Huawei Nova 3i — Full Specifications, Features & Price in Pakistan

The Huawei Nova 3i was the volume seller of the 2018 Nova 3 series in Pakistan — the first phone ever with the Kirin 710 chip, a big 6.3-inch screen, and four cameras at a mid-range price. Years later it remains one of the most common used Huawei phones in local markets. This guide covers its verified specs, where it beats and loses to the Nova 3, and what to verify before buying used.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Brand / Model	Huawei Nova 3i
Launch	July 2018
Display	6.3-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~409 ppi), notched
Chipset	HiSilicon Kirin 710 (12 nm), octa-core (4 x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 + 4 x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU	Mali-G51 MP4, GPU Turbo supported
RAM / Storage	4GB RAM; 128GB built-in; microSD up to 256GB (hybrid slot)
Rear camera	Dual 16 MP (f/2.2, PDAF) + 2 MP depth sensor, LED flash, 1080p video
Front camera	Dual 24 MP (f/2.0) + 2 MP depth sensor
Battery	3,340 mAh, 10W charging (no fast charging)
Operating system	Android 8.1 Oreo, EMUI 8.2
SIM	Hybrid dual Nano-SIM, dual standby
Dimensions / Weight	157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6 mm; 169 g
Extras	Rear fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm jack, microUSB 2.0, FM radio
Colours	Black, Pearl White, Iris Purple (Airy Blue and Red in some regions)
Google apps	Yes — launched July 2018, before Google's restriction on Huawei

Design and Build Quality

The Nova 3i shares the Nova 3's glass-sandwich look with gradient colour options, most famously Iris Purple. At 7.6 mm and 169 g it is comfortable to hold, and the rear fingerprint sensor is fast and well placed. One practical note for used buyers: the glossy back picks up scratches easily, so most surviving units look better with a case — factor a new case and tempered glass into your budget.

Display Features

The 6.3-inch IPS LCD at 1080 x 2340 is the same class of panel as the Nova 3's — sharp, reasonably colour-accurate, and fine for YouTube and reading. The notch is wide because it houses two front cameras. Like most 2018 LCDs, it struggles in harsh sunlight, but indoors it remains perfectly pleasant.

Processor and Performance

The Kirin 710 was a genuine step up from the older Kirin 659 — roughly 75% faster CPU performance in its day — and Huawei's GPU Turbo mode helped gaming frame rates. In 2026 it is a basic-use chip: WhatsApp, calls, YouTube, and light browsing are fine; heavy multitasking and modern games are not. It is noticeably weaker than the Nova 3's Kirin 970, which is the main reason the 3i sold cheaper.

RAM and Storage

4GB of RAM with 128GB of storage was a strong combination in 2018, and 128GB remains plenty today for photos, videos, and apps. The microSD slot (up to 256GB) uses the second SIM slot, so dual-SIM users must choose between a second line and extra storage. 4GB RAM shows its age when switching between apps.

Camera Features

Four cameras in total: a 16 MP + 2 MP rear pair and a 24 MP + 2 MP front pair, both with AI scene recognition. The 24MP selfie camera was the phone's headline feature and still takes decent daylight selfies. The rear camera is the step down from the Nova 3 — no monochrome sensor, no 4K video (1080p only), and weaker low-light performance. For social-media snapshots in good light, it remains acceptable.

Battery and Charging

The 3,340 mAh battery is modest, and charging is only 10W — there is no fast charging on the Nova 3i, so a full charge takes over two hours. On a used unit, expect to charge daily with light use. This is the phone's weakest spec on paper; if long battery life matters, look at the Nova 5i (4,000 mAh) instead.

Software and Updates

Launched on Android 8.1 with EMUI 8.2; Huawei updated most units to Android 9 / EMUI 9.1, and support ended there. The good news for Pakistani buyers: full Google Mobile Services are included — Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and banking apps all work, as the phone was certified in July 2018. Security patches are years out of date, so use it as a secondary device for sensitive accounts if you are cautious.

Connectivity and Additional Features

4G LTE (bands 1/3/5/8/38/39/40/41), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz only — no 5GHz Wi-Fi), Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD, GPS/GLONASS/BDS, FM radio, and a 3.5mm jack. Note the microUSB 2.0 port instead of USB-C — cables are cheap but it feels dated, and data transfer is slow. Face unlock plus rear fingerprint sensor.

