Huawei nova 9 vs Nokia C31 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei
Nokia C31
Nokia C31
Nokia

General

Launch Date September 30, 2021 September 1, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 91.98 cm³ 113.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.75 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 175 g 200 g
Height 160 mm 169.2 mm
Width 73.7 mm 78 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Starry Blue
  • Mint
  • Charcoal
  • Cyan

Display

Screen Size 6.57 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 83.4 %
Pixel Density 392 PPI 260 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
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 110.84 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.75 mAh/cm³ 44.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 642L IMG8322

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 microUSB 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Huawei nova 9 and Nokia C31, moving beyond the raw specifications to understand how these devices translate into real-world experiences.

Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureHuawei nova 9Nokia C31User Experience Impact
Display6.57" OLED, 120Hz, HDR106.75" IPS LCDNova 9 offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smoother scrolling due to OLED technology and higher refresh rate.
Design ErgonomicsSlim (7.8mm), lightweight (175g)Thicker (8.6mm), heavier (200g)Nova 9 provides a more premium and comfortable in-hand feel.
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (may vary based on region)Stock Android 12EMUI offers customization options; Stock Android provides a cleaner, potentially more intuitive experience.
Interaction FlowPotentially impacted by lack of Google services*Smooth, basic Android experienceDepending on the user's reliance on Google services, the Nova 9 might present challenges in app accessibility and usability.
AccessibilityFingerprint under displayFingerprint sensor on the backBoth offer biometric security; under-display fingerprint sensors are generally perceived as more modern and convenient.

* Important Note: The Huawei nova 9 may have limited access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) in certain regions. This significantly impacts app availability and functionality, including core apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a young professional, Sarah, who values both style and functionality. She needs a phone for social media, photography, and staying connected on the go.

  • Nova 9 Story: Sarah is drawn to the Nova 9's sleek design and vibrant OLED display. Scrolling through Instagram is a visual treat with the smooth 120Hz refresh rate. She appreciates the powerful camera for capturing high-quality photos for her blog. However, she relies heavily on Google apps for work and might find the potential lack of GMS a deal-breaker.

  • C31 Story: Sarah appreciates the C31's large display for comfortable media consumption and its long-lasting battery for staying connected throughout the day. Its affordability is a major plus. However, she might find the lower resolution display and less powerful processor limiting for demanding tasks like photo editing or gaming.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1 - Tech-Savvy Student: Values performance and a premium experience. The Nova 9's superior hardware, display, and fast charging would be appealing, but GMS limitations could be frustrating.

User 2 - Budget-Conscious Consumer: Prioritizes affordability and basic functionality. The C31's long battery life and simple interface would be attractive.

User 3 - Casual User: Needs a reliable device for communication and occasional media consumption. Both phones could meet their needs, but the C31's simplicity and affordability might be more appealing.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choosing between these phones hinges on priorities:

  • Prioritize Design and Performance: Despite the GMS caveat, the Nova 9 offers a significantly more premium design and powerful performance.

  • Prioritize Affordability and Simplicity: The C31 provides a basic, reliable Android experience at a more accessible price point.

My Choice: As Sophia Rodriguez, focusing on user experience, I would recommend the Nokia C31 if the user is not reliant on the Google Play ecosystem. The potential lack of GMS on the Nova 9 severely cripples the user experience for many, regardless of its other strengths. While the C31 offers less impressive specs, it provides a complete, functional user experience out of the box, which is crucial for the majority of users. The C31's long battery life is also a significant advantage for everyday usability. In a market where access to apps is fundamental, ensuring a seamless and reliable software experience trumps impressive hardware in many cases.

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.