Huawei nova 9 SE vs Huawei nova 12i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 April 16, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 191 g 199 g
Height 164.6 mm 163.3 mm
Width 75.6 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
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)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 11 N/A
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Huawei nova 9 SE vs. Huawei nova 12i: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore the Huawei nova 9 SE and nova 12i as complete user experiences, focusing on how design choices translate into real-world usability for diverse individuals.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEHuawei nova 12iUser Experience Impact
Display6.78" IPS LCD, 90Hz6.7" IPS LCD, 90HzNova 9 SE offers slightly more screen real estate, beneficial for media consumption. Both offer smooth scrolling with 90Hz.
Camera - Main108MP Samsung HM2108MP Samsung HM6Both boast high-resolution cameras. HM6 sensor in 12i might offer slightly improved low-light performance due to larger pixel size.
Camera - Selfie16MP8MPNova 9 SE's higher resolution selfie camera caters to users who prioritize high-quality self-portraits.
Battery4000mAh5000mAhNova 12i significantly extends battery life, crucial for power users.
OSAndroid 11EMUI (presumably based on later Android)While nova 9 SE launched with Android 11, nova 12i likely has a more recent EMUI version, potentially offering newer features.
Design Ergonomics191g, 7.9mm thick199g, 8.4mm thickNova 9 SE is slightly lighter and thinner, potentially more comfortable for extended use.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a young professional, Sarah, who relies on her phone for both work and leisure.

  • Nova 9 SE: Sarah enjoys the vibrant display for streaming videos during her commute and appreciates the high-resolution camera for capturing memorable moments with friends. However, she often needs to top up the battery by mid-afternoon.
  • Nova 12i: Sarah can confidently go through a full day without worrying about battery life. The large battery capacity provides peace of mind, especially during busy workdays. While the selfie camera might not be as impressive, the overall performance meets her needs.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For users prioritizing battery life: The nova 12i is a clear winner. The significant difference in battery capacity caters to users with demanding lifestyles or limited access to charging facilities.
  • For photography enthusiasts: The nova 9 SE offers a higher resolution front-facing camera and potentially more versatile rear camera setup.
  • For users seeking the latest software: The nova 12i likely benefits from a more recent EMUI version, potentially providing access to newer features and optimizations.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Beyond raw specifications, the choice between these devices boils down to individual priorities and lifestyle needs.

  • Prioritize battery longevity and potentially newer software features? Choose the Nova 12i.
  • Value a slightly larger display, higher-resolution selfie camera, and a lighter, thinner design? The Nova 9 SE might be a better fit.

My Choice: As Sophia Rodriguez, I would choose the Huawei nova 12i. While both phones offer compelling features, the significantly larger battery capacity aligns with my emphasis on user experience. The freedom from constant charging anxiety and the potential for newer software features outweigh the benefits of the nova 9 SE's slightly larger display and higher-resolution selfie camera. In my user-centered approach, ensuring a device reliably powers through a day of diverse tasks is paramount. The peace of mind offered by the nova 12i's robust battery makes it the more compelling choice for a broader range of users.

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.