The Huawei nova 5T and Xiaomi Mi CC9e represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take drastically different approaches to achieving that goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Huawei nova 5T is the clear winner. Its Kirin 980 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power over the Mi CC9e’s Snapdragon 665. However, the Mi CC9e remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize efficiency and a more streamlined software experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA) 450/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.8 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.8 g (6.14 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~286 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.01 inches, 88.7 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Kirin 980 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MP10 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MIUI 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1"
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 24 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Crush Blue, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green |
| Models | - | YAL-L21, YAL-L61, YAL-L71, YAL-L61D |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 340 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 313024 (v7), 395503 (v8)
GeekBench: 10013 (v4.4), 2504 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Mi CC9e
- More affordable price point
- Potentially better battery life due to efficient chipset
- Clean and streamlined MIUI software (potentially)
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Less capable GPU for gaming
Huawei nova 5T
- Much faster processor (Kirin 980)
- Faster charging (22.5W)
- More powerful GPU for gaming
- Potentially higher price
- EMUI software can be divisive
- May experience more heat under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD) are missing, both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather the internal hardware powering the experience. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power conservation rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, the Kirin 980’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers more sophisticated image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 665’s. This likely results in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality in the nova 5T, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) in the Kirin 980 also enhances AI-powered camera features. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR and portrait mode, the nova 5T’s processing power allows for more refined execution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 5T’s Kirin 980, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Xiaomi Mi CC9e’s 11nm Snapdragon 665. The Kirin 980’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, delivers significantly faster processing speeds, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. The Snapdragon 665, while efficient, relies on Kryo 260 cores that are less powerful. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive gaming experience on the nova 5T. The Kirin 980 also benefits from a more advanced GPU, further widening the performance gap.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 5T’s 22.5W fast charging is a significant advantage, promising a 50% charge in just 24 minutes. The Mi CC9e’s 18W charging is slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Kirin 980’s 7nm process generally leads to better power efficiency, potentially mitigating the impact of a slightly smaller battery compared to the Mi CC9e. The faster charging of the nova 5T is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Mi CC9e if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming, and value battery efficiency and a cleaner software experience. Buy the Huawei nova 5T if you prefer a more powerful processor for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking, and appreciate significantly faster charging speeds, even if it comes at the cost of slightly reduced battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 980 in the nova 5T get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Kirin 980, while powerful, can generate heat under sustained load. Huawei implemented thermal management solutions, but users may experience some throttling during prolonged gaming. However, the increased performance headroom compared to the Snapdragon 665 generally outweighs this concern for demanding gamers.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 665 in the Mi CC9e sufficient for playing popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 665 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect compromises in visual fidelity and potential stuttering during intense firefights. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for competitive players.
❓ How does Huawei's EMUI software compare to Xiaomi's MIUI in terms of bloatware and updates?
Historically, EMUI has been criticized for pre-installed bloatware, although Huawei has made improvements in recent versions. MIUI also includes pre-installed apps, but offers more customization options. Update frequency can vary, but both brands have a mixed track record regarding timely Android updates.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low-light conditions?
The Huawei nova 5T is expected to perform better in low-light photography due to the Kirin 980’s superior ISP and AI capabilities. It should capture more detail and less noise in dimly lit environments compared to the Mi CC9e.
