Apple iPhone 11 Pro vs Huawei nova 9 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 20, 2019 March 20, 2022
Release Year 2019 2022

Physical

Volume 83.28 cm³ 98.31 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 188 g 191 g
Height 144 mm 164.6 mm
Width 71.4 mm 75.6 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Matte Space Gray
  • Matte Silver
  • Matte Gold
  • Matte Midnight Green
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.78 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 80.3 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.55 mAh/in² 87.02 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.57 mAh/cm³ 40.69 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3046 mAh 4000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 13 11
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro and the Huawei nova 9 SE. Forget the spec sheets for a moment; let's imagine how these devices fit into our daily lives.

The Tale of Two Smartphones: iPhone 11 Pro vs. Huawei nova 9 SE

It’s like choosing between a seasoned artist and a vibrant newcomer. The iPhone 11 Pro is the established master, boasting mature technology and refined performance. The Huawei nova 9 SE is the fresh, enthusiastic creator, bringing a bigger canvas and innovative tools. Let's explore this through a user-centric lens.

1. Design and Usability: A Side-by-Side Look

Feature CategoryApple iPhone 11 ProHuawei nova 9 SEUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClassic iOS, mature ecosystem, focus on simplicity and ease of use, seamless app transitions.EMUI on Android, customizable interface, feature-rich, potentially more flexibility.iPhone: Ideal for those seeking a simple, consistent user experience; Huawei: appeals to users who enjoy customization and feature-rich Android capabilities.
Interaction FlowIntuitive gestures, smooth navigation, direct interactions, built-in Apple ecosystem (iCloud, AirDrop)Larger display makes content consumption more immersive, a slightly different navigation compared to iOSiPhone: Provides a streamlined flow; Huawei: offers expansive visual experience with customisable navigation.
AccessibilityMature accessibility features, VoiceOver, subtitles, customizable display settings.Android provides standard accessibility options, potentially wider customization available.iPhone: Offers proven and reliable accessibility tools. Huawei: Might require a learning curve, but its openness could provide more customization.
Design ErgonomicsCompact size fits comfortably in hand, premium build with stainless steel and glass, easily pocketable.Larger, lightweight design, potentially less comfortable in one-handed use; a more modern look.iPhone: Perfect for one-handed use and portability; Huawei: Suitable for users who prioritize a larger display, even at the cost of one handed ease.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario 1: The Photography Enthusiast

Imagine you're at a bustling city market. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its triple-lens setup, captures the scene with optical zoom, preserving rich details and accurate colors, while its OIS ensures smooth and clear videos of market chaos. You can jump between standard, wide, and telephoto views seamlessly.

The Huawei nova 9 SE, on the other hand, captures the same scene with a 108MP main camera, focusing on ultra-high resolution and wide dynamic range. It might struggle a bit with optical zoom, relying more on digital capabilities. Its dedicated depth and macro lens allows for greater creative shots. In addition, the EIS allows for smooth capture on the go.

User Experience:

  • iPhone 11 Pro: A refined, mature camera system for versatile shooting in varied scenarios. Ideal for point-and-shoot moments, quick video grabs and editing within the Apple Ecosystem
  • Huawei nova 9 SE: Great for detail-obsessed photography and a wide range of capture modes, with some extra features like macro or depth sensor at the cost of a lower level of zoom quality.

Scenario 2: The Binge-Watcher

Picture yourself settling in for a movie night. The Huawei nova 9 SE's expansive 6.78-inch display is like a mini-theater in your hands. The 90Hz refresh rate offers a smooth visual experience, though the IPS LCD panel is not as vibrant as the iPhone's OLED.

The iPhone 11 Pro's 5.8-inch OLED screen delivers richer blacks, vibrant colors, and better brightness. The difference is like watching a movie on a quality cinema screen, though smaller in size. You can enjoy Dolby Atmos quality audio through its stereo speakers.

User Experience:

  • iPhone 11 Pro: A premium visual experience with vivid colors and great audio quality. Good for immersive and professional-grade entertainment.
  • Huawei nova 9 SE: A more expansive view, ideal for media consumption and casual viewing but with a less vibrant screen compared to an OLED.

Scenario 3: The On-the-Go Multitasker

You're juggling emails, social media, and a video call. The iPhone 11 Pro's A13 Bionic chip is like a well-oiled machine, handling tasks with ease and swiftness, making it very future proof.

The Huawei nova 9 SE, powered by Snapdragon 680, handles everyday tasks well but might not feel as snappy during intensive multitasking or gaming. However, the larger RAM could make a difference in overall smoothness.

User Experience:

  • iPhone 11 Pro: Provides seamless multitasking, quick app loading, and smooth performance, ideal for heavy users.
  • Huawei nova 9 SE: Capable of everyday multitasking and casual gaming. Good for users seeking a balance between performance and price.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the Senior User: The iPhone 11 Pro offers a familiar, simple interface, good accessibility features, and solid performance. The Huawei nova 9 SE can be cumbersome with its interface and larger size.
  • For the Tech Enthusiast: The Huawei nova 9 SE's customization options and advanced camera features might appeal. While the iPhone offers a more refined experience with top-tier performance.
  • For the Budget-Conscious: The Huawei nova 9 SE is the more budget-friendly option, offering a large display and a versatile camera system. The iPhone 11 Pro is the premium offering with a price point to match.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Here's how to choose based on your needs and priorities:

  • If you value: premium build quality, seamless performance, top-tier camera capabilities, an intuitive interface, and a mature ecosystem, the iPhone 11 Pro is the clear choice, regardless of the cost.
  • If you value: a large display, feature-rich Android customizability, and versatile photography, and want a more budget friendly device, the Huawei nova 9 SE is your ally.

My Choice

If I were to pick one, I would choose the iPhone 11 Pro. Despite being older, its performance is top-notch, providing a seamless experience that is hard to beat. The camera system is versatile and reliable, making it perfect for point-and-shoot moments and capturing memories in all kinds of environments. And the compact size makes it easy to carry around, which aligns perfectly with my daily needs. Although the Huawei has a larger display and more "bells and whistles", the mature and refined user experience offered by Apple wins the day.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.