Huawei nova 9 SE vs ZTE nubia Z50S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 July 27, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 103.8 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 2.98 "/g
Weight 191 g 228 g
Height 164.6 mm 163.9 mm
Width 75.6 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Black
  • Khaki
  • Silver/White

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1260 x 2800
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 89.3 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 452 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 110.29 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 49.13 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5100 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 740 (719 MHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Huawei nova 9 SE and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Instead of getting bogged down in a spec sheet showdown, we'll explore how these devices translate technical capabilities into real-world user experiences.

Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEZTE nubia Z50S ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Android 11 based)MyOS 13 (Android 13 based)Z50S Pro offers a potentially more modern and feature-rich OS experience. Updates and long-term support are crucial for user satisfaction.
Display6.78" IPS LCD, 90Hz6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz, 1B colorsZ50S Pro's AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate and wider color gamut promises richer visuals and smoother animations, a significant advantage.
Interaction FlowSnapdragon 680, 6/8GB RAMSnapdragon 8+ Gen 2, 12/16GB RAMZ50S Pro boasts significantly more powerful hardware, translating to a noticeably faster and more responsive user experience.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility featuresStandard Android Accessibility features + Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensorBoth offer basic accessibility; Z50S Pro's enhanced proximity sensor might subtly improve usability in certain situations.
Design Ergonomics191g, 7.9mm thick228g, 8.3mm thickNova 9 SE is lighter and slightly thinner, potentially more comfortable for extended use. However, the Z50S Pro houses a larger battery.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. She wants a phone that captures stunning images and handles everyday tasks with ease.

  • Nova 9 SE: Sarah might appreciate the nova 9 SE's 108MP main camera for detailed shots, but the lack of optical image stabilization could lead to blurry images in low light or when her hand shakes. The Snapdragon 680 processor handles basic tasks well, but demanding photo editing might be slow.

  • Z50S Pro: Sarah would be thrilled with the Z50S Pro's custom 35mm main lens and optical stabilization for professional-looking photos, even in challenging conditions. The powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 processor ensures smooth editing and multitasking. The superior AMOLED display brings her photos to life with vibrant colors. The larger battery ensures she can shoot all day without worry.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For budget-conscious users: The Nova 9 SE offers decent features at a more accessible price point.
  • For power users: The Z50S Pro caters to demanding users who prioritize performance, photography, and a premium display.
  • For users prioritizing portability: The Nova 9 SE is the lighter option.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

Both phones have their strengths. The Nova 9 SE offers a good balance of features and affordability. However, the Z50S Pro demonstrates a commitment to a more premium and powerful user experience through its superior display, processor, camera system, and larger battery.

My Choice: ZTE nubia Z50S Pro

Why? While the Huawei Nova 9 SE is a respectable mid-range device, the Z50S Pro offers a significantly more compelling user experience. Its powerful processor, stunning AMOLED display, advanced camera features, and larger battery cater to a wider range of user needs and scenarios. The Z50S Pro is an example of how technology can elevate daily life through thoughtful design and powerful performance. Its user experience feels more future-proof and ultimately more satisfying in the long run. Though heavier, the advantages significantly outweigh the added weight for a power user or photography enthusiast.

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.