Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features. The nova 9 SE 5G and nova 10 SE are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nova 9 SE 5G edges out the nova 10 SE thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly more powerful chipset. While the 10 SE offers reverse wireless charging, the 9 SE's overall performance and future-proofing make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - BNE-LX1 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BNE-LX1 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - BNE-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 23 | Available. Released 2022, October 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz |
| | - | Always-On Display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (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 | Unspecified | Yes (BNE-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasound) |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 100% in 35 min | 66W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue | Starry Silver, Mint Green, Starry Black |
| Models | - | BNE-LX1, BNE-LX3, BNE-AL00 |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 695)
- Better Graphics Performance
- Future-Proofing
- Potentially less refined design than the 10 SE
- No reverse wireless charging
Huawei nova 10 SE
- Reverse Wireless Charging
- Potentially more refined design
- Good Selfie Camera
- No 5G Connectivity
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Older Chipset Generation
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The nova 10 SE might have a slightly more refined design around the display, but screen size and resolution are likely comparable. Expect excellent viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to have capable camera systems, likely featuring a 50MP main sensor. The nova 10 SE might have a slightly improved selfie camera due to Huawei's focus on front-facing cameras. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance could vary.
Performance
The nova 9 SE 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the nova 10 SE's Snapdragon 680G 4G. The 695 is built on a 6nm process and includes an Adreno 619 GPU, providing better graphics performance and overall responsiveness. Expect smoother gaming and faster app loading times on the 9 SE 5G.
Battery Life
Both devices boast 66W fast charging, promising quick top-ups. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000mAh), so expect comparable battery life under typical usage. The nova 10 SE's reverse wireless charging adds a unique convenience for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G is ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a slightly more modern chipset. The Huawei nova 10 SE is a good option for those who value reverse wireless charging, a potentially more refined design (depending on preference), and don't necessarily need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and better performance are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 695 offers a noticeable upgrade over the 680, making it a worthwhile investment.
❓ Can the Huawei nova 10 SE charge other devices?
Yes, the nova 10 SE supports 5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge compatible accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
