aspect ratio.
And though Nova 3i is a bit taller and has a slightly higher resolution, the difference won't be noticeable.
However, to pick a winner, it is Nova 3i.
Rear camera
For the shutterbugs
The Redmi Note 6 Pro sports a 12MP+5MP dual camera setup - much like the Redmi Note 5 Pro. However, the main sensor has now been upgraded with larger 1.4-micron pixels, a wider f/1.9 aperture, and Dual-Pixel PDAF.
On the other hand, the Nova 3i sports 16 MP (f/2.2) main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor.
Winner: Redmi Note 6 Pro for better optics.
Front camera
For the love of Selfies
Up front, the Redmi Note 6 Pro houses a dual camera setup comprising a 20-MP (f/2.0) primary sensor with 1.8-micron pixels and a 2-MP depth sensor.
In comparison, the Nova 3i settles for a 24 MP (f/2.0) main sensor and a 2MP secondary sensor.
On paper, both appear to have identical specs but considering the price factor (discussed later), we go with Xiaomi.
Internals
All the important stuff
The Redmi Note 6 Pro is powered by a 14nm octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, paired with 4/6GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable upto 256GB).
Nova 3i gets a 12nm octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor, coupled with 4GB RAM, 128GB inbuilt storage (expandable upto 256GB) and performance boosting GPU Turbo technology.
Winner: Nova 3i for the better chipset.
Sensors & Software
Lifeblood of your smartphone
In terms of onboard sensors, both the phones come with an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Notably, Nova 3i also offers a 360-degree Face Unlock feature.
In terms of software, Redmi Note 6 Pro will run Android Oreo-based MIUI 10 while the Huawei challenger runs Android Oreo-based EMUI 8.2.
Winner: You be the judge.
Battery & Connectivity
Staying connected
In terms of connectivity options, Nova 3i offers 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11a/c, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS/A-GPS, a headphone jack and a micro-USB port.
The Redmi Note 6 Pro also offers these options but with dual-band Wi-Fi and improved Bluetooth 5.0.
Further, the Nova 3i packs a 3,340mAh battery while the Redmi Note 6 Pro comes with a 4,000mAh battery.
Winner: Redmi Note 6 Pro.
Information
Pricing: The key factor
Huawei Nova 3i comes at Rs. 20,999 for the solo 4GB/128GB variant. On the other hand, the 4GB RAM/64GB internal storage variant of Note 6 Pro has been priced at Rs. 13,999, while the 6GB RAM/64GB storage variant has been priced at Rs. 15,999.
Our result
How things stack up!
While both the phones have near identical displays, Nova 3i has a more modern design and a better processor.
However, the Redmi Note 6 Pro is a better option considering it is almost Rs. 7,000 cheaper.
Hence, with improved cameras, latest-generation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a bigger battery, the Redmi Note 6 Pro is worth the bucks.
Winner: Redmi Note 6 Pro.