Huawei nova 9 SE vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 August 3, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 104.87 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 191 g 190 g
Height 164.6 mm 161.7 mm
Width 75.6 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Black
  • Grey

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 700 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1100 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 47.68 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 610 Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

Huawei nova 9 SE vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's move beyond the raw numbers and delve into the user experience offered by the Huawei nova 9 SE and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. We'll use a narrative approach to understand how these devices translate technical specifications into real-world usability.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SENothing Phone (2a) PlusUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Android 11 based)Nothing OS 2.0 (Android 14 based)Nothing OS offers a more modern, clean aesthetic with potential for longer software support.
Interaction FlowStandard Android navigationGlyph Interface, Customizable Android 14Nothing Phone offers unique interaction possibilities with its Glyph interface.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility SuiteAndroid 14 Enhanced Accessibility FeaturesBoth offer basic accessibility, but Android 14 generally provides more advanced options.
Design ErgonomicsLightweight (191g), Slim (7.9mm)Slightly heavier (190g), Thicker (8.5mm)Negligible difference in hand feel, but Nova 9 SE might feel slightly more comfortable.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine you're a travel blogger capturing vibrant street scenes.

  • Huawei nova 9 SE: The 108MP main camera promises detailed photos, but relies on software processing. The 90Hz IPS LCD provides smooth scrolling but lacks the vibrant colors and contrast of AMOLED. You might struggle with capturing fast-moving subjects due to lack of optical image stabilization.

  • Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: The 50MP dual camera with OIS captures stunning images and videos, even in challenging light. The 120Hz AMOLED display brings your content to life with rich colors and deep blacks. The unique Glyph Interface can be used for subtle notifications while filming, minimizing distractions.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the Tech-Savvy User: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a customizable and unique software experience, advanced camera features, and 5G connectivity.

  • For the Casual User: The Huawei nova 9 SE provides a familiar Android experience, a good camera for everyday use, and a sleek design. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services might be a significant drawback for some.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus embraces a distinct design philosophy, pushing boundaries with its Glyph Interface and minimalist aesthetic. It prioritizes a modern, feature-rich experience. The Huawei nova 9 SE offers a more conventional design, focusing on affordability and ease of use, but is held back by older software and the lack of Google services.

My Choice: I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.

Why? As a technology communications specialist focused on user experience, I am drawn to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's innovative design and its potential to redefine user interaction. The Glyph Interface, while potentially gimmicky, offers a fresh perspective on notifications and device personalization. The superior AMOLED display, more powerful processor, longer software support commitment, and the inclusion of 5G make it a more future-proof choice. While the Huawei nova 9 SE offers a decent package, the limitations posed by older software and the absence of Google services significantly impact the overall user experience in the long run. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aligns better with my mission of exploring and communicating about technology that is both engaging and user-centered.

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.