Now that smartphones are shifting to the “all-screen” trend, we’d like to see what these two mid-ranged edge to edge screen handsets has against each other when it comes to camera, specs and performance.
| SPECS | Oppo F5 | Huawei Nova 2i |
| Display | 6″ 1080 x 2160 IPS LCD (~402 ppi) | 5.9″ 1080 x 2160 IPS
LCD (~409 ppi) |
| Dimensions & Features | 156.2 156.5 x 76 x 7.5 mm, 152 g, Dual stand-by, Dual SIM Tray | 156.2 x 75 x 7.5 mm, 164g, Hybrid Dual SIM Tray |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P23 | HiSilicon Kirin 659 |
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4×2.36 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali T830-MP2 |
| Memory | 64 GB, 6 GB RAM or 32 GB, 4 GB RAM (dedicated slot expandable up to 256GB) | 4 GB RAM, 64GB (expandable up to 256GB) |
| Connectivity | LTE Cat. 4, 802.11n, BT 4.2, GPS, microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm audio jack | LTE Cat. 6, 802.11n, BT 4.2, GPS, microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 3200mAh | Non-removable Li-Ion 3 3340mAh |
| Price | PhP 15,990/$320 | PhP 14,990/$300 |
Design
Both handsets display the 18:9 aspect ratio trend, having on screen navigation keys and the fingerprint scanner placed at the back portion of the phones. And just above the scanners are their cameras, a single lens for the F5 and a Dual Cam for the Nova 2i both protruding at the back. Although the case that comes with both phones help the handsets lay flat on a surface.
The heavier F5 also has slightly sharper edges compared to the bulkier feel of the Nova 2i both having rounded corners, sim trays on both phones also support dual sim and a micro SD card, with a dedicated sim tray for the F5 and a hybrid sim tray on the Nova 2i.
Display
The Oppo F5 and Nova 2i has a small difference in display with the F5 having 6” while the Nova 2i with 5.9” both having 1080 x 2160 IPS LCD display. Although brightness levels seem brighter on the Nova 2i compared to the F5, see for yourselves.
Camera
Both phones pack a 16 MP rear camera and the Nova 2i having a secondary 2 MP rear camera. A closer look at the photo samples show how strong color output on the F5 is compared to the softer and brighter tones on the Nova 2i, sharpness in details are also more apparent on the F5 on an even closer look. Overall quality on both are almost indistinguishable with color being the most obvious difference, which lands on user preference on whether to go for a strong or light approach on color. Here are more sample shots for you to decide. On Night-time shots however, the Nova 2i can take lighting better than the F5 which loses some details and small distance light sources, but has a brighter overall quality than the latter. Due note that the Nova 2i has a night shot feature but will take around 20 seconds and makes a blurry picture if not handled stable.
Front camera shots on both phones have a portrait mode or depth effect, which blurs out the background of the subject. Color output are more accurate on the F5 compared to Nova 2i which leans on to a reddish-pink tone and loses a few details on a closer inspection like hair strands and skin texture. Low lit and night time shots on the Nova 2i has a grainier feel to it compared to the smooth approach of the F5. Video recording on both can go up to 1080p at 30 fps with color being the only noticeable difference.
| Phone | Rear Camera | Front Camera | |
| Oppo F5 | 16 MP, f/1.8, phase detection autofocus, LED flash
Video: |
20 MP, f/2.0, | |
| Huawei Nova 2i | Dual 16 MP + 2 MP phase detection autofocus, LED flash Video: 1080p@30fps |
Dual 13 MP, f/2.0 + 2 MP |
Chipset/Processor/Rom
The Oppo F5 is powered by Mediatek Helio P23 while the Nova 2i has a chipset of HiSilicon Kirin 659, but due note that the F5 is not in its final software. Using the following benchmarking tools, we received these results in the process:
| Device | AnTuTu | Geekbench (single-core) | Geekbench (multi-core) | PCMark Work 2.0 |
| Oppo F5 | 62500 | DNF | DNF | 3216 |
| Huawei Nova 2i | 62283 | 856 | 2823 | 4916 |
As mentioned before, the Oppo F5 is not at its final software and hardware, geek bench results will come out after the initial consumer ready F5 units are released. Although given benchmark results are at a few gaps, smoother framerates are more evident on the Nova 2i compared to the F5. Either way, gaming experience is pretty decent on both not minding the differences in framerates.
Fingerprint scanners are both placed at the back portion of the phones, with minimal difference in speed but with a 10/10 performance rating on our side.
Battery
Through our ManilaShaker Battery Rating, we can confirm the following overall lifespan of both devices:
| Device | Battery | Battery Time | Charging-Time |
| Oppo F5 | 3200 mAh | 37h 28m | 1h 49m |
| Samsung Galaxy J7 Plus | 3340 mAh | 39h 43m | 2h 15m |
Audio
Loudspeaker placements are both located at the bottom portion of the phone opposing in location and mirroring the headphone jack. Audio on the F5 is significantly louder than the nova 2i, we’ll also let you hear and decide for yourselves, refer to the video below.
Price
Both the Oppo F5 and Huawei Nova 2i are available in local and online stores with the F5 retailing at $320 or ₱15,990.00, while the Nova 2i at $300 or ₱14,990.00, although prices will differ in countries after taxes. So, how about you? Have you decided which 18:9 smartphone is for you? Comment down below what you think.
