Huawei's nova series offers stylish and feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. The nova Y90 and nova 10 SE are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 10 SE emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly faster charging (66W vs 40W), potentially better camera system (based on typical nova 10 series improvements), and a slightly more modern CPU architecture. While the Y90 is a solid contender, the 10 SE offers a more premium experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - BNE-LX1 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BNE-LX1 |
| 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 - BNE-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 23 | 2022, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 27 | Available. Released 2022, October 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz |
| | - | Always-On Display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680G 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | EMUI 12 | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (BNE-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasound) |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 50% in 30 min | 66W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Starry Silver, Mint Green, Starry Black |
| Models | CTR-LX2, CTR-LX1, CTR-LX3 | BNE-LX1, BNE-LX3, BNE-AL00 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Huawei nova Y90
- Large Display
- Decent Performance for the Price
- 40W Fast Charging
- Good Value
- Slower Charging than Nova 10 SE
- Potentially Less Powerful Camera
- Older CPU Architecture
Huawei nova 10 SE
- 66W SuperCharge
- Potentially Better Camera
- Slightly More Powerful CPU
- Reverse Wired Charging
- More Modern Design (likely)
- Higher Price
- May have slightly less RAM than Y90 (depending on configuration)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (LCD, potentially with a high refresh rate). The nova 10 SE might have a slightly brighter display or better color accuracy, but this would require further testing. Screen size is likely comparable, around 6.5-6.7 inches.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup, the nova 10 SE typically boasts a more advanced camera system within the nova series. Expect better image processing, improved low-light performance, and potentially higher resolution photos and videos on the 10 SE. The Y90's camera is still capable, but likely not as refined.
Performance
The nova 10 SE's Snapdragon 680G (with Cortex-A73 cores) offers a slight performance advantage over the Y90's Snapdragon 680 (Kryo 265). While both are based on the 6nm process, the Cortex-A73 cores in the 10 SE are generally more powerful. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the 10 SE.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the nova 10 SE's 66W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker top-ups compared to the Y90's 40W charging. The 10 SE also features reverse wired charging, adding versatility.
Buying Guide
The Huawei nova Y90 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent performance for everyday tasks. The Huawei nova 10 SE is a better choice for those who value fast charging, a potentially improved camera, and a more refined overall experience, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 10 SE worth the extra money?
If fast charging and a potentially better camera are important to you, then yes. The 10 SE offers a more premium experience. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Y90 provides good value.
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and 680G?
The Snapdragon 680G is a slightly enhanced version of the 680, featuring different CPU cores (Cortex-A73 vs Kryo 265) which generally translates to better performance.
