Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 8i and nova 9 SE are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 9 SE edges out the 8i thanks to its more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset, offering better performance and potentially improved battery life. While both boast 66W charging, the 9 SE's slightly faster charging and newer processor make it the overall winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - JLN-LX1 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 07 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2022, March 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue |
| Models | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Huawei nova 8i
- Fast 66W Charging
- Vibrant OLED Display
- Stylish Design
- Good Value for Money
- Older Snapdragon 662 Chipset
- Potentially Less Efficient Battery
- Software Updates May Be Limited
Huawei nova 9 SE
- More Efficient Snapdragon 680 Chipset
- Slightly Better Performance
- Potentially Improved Camera
- Faster Charging (slightly)
- Modern Design
- Higher Price
- Software Updates May Be Limited
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 9 SE likely has a slightly more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy, but both provide an excellent viewing experience. Screen sizes are similar, around 6.5 inches, with a resolution of FHD+.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a multi-lens camera system, typically including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. While specific megapixel counts may vary, the nova 9 SE's newer processor and potentially improved image processing algorithms could result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both are capable of capturing good photos and videos.
Performance
The nova 9 SE's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the 8i's Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 680 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. Expect the 9 SE to handle demanding tasks with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 4000mAh) and support 66W fast charging. However, the nova 9 SE's more efficient 6nm chipset should translate to slightly better battery life under typical usage. Both phones offer incredibly fast charging speeds, allowing for a full charge in under an hour.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 8i is a great choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and a vibrant display. The nova 9 SE is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience and slightly better battery efficiency, even if the price is a bit higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 9 SE worth the extra money?
If performance and battery efficiency are priorities, then yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the nova 8i still provides a solid experience.
❓ How fast does the 66W charging work on both phones?
Both phones offer incredibly fast charging. The nova 8i charges 60% in 17 minutes and 100% in 38 minutes. The nova 9 SE charges 75% in 20 minutes, indicating slightly faster charging overall.