Variants, Colours and Availability

Pakistan officially got the 4GB + 128GB variant (a 6GB RAM version existed in some Asian markets). In Europe the same phone was sold as the Huawei P Smart+. Colours: Black, Pearl White, and Iris Purple most commonly; Airy Blue and Red appeared in some regions. Discontinued for years — every unit today is used. Don't confuse it with the Nova 3 (Kirin 970, faster, USB-C) or the Nova 5i (newer, bigger battery).

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

WhatMobile Pakistan's historical listing shows Rs. 36,999 for the Nova 3i. No current new price exists. Zohaan Mobile Gallery's catalog reference is Rs. 8,999 (2026-10-01 used-condition reference — not a live market price); confirm the actual current price and condition with the store.

PTA: per-device, per-IMEI. The Nova 3i is one of the most commonly traded used phones in Pakistan and many units are non-PTA — SMS the IMEI to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" before paying. How to check PTA approval.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Kirin 710 with GPU Turbo — smoother than most phones at this used price
• Full Google apps support (Play Store, banking apps all work)
• 128GB storage plus microSD expansion
• 24MP dual selfie cameras — good for video calls
• Very affordable in the used market; parts and accessories are common

Limitations:

• Only 10W charging and a small 3,340 mAh battery — charges slowly, drains fast
• microUSB port instead of USB-C; no 5GHz Wi-Fi
• No software or security updates for years
• Rear camera and 1080p-only video lag behind even the Nova 3
• PTA status uncertain on most used units

Who Should Consider This Phone?

Good fit: budget buyers who want the cheapest usable Huawei with full Google apps — students, backup-phone users, or anyone who mainly needs WhatsApp, calls, and YouTube. Spare parts and covers are still easy to find, which matters for a daily-use budget phone.

Look elsewhere if: battery life or charging speed matters to you (the 10W charging is genuinely slow), or you want a better camera — the Nova 3 costs only a little more used and is better in every way. Compare options in all mobiles at Zohaan Mobile Gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of Huawei Nova 3i in Pakistan?

Historical listing: Rs. 36,999 (WhatMobile). Discontinued now; used prices vary. Zohaan's catalog reference is Rs. 8,999 (not a live quote) — confirm on WhatsApp.

Does the Nova 3i support fast charging?

No. It charges at 10W only — a full charge takes over two hours. This is its biggest practical weakness.

What is the difference between Nova 3i and Nova 3?

The Nova 3 has the flagship Kirin 970, 18W fast charging, USB-C, a 24MP monochrome rear sensor, and 4K video. The 3i has the mid-range Kirin 710, 10W charging, microUSB, and 1080p video. The Nova 3 is the better phone; the 3i was the cheaper one.

Does the Nova 3i have Google Play Store?

Yes — launched July 2018 and fully certified. Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and banking apps work normally.

Is it the same as the P Smart+?

Yes, the Huawei P Smart+ sold in Europe is the same hardware as the Nova 3i.

What is its battery capacity?

3,340 mAh with 10W charging. Expect reduced capacity on used units.

Is the Nova 3i PTA approved?

Per-device only — verify the specific unit's IMEI via SMS to 8484 before purchase. Many used units are non-PTA.

Is the Nova 3i available at Zohaan Mobile Gallery?

Check the Nova 3i product page or WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 for used-stock availability and price.

Final Verdict

The Nova 3i earned its popularity: a big sharp screen, 128GB storage, decent selfies, and full Google apps at a price nearly anyone can afford used. But its 10W charging, small tired battery, and microUSB port are daily frustrations, and it gets no updates. As a cheap backup or a first smartphone for light use, it remains a rational buy — PTA-verified and ideally with a fresh battery. If your budget stretches even slightly, a used Nova 3 is the smarter pick.

Call to Action

See the Huawei Nova 3i at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, browse all used mobiles, or WhatsApp us at +92 305 8452080 for the confirmed current price, PTA verification of the actual unit, and our 7-day check warranty details. Or visit our Rahim Yar Khan store — Shop No. 6, First Floor, Iqra Plaza, Railway Road — and inspect the phone in hand before you buy.