The Huawei nova 5i and Honor 9X Lite present a curious case in the smartphone market. Both devices launched with the same Kirin 710F chipset and share nearly identical core specifications, making a direct comparison a deep dive into branding strategies and potential software nuances rather than hardware differences. This analysis will dissect the similarities and subtle distinctions to help you determine which, if either, suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the choice between the Huawei nova 5i and Honor 9X Lite is largely inconsequential. Both deliver comparable performance thanks to the Kirin 710F. The Honor 9X Lite may appeal to those seeking a cleaner Android experience (potentially), while the nova 5i benefits from Huawei's established brand recognition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, June | 2020, April 17. Released 2020, May 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 160.4 x 76.6 x 7.8 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~397 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.2 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710F (12 nm) | Kirin 710F (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1, Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 24 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gradient Blue, Red | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | GLK-LX1, GLK-LX2, GLK-LX3, GLK-LX1U, GLK-AL00, GLK-TL00 | JSN-L21, JSN-L22, JSN-L23 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Huawei nova 5i
- Identical Kirin 710F performance
- Established Huawei brand
- Potentially better software optimization (Huawei)
- Slow 10W charging
- EMUI software may contain bloatware
- Limited display information
Honor 9X Lite
- Identical Kirin 710F performance
- Potentially cleaner Android experience (Honor)
- May have fewer pre-installed apps
- Slow 10W charging
- Less brand recognition than Huawei
- Limited display information
Display Comparison
Both the nova 5i and 9X Lite lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market segment, we can infer they likely feature LCD panels with 1080p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests a standard 60Hz panel on both. The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and brightness being key differentiators that would require hands-on testing to determine.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn’t specify sensor sizes or lens apertures. Given the price point, expect a primary sensor around 13-20MP, potentially paired with ultrawide and depth sensors. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Huawei’s software typically emphasizing vibrant colors and aggressive sharpening, while Honor’s approach may be more natural. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Kirin 710F (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means identical CPU performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The 12nm process node, while not cutting-edge, provides a reasonable balance between performance and power efficiency. The lack of information on RAM type and speed prevents a deeper analysis, but both likely utilize LPDDR3 or LPDDR4 RAM, sufficient for smooth multitasking within their price bracket. Thermal throttling is a potential concern under sustained load, but the Kirin 710F isn’t a particularly power-hungry chip.
Battery Life
Both the Huawei nova 5i and Honor 9X Lite support 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed by today’s standards, requiring over two hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both likely house a 3000-4000mAh battery. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but users can expect a full day of moderate use. The slow charging speed is a significant drawback for users accustomed to fast charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 5i if you prioritize brand familiarity and are comfortable with Huawei’s EMUI software ecosystem. It’s a solid choice for users who appreciate a consistent user experience and are already invested in Huawei’s services. Buy the Honor 9X Lite if you prefer a potentially more streamlined Android experience, potentially with fewer pre-installed apps, and are looking for a slightly more 'pure' Android feel at a similar price point. This is ideal for users who value customization and minimal bloatware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a difference in gaming performance between the nova 5i and 9X Lite?
No, you shouldn't. Both phones utilize the same Kirin 710F chipset and CPU configuration, meaning gaming performance will be virtually identical. Expect to play most popular mobile games at medium settings without significant issues, but demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a dealbreaker in 2024?
Yes, for many users. 10W charging is significantly slower than the fast charging technologies offered by competing devices. Expect a full charge to take over two hours, which can be inconvenient for users who need a quick power boost. If fast charging is a priority, these phones are not ideal choices.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
This is difficult to predict. Historically, Huawei has been less consistent with software updates due to geopolitical factors. Honor, now independent, may offer a more reliable update schedule, but this is not guaranteed. Check recent update history for both devices in your region before making a decision.
