Redmi has finally introduced the Note 7, the device that marks their separation from Xiaomi as a sub-brand.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is already gaining a lot of attention as it offers impressive features for the price. It sports an attractive design, capable processor, and a killer set of cameras — a lot of really surprising feat for the price. Without a doubt, the Redmi sub-brand is off to a good start.
While its official launch in the Philippines is yet to be determined, we’re actually curious to see how it stacks up with some of the top-caliber midrange smartphones in the market today. For one, there’s the Huawei Nova 3i, a device from a company that is currently on top of their game.
Just like the former, the Nova 3i is also a looker, a great performer, and an impressive image taker.
In our Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 versus Huawei Nova 3i specifications and features comparison, we ought to determine if you really have to wait for Xiaomi’s latest to arrive in the country or you could just pull the trigger now and get the Nova 3i. Let’s start!
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 | Huawei Nova 3i | |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Android 8 Oreo MIUI 9 | Android 8.1 Oreo EMUI 8.2 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby Hybrid |
Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution, ~409ppi 19:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~409ppi 19:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass (unnamed version) |
Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core | 2.2GHz HiSilicon Kirin 710 octa-core |
RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB |
GPU | Adreno 512 | Mali-G51 GPU Turbo Technology |
Storage | 32GB/64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 128GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
Front camera | 13-megapixel AI Portrait Mode | 24-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/2.0 AR Lens/ 3D Qmoji |
Rear Camera | 48-megapixel + 5-megapixel PDAF f/1.8 AI scene detection LED flash | 16-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/2.2 PDAF AI scene detection LED flash |
Security | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio IR Blaster USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio microUSB 2.0 |
Dimensions | 159.21 x 75.21 x 8.1mm | 157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6mm |
Weight | 186g | 169g |
Colors | Red Blue Black | Iris Purple Pearl White Black |
Battery | 4,000mAh non-removable Quick Charge 4.0 | 3,340mAh non-removable |
Price | 3GB/32GB: CNY999 (~Php7,700) 4GB/64GB: CNY1,199 (~Php9,200) 6GB/64GB: CNY1,399 (~Php10,800) | Php15,990 |
I’ll say this right away. Going with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a no-brainer. And as what you’ve seen in the table above, the reason is pretty obvious. Both phones have a few things in common, but it’s pretty evident that the Redmi Note 7 dominated the Nova 3i.
For starters, there’s the 48-megapixel primary camera. A rare find on any smartphone today, especially on a device at this price point. It’s then partnered with a 5-megapixel depth-sensing camera.
On the other hand, the Nova 3i only has a 16-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual rear cameras. However, Huawei takes pride on the Nova 3i’s 24-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual front cameras. Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 7 only has a 13-megapixel sensor for selfies.
Xiaomi’s offering steals back the show with its enormous 4,000mAh battery equipped with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 4.0 technology. Huawei Nova 3i settles for a 3,340mAh battery, microUSB, and no fast charging support.
As for anything else, these two are pretty much similar. Both devices have 6.3-inch Full HD+ screens, a shiny design on the back, and a slightly outdated operating system.
But knowing both companies, expect these two devices to be updated to the latest Android 9 Pie in the near feature.
In addition, the Redmi Note 7 and Nova 3i are powered by processors that have identical performance. Xiaomi used the Snapdragon 660, while the latter utilized their own Kirin 710 chipset.
But then again, it’s still a landslide win for the Redmi Note 7 — especially when you consider the price. This handset has a starting price of CNY999 in China, while the top-of-the-line model costs CNY1,399.
That’s only Php10,800 when directly converted Philippine pesos. We do expect that price estimation to go up when it gets here, due to local taxes and other fees. In any case, we still think that it will still be cheaper than the Nova 3i, which is priced at Php15,990.
Sure, Huawei’s offering has twice the storage capacity. But considering all the other better things that you’d be getting with Xiaomi’s bet, I suggest that you just get a microSD card if you really want that much storage.