Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. Choosing between the nova 11i and nova 9 SE 5G can be tricky, as both offer compelling value. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nova 9 SE 5G edges out the 11i thanks to its 5G connectivity, faster charging, and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the 11i remains a strong contender, especially if 5G isn't a priority and you appreciate its design. Ultimately, the 9 SE 5G provides a more future-proof and premium experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 01 | 2022, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, April 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | EMUI 13 | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min | 66W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mint Green | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue |
| Models | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Huawei nova 11i
- Stylish Design
- Fast 40W Charging
- Reliable 4G Performance
- Good Value
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slower Charging than 9 SE 5G
- Less Powerful Chipset
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Fast 66W Charging
- More Powerful Snapdragon 695 5G Chipset
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Potentially Higher Price
- Unconfirmed Display Refresh Rate
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 9 SE 5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz, though unconfirmed) compared to the 11i (likely 60Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen sizes are similar, around 6.5 inches, with minimal bezel differences.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast impressive camera setups, likely featuring a 50MP main sensor. The nova 9 SE 5G may have a slight edge in image processing due to its more powerful chipset. Expect both to deliver good quality photos in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance could vary. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
The nova 9 SE 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the nova 11i's Snapdragon 680. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the 695 offers better gaming performance and smoother multitasking. The 9 SE 5G's CPU architecture is also more modern, contributing to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The nova 9 SE 5G's 66W charging is significantly faster than the nova 11i's 40W charging. While both phones have similar battery capacities (around 4000mAh), the faster charging allows the 9 SE 5G to reach a full charge much quicker. Battery life under typical usage should be comparable, but the 9 SE 5G offers more flexibility for topping up.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 11i is ideal for users prioritizing a sleek design, reliable 4G performance, and fast charging without needing 5G. The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G is the better choice for those who want 5G connectivity, faster charging speeds, and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 11i worth buying in 2024?
Yes, if you don't need 5G and prioritize a stylish design and fast charging at a more affordable price point. However, consider the 9 SE 5G for future-proofing.
❓ Which Huawei phone has the better camera?
The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G likely has a slight edge due to its more powerful chipset, which aids in image processing. Both offer good camera quality overall.
