Huawei Nova 10 SE vs Nova 9: A Detailed Comparison

Huawei's Nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. Choosing between the Nova 10 SE and Nova 9 can be tricky, as both offer compelling value. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Huawei Nova 9 edges out the Nova 10 SE thanks to its superior chipset (Snapdragon 778G vs 680G), brighter display, and faster charging. While the Nova 10 SE offers a competitive price, the Nova 9 provides a more premium and performant experience overall.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 10 SE Huawei nova 9
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - BNE-LX1HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BNE-LX11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - BNE-LX31, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
Launch
Announced2022, October 052021, September 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 25Available. Released 2021, September 30
Body
Dimensions162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.29 in)160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.90 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)175 g (6.17 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.57 inches, 106.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 90HzOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10
 Always-On Display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 642L
OSEMUI 12, no Google Play ServicesHarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (BNE-LX1 only)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasound)Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired 5W reverse wired66W wired, 60% in 18 min, 100% in 38 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Silver, Mint Green, Starry BlackStarry Blue, Black, Green, Violet
ModelsBNE-LX1, BNE-LX3, BNE-AL00NAM-AL00, NAM-LX9
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 120 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 96h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 469798 (v9) GeekBench: 2973 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 10 SE

  • Fast 66W Charging
  • Sleek Design
  • Competitive Price
  • Reverse Wired Charging

  • Less Powerful Chipset
  • Lower Display Brightness
  • Potentially Less Capable Camera

Huawei nova 9

  • Powerful Snapdragon 778G Chipset
  • Brighter Display
  • Faster Charging
  • Likely Better Camera Performance

  • Higher Price
  • Older Model (potentially less software support)

Display Comparison

The Nova 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 608 nits, significantly brighter than the Nova 10 SE. While the Nova 9's contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' (nominal), it suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors. The Nova 10 SE's display is likely adequate but won't offer the same visual pop.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Nova 9 likely holds an advantage due to the more powerful chipset and potentially better image processing algorithms. Expect slightly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the Nova 9. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

The Nova 9's Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset is a clear winner over the Nova 10 SE's Snapdragon 680G 4G. The 778G offers noticeably faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. The Nova 10 SE is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones are advertised with an impressive 96-hour endurance rating. However, the Nova 9's 66W charging is noticeably faster, reaching 60% in 18 minutes and 100% in 38 minutes, compared to the Nova 10 SE's 66W charging without specific time estimates.

Buying Guide

The Huawei Nova 10 SE is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and a sleek design. The Huawei Nova 9 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother performance, a brighter display, and a more capable camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Huawei Nova 10 SE worth buying?
The Nova 10 SE is a good option if you're on a budget and prioritize fast charging and a stylish design. However, be aware that its performance is not as strong as the Nova 9.
❓ Which Huawei phone has better battery life?
Both phones are advertised with a 96-hour endurance rating, suggesting similar battery life under typical usage. The Nova 9's faster charging speeds provide a significant advantage when it comes to topping up the battery.