The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, but diverge in areas like charging speed, display characteristics, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and a slightly brighter display, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G emerges as the winner. Its 67W charging, reaching 50% in just 15 minutes, offers a significant convenience advantage over the Huawei's 66W solution, despite both utilizing the same Snapdragon 695 chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 23 | Available. Released 2022, February 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) - unconfirmed | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 100% in 35 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue | Graphite Gray, Polar White, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 21091116I, 2201116SG |
| Price | About 370 EUR | € 120.33 / $ 230.00 / £ 319.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 115h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 288914 (v8), 382902 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on EMUI version)
- 66W fast charging is still very competitive
- Similar core performance to the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
- Charging speed is slightly slower than the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
- Display brightness is likely lower than the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
- Faster 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support
- Brighter display (746 nits measured)
- Potentially more versatile camera software
- Software experience may include more bloatware
- Similar core performance to the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 746 nits, providing superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the unmeasured brightness of the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G. While both displays share an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED/OLED panels), the Redmi’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor users. The absence of refresh rate data for the nova 9 SE 5G suggests the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G may offer a smoother visual experience if it supports a higher refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS). Without this information, a meaningful camera comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving primarily as a marketing feature. Image processing algorithms will likely be the key differentiator, and brand reputation suggests Xiaomi may offer more versatile software features.
Performance
Both the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The real-world performance difference will likely hinge on RAM configuration (not specified in the data) and thermal management, which is currently unknown for both devices. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 contributes to reasonable power efficiency, but sustained performance under heavy load will depend on the effectiveness of each phone’s cooling solution.
Battery Life
Both the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 115 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports 67W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3, reaching 50% charge in just 15 minutes and 100% in 42 minutes. The Huawei nova 9 SE 5G offers 66W wired charging, achieving 100% charge in 35 minutes. While the total charge time isn’t drastically different, the Redmi’s faster initial charging burst provides a more convenient top-up option for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G if you prioritize a streamlined software experience and are comfortable with the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G if you prefer a brighter display for outdoor visibility and value faster charging speeds for minimal downtime. Both phones offer similar core performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695, making these the key differentiators.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range chipset. While it can handle PUBG at medium settings, Genshin Impact will likely require significant graphical compromises to maintain a playable frame rate on both the Huawei nova 9 SE 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ Is the 66W/67W charging significantly faster than standard 25W or 33W charging?
Yes, the 66W and 67W charging standards offer a substantial speed increase. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G’s ability to reach 50% charge in 15 minutes demonstrates this advantage. Standard charging speeds typically take 30-60 minutes to reach 50%, making these faster solutions ideal for users who frequently need a quick power boost.
❓ How does Huawei's EMUI software compare to Xiaomi's MIUI in terms of user experience and bloatware?
Historically, EMUI has been considered a more refined, albeit restrictive, software experience compared to MIUI. MIUI often includes more pre-installed apps (bloatware) and aggressive battery management. However, Xiaomi has been working to improve MIUI, and the experience can vary depending on the specific version and region.
