Huawei nova 9 vs OnePlus Nord 3 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei
OnePlus Nord 3
OnePlus Nord 3
Oneplus

General

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

Physical

Volume 91.98 cm³ 99.76 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.75 "/g 3.48 "/g
Weight 175 g 193.5 g
Height 160 mm 162 mm
Width 73.7 mm 75.1 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Starry Blue
  • Misty Green
  • Tempest Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.57 " 6.74 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1240 x 2772
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 89.8 %
Pixel Density 392 PPI 451 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1450 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.62 mAh/in² 110.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.75 mAh/cm³ 50.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 642L Mali-G710 MC10

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 13
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

Huawei Nova 9 vs. OnePlus Nord 3: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's dive into a comparative analysis of the Huawei Nova 9 and the OnePlus Nord 3, focusing on the user experience rather than just raw specifications. We'll use a narrative approach to understand how these devices fit into the lives of everyday users.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei Nova 9OnePlus Nord 3User Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (limited Google Services)OxygenOS 13OnePlus offers a more familiar Android experience with full Google integration. Huawei's OS may feel limiting.
Interaction FlowSmooth, but potentially restrictedHighly customizable and fluidOnePlus provides greater user control and personalization.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibilityEnhanced OxygenOS accessibility featuresOnePlus potentially offers a more inclusive experience for users with diverse needs.
ErgonomicsSlim and lightweight (175g)Slightly heavier (193.5g), larger displayNova 9 offers better one-handed usability due to its smaller size and lighter weight.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. She needs a phone that captures stunning images and videos for her social media.

  • Nova 9 Narrative: Sarah is drawn to the Nova 9's impressive 50MP main camera with its RYYB color filter array, promising vibrant photos even in low light. However, the lack of optical image stabilization might be a concern for her shaky hands. The limited video capabilities (only 720p@960fps slow-motion) also restrict her creative options.

  • Nord 3 Narrative: The Nord 3 empowers Sarah with its 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor and optical image stabilization, ensuring crisp, clear photos and videos. The ability to shoot 4K video at both 30fps and 60fps, along with 1080p at up to 120fps, opens up a world of possibilities for capturing smooth, detailed slow-motion footage. The wider range of video recording options significantly enhances Sarah's storytelling capabilities.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • User 1: Tech-Savvy Student: Both phones offer sufficient performance for everyday tasks, but the Nord 3's MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor provides a significant power advantage for demanding games and applications.
  • User 2: Casual User: The Nova 9's simpler EMUI might feel easier to navigate for a less tech-savvy user, but the lack of Google services could be a major drawback. The Nord 3's OxygenOS, while more feature-rich, provides a familiar Android experience.
  • User 3: Professional Photographer: The Nord 3's superior camera features, especially optical image stabilization and versatile video recording options, make it the clear winner for professional use.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Nova 9 prioritizes aesthetics and portability, appealing to users who value a slim and stylish device. However, the limitations of its operating system and camera features might be dealbreakers for some.

The Nord 3 focuses on performance and a comprehensive user experience. Its powerful processor, versatile camera system, and feature-rich OxygenOS cater to users who demand more from their smartphones.

My Choice: OnePlus Nord 3

As Sophia Rodriguez, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Nova 9 offers a sleek design and a good main camera, the Nord 3 provides a more holistic and future-proof user experience. The Nord 3's superior performance, enhanced camera capabilities (especially video), longer software support with guaranteed updates to Android 16, 5G connectivity, and the familiar Android ecosystem with full Google service integration outweigh the Nova 9's advantages in portability and design. For most users, the Nord 3 will offer a more satisfying and versatile mobile experience. It better aligns with a user-centered approach to technology, providing a powerful and enjoyable experience that empowers users to connect, create, and explore. The price difference is also significant, making the Nord 3 a more compelling value proposition.

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.