Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 9 Pro and nova 9 SE 5G are two compelling options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nova 9 Pro takes the crown for raw performance and charging speed thanks to its Snapdragon 778G and 100W charging. However, the nova 9 SE 5G offers 5G connectivity and a more budget-friendly price, making it a strong contender for value-conscious buyers.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2022, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 23 |
| 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, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
| 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 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 | Unspecified |
| 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, 100% in 35 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 | - |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 Pro
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Blazing-Fast 100W Charging
- Premium Build Quality
- Likely better camera performance
- Higher Price
- No 5G Connectivity
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Affordable Price
- Good Battery Life
- Decent Camera System
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- Slower Charging (66W)
- Potentially less refined 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 more refined display panel, but both offer a great viewing experience. Expect similar refresh rates (likely 120Hz) for smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
While both phones boast impressive camera setups, the nova 9 Pro likely has a slight edge in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its more powerful processor and potentially larger sensors. Both are expected to offer versatile camera systems with multiple lenses for different shooting scenarios.
Performance
The nova 9 Pro's Snapdragon 778G 4G is significantly more powerful than the nova 9 SE 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The Pro's chipset also benefits from a more advanced manufacturing process (6nm vs potentially 7nm for the SE).
Battery Life
The nova 9 Pro's 100W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The nova 9 SE 5G's 66W charging is still fast, but not as impressive. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two, so the Pro's charging speed makes a significant difference in overall convenience.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a premium feel. The nova 9 SE 5G is a great choice for those seeking 5G connectivity, a more affordable price point, and a balance of features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the nova 9 SE 5G support 5G?
Yes, the nova 9 SE 5G is designed for 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
❓ Is the nova 9 Pro worth the extra cost?
If performance and charging speed are your top priorities, the nova 9 Pro is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget and 5G is essential, the nova 9 SE 5G provides excellent value.
