Huawei nova 9 SE vs OnePlus Nord 4 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus Nord 4
OnePlus Nord 4
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 August 8, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 97.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 191 g 199.5 g
Height 164.6 mm 162.6 mm
Width 75.6 mm 75 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Oasis Green
  • Obsidian Midnight
  • Mercurial Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.74 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1240 x 2772
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 89.6 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 450 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 2150 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 121.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 56.38 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 732

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 Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a comparative analysis of the Huawei nova 9 SE and the OnePlus Nord 4, focusing on the user experience rather than just raw specifications.

Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEOnePlus Nord 4User Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Android 11 based)OxygenOS 14 (Android 14 based)Nord 4 offers a more modern OS with potential for longer software updates, impacting long-term usability and security.
Display6.78" IPS LCD, 90Hz6.74" Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2150 nits (peak)Nord 4's AMOLED display with HDR10+ delivers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smoother visuals, significantly enhancing media consumption.
Interaction FlowStandard Android navigation with Huawei customizationsOxygenOS known for near-stock Android experienceNord 4 potentially offers a cleaner, faster, and more intuitive user interface with fewer pre-installed apps.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility featuresPotentially enhanced accessibility features with Android 14Nord 4 may provide more comprehensive accessibility options due to the newer OS version.
Design Ergonomics191g, 7.9mm thick199.5g, 8mm thickNegligible difference in weight and thickness; both phones should offer comfortable handling.
In-Display FingerprintSide-mountedUnder-displayPersonal preference; under-display fingerprint scanner often perceived as more modern and seamless.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine you're a photography enthusiast using your phone to capture a vibrant sunset. The Nord 4's superior camera system with a 50MP Sony sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) allows you to capture stunningly detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The nova 9 SE, while offering a 108MP main sensor, lacks OIS, making it more susceptible to blurry images in low light. Furthermore, the Nord 4's advanced video capabilities, including 4K recording at 60fps with EIS, enable you to capture smooth and professional-looking videos of the sunset's dynamic hues.

Scenario: You're a mobile gamer who enjoys fast-paced action games. The Nord 4's powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor and 120Hz AMOLED display deliver a significantly smoother and more responsive gaming experience compared to the nova 9 SE's Snapdragon 680 and 90Hz IPS LCD. This translates to faster frame rates, reduced lag, and an overall more immersive gaming experience on the Nord 4.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

Both phones cater to a broad audience, but the Nord 4's more advanced features and updated OS make it a better choice for power users and those seeking a future-proof device. The nova 9 SE could be suitable for budget-conscious users prioritizing basic functionality and a larger storage capacity (up to 256GB compared to Nord 4's base 128GB).

Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The OnePlus Nord 4 presents a more compelling overall package with its superior display, faster performance, more advanced camera system, and updated software. While the Huawei nova 9 SE offers a higher resolution main camera and potentially more affordable price point, the Nord 4's user experience advantages make it a more desirable choice.

My Choice: OnePlus Nord 4

Why? As a technology communications specialist prioritizing user experience, the Nord 4 resonates strongly with my analytical framework. Its fluid AMOLED display, powerful processor, and updated software contribute to a significantly enhanced user experience. The camera system, while boasting a lower resolution main sensor than the nova 9 SE, offers superior overall image and video quality thanks to OIS and advanced features. While recognizing the price difference, the long-term value proposition, future-proof features, and overall more enjoyable user experience offered by the Nord 4 solidify my decision. The Nord 4 embodies a more forward-thinking design philosophy aligning with current and future mobile technology trends.

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.