We been busy for a few weeks plus the recent slew of new devices from the MWC 2018 and finally, we got an assessment on probably Huawei Mobile Philippines' one of their best selling midrangers of 2017 aside from their GR5 2017. Here is the review of Huawei Nova 2i
On UI since I got the GR5 2017 as my one of my main drivers, there is no learning curve for me in the Nova 2i with the same EMUI 5.0 based on Android Nougat except for its bigger real estate via the 18:9 Full HD+ display (which is quite beautiful) The fluidity is there which I really enjoyed. What I love on it's custom OS is one of the best that I seen in terms of multi window support for apps (it happened one time that I had Youtube for Mate 10 global launch livestream while I booked on Grab)
The processor with it's Kirin 659 inside, not that much improvement if to compare with the Kirin 655 but there is one app that I think that the latter has has an advantage
In connectivity, no question indeed for Huawei as I got no problems on calls, texts, mobile data, GPS, WiFi and OTG. What I love on their smartphones is the 4G toggle button in the pulldown menu.
In battery, it was almost the same experience compared to GR5 2017 which I survived on this phone for more than a day of heavy, mixed usage with around 6 hours of screen on time and 20% screen brghtness. That worried me a bit as both devices have the same battery capacity and Nova 2i has the bigger display size
On gaming, it was a-ok on Modern Combat 5. Just like it's international counterpart for some reason, it did not made it in high settings on Asphalt 8
If there is a star on the Nova 2i, the camera department From our previous hands-on article months ago to our review unit that we borrowed, the Nova 2i was a standout from auto to the pro mode which I had delight on shooting fireworks.
Huawei Nova 2i rear camera samples
Huawei Nova 2i front camera samples
Another edge on the Nova 2i over the GR5 2017 is the audio department especially on the 3.5 mm audio jack. I got richer sounds on most music genres that I got from my offline files and some from a music streaming site
Huawei Nova 2i has got a price drop recenntly at Php 13,990 which is still one of must-be top choices under the 15k price bracket. It was almost a perfect phone for me except that they did not include a gyro sensor and not having a true dual SIM options which I can name five phones near or has the same SRP with that feature. The looks, display, sound, connecitivity and extensive camera options were the strengths of the Huawei Nova 2i. I will gonna give it at 4.25 out of 5
