Huawei nova 9 vs Honor X8a - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei
Honor X8a
Honor X8a
Honor

General

Launch Date September 30, 2021 February 11, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 91.98 cm³ 91.02 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.75 "/g 3.74 "/g
Weight 175 g 179 g
Height 160 mm 162.9 mm
Width 73.7 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 7.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Starry Blue
  • Midnight Black
  • Titanium Silver
  • Cyan Lake

Display

Screen Size 6.57 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 89.6 %
Pixel Density 392 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.62 mAh/in² 100.25 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.75 mAh/cm³ 49.44 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 642L Mali-G52 MC2

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 N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 12
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Huawei nova 9 vs. Honor X8a: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore the Huawei nova 9 and Honor X8a as experiences, not just devices. We'll uncover how design choices translate into real-world usability for you.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9Honor X8aUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignSleek, curved OLED displayFlat IPS LCDNova 9 offers more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, contributing to a premium visual experience.
Interaction Flow120Hz refresh rate; smooth scrolling90Hz refresh rateNova 9 provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive user interface.
AccessibilityIn-display fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth offer quick unlocking, though in-display sensors are often perceived as more modern and integrated.
Design ErgonomicsLighter (175g), slimmer (7.8mm)Slightly heavier (179g), thickerNova 9 feels more premium and comfortable for extended use due to its lighter and thinner profile.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine scrolling through your social media feed. On the Nova 9's 120Hz OLED display, the images and text flow seamlessly, like silk gliding through your fingers. The vibrant colors pop, making the experience visually engaging. On the X8a, while the 90Hz refresh rate is decent, the experience lacks the same fluidity and visual richness.

Design Choice Impact: Huawei's choice of a high refresh rate OLED significantly enhances the user's interaction with dynamic content, creating a more enjoyable and immersive experience.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

User Perspective: For a user who consumes a lot of visual content or prioritizes a premium feel, the Nova 9's superior display and design are compelling. However, for a budget-conscious user who values practicality, the X8a's longer battery life (4500mAh vs. 4300mAh) and robust build might be more appealing. The slightly larger display of the X8a might also be preferred by those who enjoy media consumption or need a larger screen for accessibility reasons.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Choosing between these devices hinges on your priorities:

  • Prioritize Premium Experience: The Nova 9 offers a more refined and immersive experience with its superior display, design, and performance.
  • Prioritize Practicality and Value: The X8a provides a solid, dependable experience with a larger battery and a more affordable price point.

My Choice: The Huawei nova 9

While the Honor X8a offers excellent value, I would choose the Huawei nova 9. As a technology communications specialist focused on user experience, I am drawn to the Nova 9's commitment to a premium, immersive experience. The fluid 120Hz OLED display, coupled with the sleek and lightweight design, creates a device that is not just functional but also delightful to use. The smoother performance offered by the Snapdragon 778G compared to the Helio G88 also contributes to a more enjoyable overall experience. For me, the enhanced user experience justifies the higher price point. The Nova 9 embodies the principle that technology should seamlessly integrate into our lives, enhancing our daily interactions in a meaningful way.

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.