Huawei offers a diverse range of smartphones, from premium foldables to budget-friendly 5G devices. Today, we pit the Huawei Mate X2 4G, a luxurious foldable, against the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G, a stylish and affordable 5G option. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Mate X2 4G offers a unique foldable experience and flagship performance, but at a premium price. The nova 9 SE 5G provides excellent value with 5G connectivity, fast charging, and a sleek design. For most users, the nova 9 SE 5G is the more practical choice, while the Mate X2 caters to those seeking innovation and luxury.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2022, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 15 | Available. Released 2022, April 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 161.8 x 145.8 x 8.2 mmFolded: 161.8 x 74.6 x 14.7 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 295 g (10.41 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2200 x 2480 pixels (~414 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 205.0 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable OLED, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/4.4, 240mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom
16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 66W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Light Blue | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue |
| Models | TET-AL00 | - |
| Price | About 2290 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Huawei Mate X2 4G
- Foldable Display
- Flagship Performance (Kirin 9000)
- Premium Build Quality
- Versatile Camera System
- High Price
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- 4G Connectivity Only
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- Affordable Price
- 5G Connectivity
- Fast Charging (66W)
- Stylish Design
- Mid-Range Performance
- Smaller Display
- Less Premium Materials
Display Comparison
The Mate X2 4G boasts a stunning 7.6-inch foldable OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive viewing experience. The nova 9 SE 5G features a 6.5-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still vibrant and smooth, but smaller than the Mate X2's expansive screen. The foldable aspect of the Mate X2 is a significant differentiator.
Camera Comparison
The Mate X2 4G typically features a versatile triple-camera system with a high-resolution main sensor, offering excellent image quality. The nova 9 SE 5G also has a multi-camera setup, prioritizing vibrant colors and pleasing aesthetics. While both offer good camera performance, the Mate X2 likely has an edge in low-light conditions and overall detail.
Performance
The Kirin 9000 in the Mate X2 4G delivers flagship-level performance, handling demanding tasks and games with ease. The Snapdragon 695 5G in the nova 9 SE 5G is a capable mid-range chipset, suitable for everyday use and moderate gaming, but it won't match the raw power of the Kirin 9000. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the Mate X2.
Battery Life
The Mate X2 4G has a decent battery capacity, but the foldable design and larger display can impact battery life. The nova 9 SE 5G's battery is smaller, but its 66W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for incredibly quick top-ups. The nova 9 SE 5G's charging speed is a significant benefit.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Mate X2 4G is ideal for tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and those who prioritize a foldable display and flagship performance, regardless of cost. The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want 5G connectivity, a stylish design, and fast charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Mate X2 4G worth the price?
The Mate X2 4G is worth it if you value a foldable display and flagship performance and are willing to pay a premium. However, for most users, the nova 9 SE 5G offers a better balance of features and price.
❓ Does the nova 9 SE 5G support 5G?
Yes, the nova 9 SE 5G is a 5G phone and supports 5G networks.