Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 9 Pro and nova 9 SE are the latest additions, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which model best suits your budget and priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nova 9 Pro is the clear winner for performance and charging speed thanks to its Snapdragon 778G chipset and 100W charging. However, the nova 9 SE offers excellent value with a still-respectable 66W charging and a more budget-friendly price point. Choose the Pro if power is paramount, otherwise, the SE is a solid choice.
| 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 - JLN-LX1 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2022, March 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 74.4 x 8 mm (6.43 x 2.93 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1236 x 2676 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~439 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 610 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
32 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (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/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
32 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 100W wired, 100% in 20 min
Reverse wired | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Violet | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue |
| Models | RTE-AL00, Hebe-BD00 | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 Pro
- Significantly faster performance
- Blazing-fast 100W charging
- Likely better display (higher refresh rate)
- Potentially superior camera system
- Higher price
- May be overkill for basic users
Huawei nova 9 SE
- More affordable
- Good value for money
- Respectable 66W charging
- Stylish design
- Slower performance
- Less powerful camera
- Standard 60Hz display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 9 Pro likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz, based on typical nova Pro specs) for smoother scrolling and animations, while the SE probably sticks to a standard 60Hz. Expect similar brightness levels, though the Pro might edge out slightly.
Camera Comparison
While both phones boast impressive camera setups, the nova 9 Pro likely has a more advanced main sensor and potentially better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detail in photos from the Pro. Both should offer good selfie cameras, but the Pro might have additional features like portrait mode enhancements.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G in the nova 9 Pro is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 680 in the nova 9 SE. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The SE is still capable for everyday use, but will struggle with demanding games or heavy applications.
Battery Life
The nova 9 Pro's 100W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The nova 9 SE's 66W charging is still very fast, but not as impressive. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two, so the Pro's faster charging gives it a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a premium experience. It's a great option for gamers and those who frequently multitask. The Huawei nova 9 SE is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want a stylish phone with a good camera and decent performance for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 9 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and fast charging, then yes. The Pro offers a significantly better experience. However, if you're on a budget, the SE provides excellent value.
❓ Does the nova 9 SE support 5G?
No, neither the nova 9 Pro nor the nova 9 SE support 5G. They are both 4G devices.
