Iphone Xr Vs Huawei Nova 3 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

In 2018, choosing between the iPhone XR and the Huawei Nova 3 wasn’t just about brand loyalty—it was a clash of ecosystems, design philosophies, and long-term usability. Fast forward to 2024, and many users who made that switch are now reflecting: did the upgrade truly deliver lasting value? This isn’t just a specs showdown; it’s a deep dive into real-world experience, software support, resale value, and whether switching from Apple to Huawei—or staying put—was the right call.

Design and Build: First Impressions Matter

The iPhone XR stood out with its minimalist aesthetic—glossy glass back, aluminum frame, and a bold color lineup including blue, red, and yellow. It felt solid in hand, with IP67 water resistance offering peace of mind against spills and splashes. Apple’s build consistency meant tight tolerances and reliable durability over time.

The Huawei Nova 3, by contrast, leaned into flair. Its gradient glass back shimmered under light, and the dual-tone finish gave it a premium look on par with higher-end models. However, the glossy surface was a fingerprint magnet and more prone to micro-scratches without a case. While both phones used glass backs for wireless charging compatibility, only the iPhone XR delivered on that feature consistently across regions.

Tip: If you prioritize grip and scratch resistance, the iPhone XR’s matte options (especially Product Red) held up better over two years of daily use than the Nova 3’s reflective finish.

Performance and Software: The Long Game

Under the hood, the iPhone XR packed Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—one of the first 7nm processors in smartphones. Even today, it handles iOS 17 smoothly, supporting modern apps and multitasking with minimal lag. iOS updates arrived promptly and were supported for five years, ensuring security patches and feature upgrades long after purchase.

The Huawei Nova 3 ran on the Kirin 970, a capable chip at launch but not in the same league as Apple’s silicon. While it managed daily tasks well in 2018, performance degraded faster over time. More critically, Huawei lost access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) in 2019 due to U.S. trade restrictions. For Nova 3 users, this meant no official Google Play Store, Gmail, Maps, or YouTube updates—a major blow to functionality, especially outside China.

“Hardware gets you through the first year. Software support determines whether your phone lasts five.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

By 2021, the Nova 3 stopped receiving major EMUI updates. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR continued receiving iOS updates until late 2023, giving it nearly five years of active support—nearly double Huawei’s timeline for that generation.

Camera Comparison: Photos That Last

On paper, the Nova 3 had an edge with four cameras: dual rear (24MP + 16MP) and dual front (24MP + 2MP). The high-resolution front shooters were marketed heavily for selfies and AI beautification—an appealing feature for social media users.

The iPhone XR, however, relied on a single 12MP rear sensor with optical image stabilization and advanced computational photography. In real-world lighting, especially low-light conditions, the XR consistently produced more balanced exposures, accurate colors, and better dynamic range. Portrait mode, while simulated via software (not dual sensors), still outperformed the Nova 3’s version, which often struggled with edge detection and background blur accuracy.

Feature	iPhone XR	Huawei Nova 3
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, OIS	16MP f/1.8 + 2MP depth
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	24MP f/2.0 + 2MP
Low-Light Performance	Excellent (Smart HDR)	Fair (noise-heavy)
Video Recording	4K@60fps, stereo audio	4K@30fps, mono audio
Software Updates	5 years (iOS)	2 years (EMUI)

For content creators or casual photographers, the iPhone XR’s consistent output and seamless iCloud photo syncing offered long-term advantages the Nova 3 couldn’t match—especially without Google Photos integration.

Battery Life and Daily Usability

The iPhone XR surprised many with its endurance. Despite a modest 2,942mAh battery, iOS optimization allowed it to last 1.5 days for moderate users. Charging remained slow (5W included), but third-party fast chargers (sold separately) could cut charge time significantly.

The Nova 3 featured a larger 3,700mAh battery and came with a 9V/2A charger out of the box—delivering full charges in under 90 minutes. Heavy users appreciated the stamina, particularly with the vibrant 6.3-inch LCD display. However, aggressive background app management in later EMUI versions led to inconsistent notification delivery, especially for WhatsApp and email.

Tip: Disable unused AI features on the Nova 3 (like “App Launch Boost”) to reduce battery drain and improve system responsiveness over time.

Real-World Case: Sarah’s Switch from iPhone to Nova 3

Sarah, a digital marketer based in Bangkok, upgraded from an iPhone 7 to the Huawei Nova 3 in mid-2018. Drawn by the sleek design and superior selfie camera, she expected a seamless transition. Initially, she loved the screen size and faster charging. But within months, issues emerged.

Without Google services, she had to sideload apps using APKs—a process that felt risky and unstable. Her productivity dropped when Gmail notifications failed to arrive. By 2020, her Nova 3 couldn’t update Instagram properly, and TikTok wouldn’t install at all. She eventually returned to an iPhone SE (2020), citing ecosystem reliability as her top reason.

“I saved $100 upfront,” she said, “but lost weeks dealing with broken apps. The iPhone XR would’ve been a smarter long-term investment.”

Is Upgrading from iPhone XR to Nova 3 Worth It? A Checklist

Before making a cross-platform switch like this, consider the following:

• Ecosystem Lock-In: Are you invested in iCloud, iMessage, or AirPods? These don’t work seamlessly on Android.
• Google Dependency: Do you rely on Gmail, Maps, or YouTube? Huawei devices post-2019 lack native support.
• Update Longevity: Apple supports iPhones for 5+ years; most Android phones get 2–3.
• Resale Value: iPhones retain value better. An iPhone XR held ~40% of its value after two years; the Nova 3 dropped below 20%.
• App Optimization: Many Western apps are optimized for iOS first, especially in finance and productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google apps on the Huawei Nova 3?

Yes, but unofficially. Users can manually install Google services via tools like GSpace or LZPlay, but these methods are unreliable, pose security risks, and may break after system updates. Native integration is absent.

Which phone has better long-term performance?

The iPhone XR wins decisively. Thanks to sustained iOS updates and efficient hardware-software integration, it remained fluid and secure far longer than the Nova 3, which began slowing down noticeably by 2020.

Was the Huawei Nova 3 ever available in the U.S.?

No. Due to government concerns over national security and ties to Chinese infrastructure, Huawei has not sold consumer phones through major U.S. carriers since 2018, severely limiting its global reach.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For some, the Huawei Nova 3 was a stylish, powerful alternative in 2018—particularly in markets like India, Malaysia, and parts of Africa where Google dependency was lower and price mattered more. Its camera specs and fast charging were legitimate selling points.

But long-term, the iPhone XR proved the wiser investment. Stronger build quality, extended software support, robust app ecosystem, and superior resale value made it a more sustainable choice. The lack of future-proofing in Huawei’s software roadmap—especially the loss of Google services—undermined what was otherwise a compelling device.

Upgrading from the iPhone XR to the Nova 3 might have made sense for short-term savings or specific features like selfie quality. But for most users seeking reliability, security, and longevity, the answer is clear: no, it wasn’t worth it—not when measured beyond the first year.

🚀 Still debating your next phone move? Share your experience switching between iOS and Android—what surprised you, what you’d do differently—in the comments below. Your insight could help someone avoid the same pitfalls.