The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme V20 and Huawei nova 9 SE are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei nova 9 SE takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging (66W vs 10W), a more efficient chipset, and generally better camera performance. While the Realme V20 offers a decent experience, the nova 9 SE provides a superior overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - JLN-LX1 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - JLN-LX1 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - JLN-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 13 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, EMUI 12, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (JLN-XL1 only) |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Midnight Black, Pearl White, Crystal Blue |
| Models | RMX3611 | JLN-LX1, JLN-LX3, JuliaQN-L01B, JuliaQN-L21B, JuliaQN-L23A, RMX2190, FIO-BD00, JLN-AL00 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme V20
- Potentially more affordable
- Larger display (likely)
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Subpar camera performance
- Older design
Huawei nova 9 SE
- Fast 66W charging
- More efficient and powerful chipset
- Better camera system
- Modern design
- Likely higher display refresh rate
- Slightly higher price
- Potential software limitations (Huawei's ecosystem)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Realme V20 likely has a slightly larger display, but the nova 9 SE's display might have a higher refresh rate (assumed 90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother scrolling. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei nova 9 SE is expected to have a superior camera system. Huawei's image processing is generally well-regarded, and the nova 9 SE likely features a higher resolution main sensor and improved low-light performance. The Realme V20's camera is adequate, but not a standout feature.
Performance
The Huawei nova 9 SE's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) generally outperforms the Realme V20's Dimensity 700 (7nm) in real-world usage. The Snapdragon 680's efficiency and core architecture provide a snappier experience, especially for multitasking and demanding apps. The Dimensity 700 is still capable, but the nova 9 SE has a clear edge.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 9 SE's 66W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge the battery from 0% to 75% in just 20 minutes. The Realme V20's 10W charging is significantly slower, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
The Realme V20 is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and a slightly more affordable price tag, and who don't mind slower charging. The Huawei nova 9 SE is ideal for those who value fast charging, a more modern chipset, and a better camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei nova 9 SE have Google Play Services?
Due to US sanctions, the Huawei nova 9 SE does not come with Google Play Services pre-installed. Users will need to use Huawei's AppGallery and potentially sideload apps.
❓ Is the Realme V20 a 5G phone?
Yes, the Realme V20 supports 5G connectivity thanks to the Dimensity 700 chipset.
