The Huawei Nova 3i, launched in July 2018, was a premium mid-range smartphone aimed at young professionals and students looking for a balance of style, performance, and photography. Positioned just below the flagship models, the Nova 3i offered an attractive 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, Kirin 710 chipset, and a dual-camera system at an affordable price. It was also known as the Huawei P Smart+ (2018) in some regions.
With its slim design and modern aesthetics, the Huawei Nova 3i quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious users who still sought premium features. With up to 6GB of RAM, expandable storage, and a 3340mAh battery with 10W charging, the phone delivered a balanced performance for multitasking, media consumption, and light gaming.
Here’s a detailed look at the Huawei Nova 3i specifications and how it performed as a standout option in the mid-range smartphone market.
Huawei Nova 3i Full Phone Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Smartphone |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | Announced Jul 2018, Released Jul 2018 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6 mm, 169 g |
| Build | Glass front, Plastic back & frame |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 6.3″, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~409 ppi) |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, EMUI 9.0 |
| Chipset | Kirin 710 (12nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| Memory / Storage | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, microSDXC (shared SIM slot) |
| Main Camera | Dual: 16 MP f/2.2 PDAF + 2 MP depth, LED flash, HDR, Panorama |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Dual: 24 MP f/2.0 wide + 2 MP depth, HDR |
| Video (Front) | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 aptX HD, GPS, FM radio |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear), Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3340 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 10W wired charging |
| Colors | Black, Pearl White, Iris Purple |
| Models | INE-LX1, INE-LX1r, INE-LX2r, INE-AL00, INE-TL00 |
| Price at Launch | About 220 EUR |
Design and Display
The Huawei Nova 3i featured a modern design with a glass front and plastic back, offering a premium feel at a mid-range price. Its 6.3-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD screen delivered crisp visuals with vibrant colors at a 409 ppi pixel density, making it an excellent choice for entertainment, gaming, and web browsing. The 18:9 aspect ratio provided more screen space for apps and videos, making the device stand out in its category.
At just 7.6mm thick and weighing 169g, the Nova 3i offered a comfortable grip and sleek profile, ideal for those looking for a stylish yet practical smartphone.
Camera Performance
The Huawei Nova 3i featured a dual rear camera setup, including a 16MP main sensor and 2MP depth sensor, which combined to deliver sharp, detailed photos with good color reproduction. The camera also featured HDR and Panorama modes for enhanced photography in different lighting conditions.
The 24MP front camera with 2MP depth sensor was one of the standout features, making the Nova 3i perfect for selfie enthusiasts. It also supported 1080p video recording, allowing users to capture high-quality selfies and video calls. The HDR feature enhanced lighting for selfies, ensuring great results even in low-light environments.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Kirin 710 chipset and up to 6GB RAM, the Huawei Nova 3i offered smooth multitasking, gaming performance, and reliable daily use. The Kirin 710 processor, built on a 12nm process, handled light gaming and heavy multitasking with ease, while the GPU Mali-G51 MP4 ensured smooth graphical performance.
Running Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 9.0, the device featured AI-driven enhancements and smart features, including app cloning for using two social media accounts and battery-saving modes. The 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, ensured users had ample space for their files, apps, and media.
Battery and Charging
The Huawei Nova 3i came equipped with a 3340mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for everyday tasks, such as social media, web browsing, and video watching. The phone supported 10W wired charging, ensuring a decent charging speed to keep users powered up throughout the day.
Durability and Security
The Huawei Nova 3i combined elegance with durability. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provided easy and secure access to the phone, while the face unlock feature offered another layer of convenience.
Conclusion
The Huawei Nova 3i was a premium mid-range smartphone designed for users who wanted style, performance, and reliable camera capabilities at an affordable price. With its Kirin 710 chipset, dual cameras, and up to 6GB RAM, it offered strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and photography. The AI-powered features, sleek design, and affordable price point made the Huawei Nova 3i a standout option for budget-conscious users seeking a device with premium features.
Whether you’re looking for a selfie camera, reliable performance, or a large screen for media consumption, the Huawei Nova 3i delivers it all, making it one of the best mid-range smartphones of 2018.
