Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with competitive features. The nova 9 SE 5G and nova 11i are two popular contenders, 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 takes the lead thanks to its 5G connectivity and significantly faster charging. While the nova 11i offers a refined design and potentially better camera optimization, the 9 SE 5G's performance and charging speed provide a more compelling overall package 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 23 | Available. Released 2023, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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) | - |
| 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 | No |
| 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 |
| 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, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 100% in 35 min | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue | Starry Black, Mint Green |
| Models | - | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- Faster Charging (66W)
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Generally smoother performance
- Design might be less refined than nova 11i
- Camera software potentially not as optimized
Huawei nova 11i
- Potentially better camera software optimization
- Sleeker design
- Likely more affordable
- Slower Charging (40W)
- No 5G connectivity
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 680)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 11i might have a slightly more refined design around the display, but screen sizes and resolutions are likely comparable. Expect excellent viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the nova 11i is rumored to have improved camera software and image processing. However, the nova 9 SE 5G's hardware is generally competitive. Expect good image quality from both, but the 11i might edge out in certain scenarios due to software optimization. Both likely feature a 50MP main sensor.
Performance
The nova 9 SE 5G boasts the Snapdragon 695 5G, a more powerful chipset than the nova 11i's Snapdragon 680 4G. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 695's 5G modem is also a significant advantage.
Battery Life
The nova 9 SE 5G's 66W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The nova 11i's 40W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. Battery capacities are likely similar, but the 9 SE 5G's charging speed provides a major convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G is ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity, fast charging, and a smoother overall experience. The Huawei nova 11i is a good choice for those who value a sleek design, potentially improved camera performance (depending on software), and a slightly more budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The performance boost is also noticeable.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
While both have capable cameras, the nova 11i might have slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations, but it's a close call.
