Huawei nova 9 SE vs Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 August 4, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 105.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.41 "/g
Weight 191 g 199 g
Height 164.6 mm 168.6 mm
Width 75.6 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Moonstone Silver
  • Jade Black
  • Pastel Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.79 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1080 x 2460
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 550 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 108.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 47.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 613

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Huawei nova 9 SE and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. Instead of getting bogged down in a spec sheet showdown, we'll explore how these devices translate technical capabilities into real-world user experiences.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEXiaomi Redmi 12 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 11 (Android 11 based)MIUI 14 (Android 13 based)MIUI 14 generally offers more customization options and potentially newer features.
Interaction FlowSmooth, focus on camera featuresEfficient, emphasis on core functionsNova 9 SE might appeal to photography enthusiasts, while Redmi 12 5G offers a streamlined experience.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibility featuresStandard Android accessibility featuresBoth devices likely offer similar baseline accessibility.
ErgonomicsSleeker (7.9mm thin), lighter (191g)Slightly thicker (8.2mm), heavier (199g)Nova 9 SE might feel more comfortable for extended use due to its slimmer and lighter profile.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: A Day in the Life

Imagine two users: Maria, a budding photographer, and David, a pragmatic professional.

  • Maria with the Nova 9 SE: Maria effortlessly captures stunning sunset photos with the Nova 9 SE's 108MP main camera. The intuitive camera interface allows her to quickly adjust settings and experiment with different modes. The vibrant display brings her photos to life.
  • David with the Redmi 12 5G: David relies on the Redmi 12 5G for seamless communication and productivity throughout his workday. The long-lasting 5000mAh battery ensures he stays connected, while the efficient processor handles multitasking with ease. 5G connectivity allows for quick downloads and smooth video conferencing.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

Both devices cater to a broad audience, but with subtle differences:

  • Tech-Savvy Users: Might appreciate the customization options in MIUI 14 on the Redmi 12 5G.
  • Casual Users: Would find both devices user-friendly, but the Nova 9 SE's camera-centric design might be less appealing if photography isn't a priority.
  • Users with Accessibility Needs: Would benefit from the standard Android accessibility features available on both devices. Further investigation into specific accessibility needs is recommended.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The choice boils down to prioritizing design philosophy:

  • Huawei Nova 9 SE: Prioritizes aesthetics and camera functionality, offering a sleek design and a powerful camera system.
  • Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Emphasizes practicality and longevity, boasting a larger battery and 5G connectivity for future-proofing.

My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G

While the Nova 9 SE's camera is tempting, as Sophia Rodriguez, I prioritize long-term usability and inclusive design. The Redmi 12 5G's larger battery ensures all-day usage for diverse user scenarios, and its 5G connectivity offers a forward-looking advantage. Furthermore, the newer Android OS and potential for OS upgrades contribute to a longer device lifespan, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste. While both phones offer comparable user experiences, the Redmi 12 5G's features better align with a broader range of user needs and long-term value. The absence of NFC in the Redmi 12 5G is a drawback, but the core benefits of battery life, 5G, and a more current operating system outweigh this for me in a holistic evaluation.

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.