Huawei nova 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei

General

Launch Date September 30, 2021 January 7, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 91.98 cm³ 91.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.75 "/g 3.62 "/g
Weight 175 g 177 g
Height 160 mm 155.7 mm
Width 73.7 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Starry Blue
  • White
  • Graphite
  • Lavender
  • Olive

Display

Screen Size 6.57 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 392 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 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 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.75 mAh/cm³ 49.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1
GPU Adreno 642L Adreno 660 - Version 1

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 12
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

Huawei Nova 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's move beyond the raw numbers and delve into the user experience offered by the Huawei Nova 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. We'll use a narrative approach to understand how these devices translate technical specifications into real-world usability.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei Nova 9Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Highly Customized)One UI 4 (Based on Android 12)Samsung offers a more widely recognized and generally considered user-friendly Android experience.
Interaction FlowSmooth, focused on camera featuresVersatile, optimized for multitaskingS21 FE's Snapdragon 888 provides a noticeable performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibility optionsEnhanced One UI accessibility featuresS21 FE may offer a slight edge in accessibility due to Samsung's robust suite of inclusive features.
Design ErgonomicsSlim and lightweight (7.8mm, 175g)Slightly thicker and heavier (7.9mm, 177g)Negligible difference in hand feel; both are relatively comfortable for most users.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah, who loves capturing vibrant cityscapes and sharing her experiences on social media.

  • Huawei Nova 9: The Nova 9's impressive 50MP RYYB sensor and dedicated night mode empower Sarah to capture stunning low-light photos. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services might hinder her ability to seamlessly share her creations on platforms like Instagram and YouTube directly. Imagine the frustration of having to transfer files or use workarounds!

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: The S21 FE, with its powerful Snapdragon 888 processor and versatile camera system, allows Sarah to not only take great photos but also edit them smoothly on the go using resource-intensive apps. Seamless integration with Google services ensures effortless sharing across her favorite platforms. Imagine the joy of instantly sharing a breathtaking sunset photo with friends!

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • Tech-Savvy User: The S21 FE's superior processing power and 5G connectivity might appeal to users who demand high performance and future-proof technology.
  • Casual User: The Nova 9's sleek design and intuitive interface might be more appealing to users prioritizing aesthetics and ease of use for everyday tasks. However, the lack of Google services could be a significant barrier for many.
  • User in Google Ecosystem: The lack of Google services on the Nova 9 makes the S21 FE the clear choice for anyone reliant on Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and the Google Play Store.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

While both phones offer compelling features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G emerges as the more well-rounded choice from a user-centered design perspective. Its powerful hardware, versatile camera system, seamless integration with the broader Android ecosystem, and commitment to accessibility create a more inclusive and enjoyable user experience. The Huawei Nova 9, while boasting strong camera capabilities, is significantly hampered by the lack of Google Mobile Services, impacting usability for a global audience.

My Choice: I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The superior processor, 5G connectivity, user-friendly One UI interface, and full access to Google services are crucial for a seamless and enjoyable mobile experience. While the Nova 9 boasts an attractive design and capable camera, the limitations imposed by the absence of Google services ultimately outweigh its advantages. In my role as a technology communicator, I prioritize devices that offer broad accessibility and integrate smoothly into users' digital lives, and the S21 FE delivers on this promise.

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.