Huawei's nova series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features at competitive prices. The nova 9 SE 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.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 9 SE edges out the nova 8i thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset and slightly faster charging. While both offer excellent value, the 9 SE's improved performance and modern processor make it the better 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2021, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 20 | 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, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | 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 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 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 | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) | 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, 75% in 20 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 | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 | NEN-L22, NEN-LX1, NEN-LX3 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster charging speeds
- Potentially better low-light camera performance
- Modern design
- May be slightly more expensive than the nova 8i
- Software support dependent on Huawei's ecosystem
Huawei nova 8i
- Good value for money
- Stylish design
- Capable 64MP main camera
- Fast 66W charging
- Older Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Slightly slower charging
- Less efficient than the nova 9 SE
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The nova 9 SE likely has a slightly more modern panel, but the difference in real-world usage will be minimal. Both offer a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.5 inches, with a small notch or hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast capable camera systems. The nova 8i is known for its 64MP main camera, while the nova 9 SE likely features a similar resolution. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the nova 9 SE's newer processor might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The nova 9 SE's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 680 is more power-efficient and offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. Expect slightly faster app loading times and a more responsive user experience on the 9 SE.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 4000mAh batteries and 66W fast charging. While the nova 8i's charging times are slightly slower (60% in 17 min, 100% in 38 min), the nova 9 SE's charging is faster (75% in 20 min). The 9 SE's more efficient chipset also contributes to slightly better battery life overall.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova 9 SE is ideal for users prioritizing performance and efficiency, especially those who frequently multitask or play mobile games. The Huawei nova 8i is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a stylish phone with a good camera and fast charging, but are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 9 SE worth the extra cost?
If performance and efficiency are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable upgrade over the 662, making the 9 SE a worthwhile investment.
❓ Does the nova 9 SE have Google Play Services?
Due to US sanctions, Huawei phones do not natively include Google Play Services. Users will need to explore alternative app stores or sideload apps.
