Both the Huawei nova 9 SE and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) target the competitive mid-range smartphone market, but they take different approaches. The nova 9 SE focuses on a streamlined experience with a 4G-focused chipset, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and slightly boosted processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster connectivity, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers 5G support and a modest performance uplift, coupled with comparable 67W charging. However, users solely focused on a reliable 4G experience may find the nova 9 SE sufficient.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - JLN-LX1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX3 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2022, March 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| 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 | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | 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 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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) | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (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 | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) | No |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 42 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue | Mirage Blue, Phantom White, Stealth Black |
| Models | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 | 2201116SI |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Huawei nova 9 SE
- Reliable Snapdragon 680 performance for everyday tasks
- Fast 66W wired charging
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on Huawei's EMUI version)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Snapdragon 680 is less powerful than the 695
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Snapdragon 695 offers a performance boost
- 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support
- MIUI software can be bloated and contain ads
- Potentially slightly lower battery life due to 5G usage
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in their processing power. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s Snapdragon 695, built on a 6nm process, offers a slight architectural advantage over the nova 9 SE’s Snapdragon 680, also 6nm. This translates to potentially better sustained performance under load. However, without display specs like peak brightness or color gamut coverage, a direct comparison is limited. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s 5G capability is a key differentiator, enabling access to next-generation networks where available.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s chipset generally supports more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP can handle higher resolution sensors and more complex algorithms. The absence of OIS information for either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, making the ISP’s capabilities even more crucial. The focus should be on real-world image samples to assess the actual camera performance.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G features a dual-core Kryo 660 Gold configuration clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Kryo 660 Silver cores at 1.7 GHz. This contrasts with the nova 9 SE’s Snapdragon 680, which utilizes four Kryo 265 Gold cores at 2.4 GHz and four Kryo 265 Silver cores at 1.9 GHz. While the nova 9 SE has higher clocked 'Gold' cores, the 695’s architecture and 5G modem integration provide a broader performance benefit, particularly in tasks leveraging network connectivity. The 695’s Adreno 619 GPU is also a step up from the 680’s Adreno 610, offering improved graphics performance.
Battery Life
Both phones offer fast charging – 66W for the nova 9 SE and 67W for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G advertises 50% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 42 minutes, while the nova 9 SE claims 75% in 20 minutes. This suggests comparable charging speeds, with the Redmi potentially reaching full charge slightly faster. The battery capacity is not provided for either device, but the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, resulting in similar real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 9 SE if you need a dependable smartphone for everyday tasks and don't require 5G connectivity, valuing a clean software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) if you prioritize 5G access for faster data speeds, occasional gaming, and a more feature-rich software experience, even if it means potentially dealing with Xiaomi's MIUI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. While not a gaming powerhouse, it offers a noticeable improvement over the Snapdragon 680 in graphics performance, allowing for playable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights.
❓ How does Huawei's EMUI software compare to Xiaomi's MIUI in terms of bloatware and user experience?
Historically, both EMUI and MIUI have been criticized for pre-installed bloatware. However, recent versions of EMUI have become leaner, though still feature Huawei's own suite of apps. MIUI is generally more customizable but often includes more advertisements and pre-installed apps. User preference plays a significant role here, but EMUI is often considered slightly less intrusive.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Huawei nova 9 SE a significant drawback in 2024?
The significance of lacking 5G depends heavily on your location and carrier coverage. If 5G is widely available in your area and you frequently download large files or stream high-resolution video, the lack of 5G on the nova 9 SE will be noticeable. However, if 5G coverage is limited or you primarily use Wi-Fi, it's less of a concern.
