Huawei nova 9 SE 5G vs nova 8i: A Detailed Comparison

Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features at competitive prices. The nova 9 SE 5G and nova 8i 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.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The nova 9 SE 5G edges out the nova 8i thanks to its newer, more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 5G connectivity. While the 8i offers a slightly faster charging curve initially, the 9 SE 5G's overall performance and future-proofing make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Huawei nova 9 SE 5G	Huawei nova 8i

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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	2021, July 07
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 23	Available. Released 2021, July 22

Body
Dimensions	164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)	161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	191 g (6.74 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density)	1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density)
Size	6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed	Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Adreno 610
OS	Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services	Android 10, EMUI 11, 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

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED 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	64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide)	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide)	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
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
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, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	-

Battery
Charging	66W wired, 100% in 35 min	66W wired, 60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min
Type	Li-Po 4000 mAh	Li-Po 4300 mAh

Misc
Colors	Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue	Moonlight Silver, Interstellar Blue, Starry Black
Models	-	NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3
Price	About 370 EUR	About 200 EUR

Huawei nova 9 SE 5G

Newer Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
5G Connectivity
Potentially higher display refresh rate
Improved image processing

Unconfirmed display refresh rate
Potentially slightly higher price

Huawei nova 8i

Fast initial charging speed
Good value for money
Capable 64MP main camera

Older Snapdragon 662 chipset
No 5G connectivity
Standard 60Hz display

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 9 SE 5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 90Hz or 120Hz, though unconfirmed) which would result in smoother scrolling and animations compared to the nova 8i's standard 60Hz. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.5 inches, with minimal bezel differences.

Camera Comparison

Both phones boast capable camera systems. The nova 8i is known for its 64MP main camera, delivering detailed photos in good lighting. The nova 9 SE 5G likely features a similar main sensor, but the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the 695 chipset could result in better image processing and low-light performance. Both likely offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

The nova 9 SE 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is a significant upgrade over the nova 8i's Snapdragon 662. The 695 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The 6nm manufacturing process also contributes to improved power efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4000mAh battery. The nova 8i boasts slightly faster initial charging (60% in 17 minutes), but the nova 9 SE 5G's 66W charging is still very fast, reaching 100% in 35 minutes. The 695 chipset's improved efficiency could also lead to slightly better overall battery life on the 9 SE 5G.

Buying Guide

The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and a slightly more modern chipset. The Huawei nova 8i is a good option for those on a tighter budget who still want a stylish phone with fast charging and a capable camera system, but don't need 5G.