Huawei nova 9 SE vs vivo iQOO 12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 November 14, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 100.33 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 191 g 198.5 g
Height 164.6 mm 163.2 mm
Width 75.6 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Black
  • Red
  • White (BMW M branding)

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.78 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1260 x 2800
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 89.6 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 453 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1400 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 108.77 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 49.83 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 750

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 16

Comparison Summary

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

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore these phones through the lens of user experience, crafting a narrative that reveals their true personalities.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEvivo iQOO 12User Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Android 11)OriginOS 3 (Android 14)iQOO 12 offers a more modern OS with likely improved customization and features.
Display6.78" IPS LCD, 90Hz6.78" LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+iQOO 12's AMOLED with higher refresh rate & HDR10+ delivers a significantly richer visual experience.
Interaction FlowMid-range processor limitationsSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 PoweriQOO 12 promises a smoother, more responsive experience, especially with demanding tasks.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android 11 featuresLikely enhanced Android 14 featuresiQOO 12, with newer Android version, potentially provides better accessibility options.
Design ErgonomicsLightweight (191g)Slightly heavier (198.5g)Negligible difference in weight, both should feel comfortable in hand.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah.

  • Huawei nova 9 SE: Sarah enjoys casual photography. The nova 9 SE's 108MP main camera allows her to capture detailed shots, though low-light performance might be limited. The phone's sleek design and comfortable weight make it easy to carry around. However, editing high-resolution photos and videos might feel sluggish due to the mid-range processor.

  • vivo iQOO 12: Sarah can take her photography to the next level. The iQOO 12's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor allows for seamless 4K video editing and effortless multitasking. The vibrant AMOLED display brings her photos to life, showcasing rich colors and deep blacks. Plus, the advanced camera system with OIS and telephoto lens offers greater creative flexibility.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For budget-conscious users: The nova 9 SE offers decent features at a more accessible price point.
  • For power users: The iQOO 12 caters to demanding users who prioritize performance and a premium visual experience.
  • For users transitioning from older devices: Both phones offer intuitive interfaces, but the iQOO 12's Android 14 may provide a smoother learning curve for those familiar with newer operating systems.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Huawei nova 9 SE is a stylish, budget-friendly option for casual users. However, the vivo iQOO 12, despite a higher price, offers a significantly upgraded user experience across the board – from the brilliant AMOLED display and powerful processor to the advanced camera system and the latest Android version.

My Choice: I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. While the Huawei nova 9 SE offers good value, the iQOO 12's superior display, performance, and camera capabilities align better with my emphasis on a rich, seamless user experience. The latest Android OS also ensures access to newer features and longer-term software support, crucial elements of a holistic technology experience. The iQOO 12 is an investment in a future-proof, high-performance device designed to elevate daily interactions. Its design philosophy resonates with a user who appreciates both aesthetics and powerful functionality.

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.