Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with competitive features. The nova 9 SE and nova 11i are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 9 SE takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and slightly more powerful CPU architecture. While the nova 11i offers a refined design, the 9 SE's charging speed and performance edge make it the better overall 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2023, May 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 20 | 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, 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 Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | EMUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 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 | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) | 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, 75% in 20 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 | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE
- Faster 66W Charging
- Slightly More Powerful CPU (Kryo 265)
- Stylish Design
- Good Value for Money
- Potentially Less Refined Design than 11i
- Camera Performance Needs Review
- Software Updates May Be Limited
Huawei nova 11i
- Sleek and Modern Design
- Potentially Improved Image Processing
- Good Display Quality (OLED, 120Hz)
- Competitive Price
- Slower 40W Charging
- Slightly Less Powerful CPU (Cortex-A73/A53)
- Software Updates May Be Limited
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The nova 11i might have a slightly more refined design around the display, potentially with thinner bezels, but detailed screen specs (resolution, brightness) are needed for a definitive comparison. Expect vibrant colors and good viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are crucial here. Assuming similar sensor sizes, the nova 11i might have slightly improved image processing due to potential software optimizations. Both likely offer a versatile multi-camera setup (main, ultrawide, macro). Low-light performance and video recording quality will be key differentiators to assess through reviews.
Performance
The nova 9 SE utilizes a Kryo 265 CPU, generally considered slightly more performant than the Cortex-A73/A53 combination in the nova 11i. While both are based on the Snapdragon 680, the Kryo architecture often provides a small edge in real-world usage. Expect both to handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the 9 SE might show a slight advantage in demanding apps.
Battery Life
The nova 9 SE's 66W charging is a major advantage, allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the nova 11i's 40W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000mAh), so the 9 SE will spend considerably less time plugged in.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 SE is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Huawei nova 11i is a good option for those who value a sleek design and a slightly more modern aesthetic, but are less concerned about charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While battery capacity is likely similar, the nova 9 SE's faster charging means it will spend less time plugged in, effectively providing a better charging experience.
❓ Is the nova 11i worth the extra cost?
It depends on your priorities. If design and potentially slightly improved image processing are important, the 11i might be worth it. However, the 9 SE's faster charging and slightly better performance make it a stronger overall value.
