Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Huawei nova 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2021-09-30 | Huawei nova 9 is a newer device by almost a year. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm | iPhone is wider, while Nova 9 is slightly thicker; iPhone may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 228g | 175g | Huawei nova 9 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.57" | iPhone has a marginally larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 | iPhone's higher resolution offers sharper text and images, especially noticeable when viewing detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 458 ppi | 392 ppi | iPhone provides a sharper and clearer viewing experience |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei Nova 9 has smoother scrolling and animations making gaming and UI interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone is much better for outdoor use under direct sunlight. Huawei nova 9 brightness is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | iPhone offers superior processing power, making it significantly faster for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 578,555 | iPhone is much faster, offering a better and smoother experience for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 642L | iPhone has better graphical performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 4300 mAh | Huawei nova 9 likely offers better battery life due to a larger capacity. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Huawei nova 9 charges much faster allowing less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable, 20W adapter sold separately, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | Non-removable | iPhone offers wireless charging options and a proprietary MagSafe feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei captures more detail in good lighting due to higher resolution. |
| Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.9 | iPhone performs slightly better in low-light conditions due to wider aperture |
| Sensor Model | Sony IMX603 | Sony IMX766 | Huawei nova 9's sensor has a larger size which usually means more light intake. |
| Pixel Size | 1.70 µm | 1.00 µm | iPhone generally captures more light due to larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | Huawei nova 9 can capture more detailed selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Huawei nova 9 performs slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | |||
| Resolution | 12MP | Not available | iPhone offers optical zoom for better photos at distance |
| Wide Angle Lens | |||
| Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone captures more detail in ultra-wide shots. |
| Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Huawei nova 9 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not available | 2MP | Huawei captures more depth in photos. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP | Huawei captures close-up macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR | 720p@960fps, EIS | iPhone offers higher quality video recording with various HDR options. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 240 fps | Up to 30 fps | iPhone offers better slow motion recording options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 131 | Not available | iPhone camera performance is rated higher. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not available | iPhone camera performance is rated higher. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Digital image stabilization, CDAF | iPhone has additional options for advanced photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | iPhone's iOS ecosystem offers a smooth and polished experience with regular updates, while the Huawei OS is unknown. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, Direct, Display | Both support modern WiFi standards, Huawei nova 9 includes WiFi Direct and Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, SBC | Huawei nova 9 has a newer Bluetooth version with additional features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer comprehensive GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Micro + Nano) | iPhone offers more convenient eSIM, while the Huawei nova 9 includes a micro SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | iPhone offers an option for larger storage, with 512GB compared to 256GB in the Huawei. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | Huawei nova 9 has more RAM, which aids in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | iPhone offers superior audio quality through Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei nova 9 includes a fingerprint sensor for easy and quick unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | iPhone has environmental sensors; Huawei has biometric sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly faster processing speeds and better graphical capabilities, making it ideal for demanding applications and gaming.
- High-Quality Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a noticeably sharper and clearer display, great for detailed content and media.
- Better Camera System: Offers more advanced features such as optical zoom, better video recording (4K HDR), and a higher DxOMark score, indicating superior image quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support and stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- MagSafe and Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and MagSafe accessory compatibility.
Practical Implications for iPhone: The iPhone is better suited for users who need raw power for demanding tasks, appreciate high-quality media, and want a top-tier camera experience. The premium audio and wireless charging add to the convenience factor.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The nova 9 is significantly lighter, which is better for comfortable and prolonged use and carrying.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it more convenient for users on the go.
- Larger Battery: The 4300mAh battery likely provides longer battery life than the iPhone.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking.
- Biometric Security: Includes a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.
Practical Implications for Nova 9: The Huawei nova 9 excels in everyday usage. The smooth display, fast charging, and lighter design make it a great device for people who value convenience. It also offers a good camera for standard photography.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone trades longer battery life and faster charging for superior performance and camera quality.
- The Huawei sacrifices raw processing power and some camera capabilities for better everyday usability and convenience features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Ideal User: Power users, professional photographers/videographers, gamers, and those who value a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Video Editing: Fast processing makes video editing and rendering smooth and quick.
- Mobile Gaming: Handles demanding games with ease.
- Professional Photography: Delivers high-quality photos and videos with detailed options.
- Media Consumption: The high-resolution display and quality audio are great for watching movies.
- Ecosystem Integration: iOS users that benefit from the seamless Apple ecosystem.
- Price-to-value: Premium pricing; excellent performance and experience for those that value them.
Huawei nova 9:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, social media enthusiasts, and those who value smooth performance, fast charging, and a comfortable design.
- Use Cases:
- Social Media: Captures good photos and videos for sharing.
- Daily Commute: Lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it perfect for commuting.
- Casual Gaming: The high refresh rate enhances the mobile gaming experience.
- Fast Charging: Ideal for people who need a quick charge on the go.
- Multitasking: 8GB of RAM provides good multitasking capability.
- Price-to-value: Offers good value for its features at a likely lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and high-end features, or everyday convenience?
- The iPhone is best for the performance and camera; the Huawei excels in comfort and fast charging.
- What is your primary use case for the phone?
- Demanding tasks like gaming or professional photography benefit from the iPhone's superior performance. For social media, everyday use, the Huawei may be ideal.
- What is your budget?
- The iPhone typically sits at a higher price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max for its superior camera system, including optical zoom, high-quality video recording, and advanced image processing features.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler/Commuter: Choose the Huawei nova 9 for its lighter weight, comfortable design, fast charging, and long-lasting battery.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The iPhone 12 Pro Max will offer better gaming performance due to its more powerful processor. The Huawei will provide a smoother experience with the 120Hz screen.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: The Huawei nova 9 will likely be the more affordable option while providing good day-to-day performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Here's why:
- Performance is Key: I value high performance for tasks like video editing and gaming. The A14 Bionic chip gives the iPhone a significant edge.
- Camera Quality: As an avid photographer, the iPhone's superior camera system, particularly its optical zoom and overall image quality, is crucial for my needs.
- Ecosystem: I am embedded in the Apple ecosystem and therefore would prefer to stay within it.
- No Brightness Information on Huawei: The lack of brightness information on the Huawei is concerning and would make me doubt its usability in sunlight.
While the Huawei nova 9 is a very capable phone with its 120Hz display and fast charging, the iPhone 12 Pro Max's performance, camera, and audio quality make it a better fit for my priorities. The trade-off of slower charging and a heavier device is acceptable to me for the advantages it provides.
