The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 9 SE and Honor X8 are two strong contenders. Both offer attractive designs and decent features, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 9 SE takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and likely superior camera software. While both share the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, the nova 9 SE's charging speed alone makes it a more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - JLN-LX1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX3 | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2022, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 163.4 x 74.7 x 7.5 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB 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 | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| 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 | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, 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, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue | Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 | TFY-LX1, TFY-LX2, TFY-LX3 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE
- 66W Fast Charging
- Potentially Better Camera
- Sleek Design
- Huawei's Software Optimization
- Potentially Higher Price
- Limited Google Services (depending on region)
Honor X8
- More Affordable
- Decent Performance
- Larger Screen (potentially)
- Reliable Brand
- Slow 22.5W Charging
- Less Impressive Camera
- Less Feature-Rich Software
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.56-inch display, likely with a resolution around 2340 x 1080 (FHD+). The nova 9 SE might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to Huawei's display technology, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The nova 9 SE is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially with better image processing and features. While both likely have a 48MP main sensor, Huawei's software often provides superior results. The nova 9 SE likely has a more versatile setup with an ultrawide and macro lens. The Honor X8's camera is decent but likely lags behind.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 680 chipset and octa-core CPU, expect comparable performance in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Neither phone is a powerhouse, but they should handle typical usage without significant lag. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor here.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000mAh. However, the Huawei nova 9 SE's 66W charging is a game-changer, allowing for a full charge in under 40 minutes, compared to the Honor X8's 22.5W charging which will take significantly longer.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 SE is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and potentially better camera performance. The Honor X8 is a good option for those seeking a more affordable device and are less concerned about charging speed, potentially valuing a slightly larger screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei nova 9 SE have Google Play Services?
Availability of Google Play Services varies by region. Check local availability before purchasing.
❓ Which phone has better battery life overall?
While both have similar battery capacities, the Huawei nova 9 SE's faster charging makes it feel like it has better battery life due to quicker top-ups.
