Huawei Nova 9 vs Nova 11: A Head-to-Head Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Nova 11 edges out the Nova 9 primarily due to its slightly faster charging and potentially refined software experience. Both offer excellent performance and cameras, but the Nova 11's improvements make it the more appealing choice for most users, especially those prioritizing quick top-ups.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 9 | Huawei nova 11 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | CDMA2000 1x | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2023, April 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2023, April 27 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.90 x 0.31 in) | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm (6.35 x 2.95 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Kunlun Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1084 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 106.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play Services | HarmonyOS 3.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC |
| 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/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 18 min, 100% in 38 min Reverse wired | 66W wired, 100% in 31 min Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Black, Green, Violet | Black, Green, White, Gold |
| Models | NAM-AL00, NAM-LX9 | FOA-AL00, FOA-LX9 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 96h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -27.3 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 469798 (v9) GeekBench: 2973 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Huawei nova 9
- Exceptional battery life (96h endurance)
- Good photo and video quality
- Fast 66W charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially older software version
- Display brightness could be higher on some models
Huawei nova 11
- Faster charging (31 minutes to 100%)
- Potentially more modern software
- Stylish design
- Good photo and video quality
- Battery life may be slightly less than Nova 9
- Price may be higher
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Nova 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 608 nits, which is respectable. The Nova 11 may have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, though specific measurements are needed for confirmation. Contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' for the Nova 9, which is a nominal value indicating excellent contrast.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not fully detailed, but both phones are expected to offer versatile camera systems with multiple lenses. The Nova 9 is known for its good photo and video capabilities. The Nova 11 may feature improvements in image processing or new camera features. Expect both to capture detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. While the hardware is identical, software optimization could differ, potentially impacting real-world performance. The Nova 11 might benefit from newer EMUI version.
Battery Life
The Nova 9 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 96 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. The Nova 11 charges slightly faster (31 minutes to 100% vs. 38 minutes for the Nova 9), which is a significant advantage for users who need a quick power boost. Both support 66W wired charging and reverse wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Nova 9 is a great choice for users who prioritize exceptional battery life and are comfortable with a slightly older software version. The Huawei Nova 11 is ideal for those who want faster charging, a potentially more modern software experience, and appreciate subtle design refinements.