Huawei nova 9 vs Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Huawei nova 9 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, key differences in 5G connectivity, display technology, and charging speeds create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior battery endurance (113h vs 96h) and integrated 5G connectivity provide a more versatile and future-proof experience, despite the nova 9’s faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 9 Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China-
Launch
Announced2021, September 232021, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 30Available. Released 2021, September 01
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.90 x 0.31 in)159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.57 inches, 106.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 642L
OSHarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play ServicesAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual Proximity Sensing
Battery
Charging66W wired, 60% in 18 min, 100% in 38 min Reverse wired25W wired
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Blue, Black, Green, VioletAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint
ModelsNAM-AL00, NAM-LX9SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N
PriceAbout 120 EUR£ 112.98 / € 249.47
SAR-0.72 W/kg (head)
SAR EU-0.88 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 96h Endurance rating 113h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.3 LUFS (Good) -27.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 469798 (v9) GeekBench: 2973 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9) GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 9

  • Significantly faster 66W charging
  • Reverse wired charging capability
  • Potentially more streamlined software experience (depending on user preference)

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Shorter battery life (96h endurance)
  • Lower display brightness

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

  • Integrated 5G connectivity
  • Longer battery life (113h endurance)
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Slower 25W charging
  • Potentially more software bloat (Samsung One UI)
  • Less impressive charging speed

Display Comparison

Both phones feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. However, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a significantly brighter display at 800 nits compared to the Huawei nova 9’s 608 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both offer vibrant colors, the A52s 5G’s higher peak brightness provides a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. The lack of information on refresh rates for both devices means we cannot compare smoothness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Samsung’s established camera reputation and software optimization, the A52s 5G likely offers a more refined and consistent photography experience. The absence of details suggests neither phone features a standout camera system, focusing instead on all-around competence.

Performance

Both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, but with a crucial distinction: the A52s 5G features the 5G variant, while the nova 9 uses the 4G version. This means the A52s 5G has integrated 5G modem capabilities, offering faster data speeds where available. The A52s 5G’s CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) also differs from the nova 9’s (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670), potentially offering slightly better multi-core performance on the Samsung device. While both are 6nm chips, the 5G modem integration in the A52s 5G adds to its overall versatility.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G excels in battery endurance, achieving a measured 113 hours compared to the Huawei nova 9’s 96 hours. While the nova 9 compensates with significantly faster 66W wired charging (60% in 18 minutes, 100% in 38 minutes) versus the A52s 5G’s 25W charging, the longer runtime of the Samsung device is more impactful for users who prioritize all-day battery life. The nova 9’s reverse wired charging is a useful addition, but doesn’t offset the A52s 5G’s superior stamina.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 9 if you prioritize incredibly fast charging (66W) and don't rely heavily on 5G connectivity. It's ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and are comfortable with the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value longer battery life, seamless 5G access, and a more established software experience with Samsung's One UI.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the lack of 5G on the Huawei nova 9 significantly impact its usability in 2024?
For users in areas with widespread 5G coverage, the absence of 5G on the nova 9 is a notable drawback. While 4G remains functional, 5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds, improving streaming, gaming, and general browsing experiences. If 5G is a priority, the A52s 5G is the clear choice.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Huawei nova 9 compared to the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G in real-world use?
The 66W charging on the nova 9 can fully charge the device in approximately 38 minutes, while the A52s 5G takes considerably longer. This means you can quickly top up the nova 9 during short breaks, making it ideal for users who frequently need a quick power boost. However, the A52s 5G’s longer battery life may reduce the need for frequent charging.
❓ Is the difference in CPU configuration between the Snapdragon 778G 4G and 5G noticeable in everyday tasks?
For most everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference in CPU configuration is unlikely to be noticeable. However, the A52s 5G’s CPU may exhibit slightly better performance in demanding applications and multitasking scenarios due to its Cortex-A78 cores.