Huawei nova 9 SE vs Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Huawei nova 9 SE and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a balanced experience, but they take different approaches to achieving it. The nova 9 SE prioritizes sleek design and fast charging with a 4G-focused chipset, while the Poco X4 Pro 5G emphasizes 5G connectivity and a slightly more robust processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and connectivity, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a performance edge and 5G support, while comparable charging speeds and battery endurance make it a well-rounded package.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 9 SE Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - JLN-LX1HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX31, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 082022, February 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 20Available. Released 2022, March 23
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.6 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 11, MIUI 13 for POCO
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single16 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 - Global version 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (JLN-XL1 only)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging66W wired, 75% in 20 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal BlueLaser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow
ModelsJLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL002201116PG
PriceAbout 150 EUR€ 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940
SAR-1.06 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 119h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.8 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9) GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 9 SE

  • Very fast 66W charging (75% in 20 mins)
  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on Huawei's brand)
  • Potentially more efficient processor at lower loads

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Snapdragon 680 is less powerful than the 695
  • Camera specs are unknown, potentially limiting image quality

Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G

  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • More powerful Snapdragon 695 processor
  • PD3.0 and QC3 fast charging support

  • Slightly slower full charge time (41 mins)
  • Camera specs are unknown, potentially limiting image quality
  • Xiaomi's MIUI software can be bloated

Display Comparison

Both devices feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting good black levels, but lack specific details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) or peak brightness. This omission makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the absence of high refresh rate information on either device suggests standard 60Hz panels. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar price points, and without specific color accuracy data, we can assume both offer acceptable, but not exceptional, color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This makes a meaningful comparison impossible. It's reasonable to assume both will offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be a weak point. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both devices likely include one, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of detail. Image processing styles will likely differ, with Huawei traditionally favoring more saturated colors and Xiaomi leaning towards a more natural look.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X4 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture and 5G capabilities compared to the nova 9 SE’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). While both are 6nm chips, the 695 features Kryo 660 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and 1.7 GHz, offering a performance advantage over the nova 9 SE’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming performance on the Poco. The 5G modem in the Poco X4 Pro is a significant advantage for users in areas with 5G coverage. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is likely used in both, limiting memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

Both the Huawei nova 9 SE and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, their charging speeds differ slightly. The nova 9 SE’s 66W charging can reach 75% in 20 minutes, while the Poco X4 Pro 5G’s 67W charging (with PD3.0 and QC3 support) takes 70% in 22 minutes and reaches 100% in 41 minutes. While the nova 9 SE is initially faster, the Poco X4 Pro 5G completes a full charge in a reasonable timeframe. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite the slightly slower full charge time, the Poco X4 Pro 5G’s battery management is efficient.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 9 SE if you prioritize a stylish design and extremely fast 66W charging, and 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and take casual photos. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you value 5G connectivity, a slightly more powerful processor for gaming and multitasking, and a longer-term investment in network compatibility. This phone is better suited for users who stream a lot of video, play mobile games, or travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Poco X4 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers. The nova 9 SE's Snapdragon 680 will likely require even more significant compromises in graphics settings.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco X4 Pro 5G compatible with my existing USB-C chargers and cables?
The Poco X4 Pro 5G supports USB Power Delivery (PD3.0) and Quick Charge (QC3), meaning it should work with most standard USB-C chargers and cables. However, to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports these protocols. Using a standard charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Huawei's EMUI and Xiaomi's MIUI on these devices?
Huawei's EMUI, while generally stable, has faced restrictions due to the US trade ban, potentially limiting access to Google Mobile Services. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options but can be perceived as bloated with pre-installed apps and advertisements. The user experience is subjective, but MIUI generally offers more immediate access to a wider range of apps.