Huawei nova 9 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei

General

Launch Date September 30, 2021 April 26, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 91.98 cm³ 95.71 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.75 "/g 3.65 "/g
Weight 175 g 176 g
Height 160 mm 159.9 mm
Width 73.7 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Starry Blue
  • Ice Blue
  • Onyx Black
  • Pearl Green

Display

Screen Size 6.57 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 84.5 %
Pixel Density 392 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 700 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.62 mAh/in² 120.93 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.75 mAh/cm³ 52.24 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 642L Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Huawei nova 9 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. We'll go beyond the raw numbers and explore how these devices translate into real-world experiences for different users.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9Xiaomi Redmi Note 12SUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (No Google Mobile Services)MIUI 14 (Android 13)Nova 9's lack of Google services significantly impacts app availability and user familiarity for those entrenched in the Google ecosystem. Redmi Note 12S offers wider compatibility.
Interaction Flow120Hz OLED Display - Smooth interactions90Hz AMOLED Display - Fluid, but less soWhile both offer smooth scrolling, the Nova 9's higher refresh rate provides a slightly more premium feel, especially in fast-paced games or visually demanding applications.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility OptionsStandard Android Accessibility OptionsBoth devices rely on standard Android accessibility features. Deeper investigation into specific implementations is needed for a comprehensive comparison.
Design ErgonomicsSlimmer (7.8mm) and Lighter (175g)Slightly thicker (8.1mm) and heavier (176g)Nova 9 offers a marginally more comfortable in-hand feel for extended use due to its slimmer profile.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Nova 9's 50MP RYYB sensor, despite lacking OIS, captures vibrant images even in challenging light, telling a more vivid story of her travels. However, the Redmi Note 12S's 108MP sensor with 9-in-1 pixel binning offers detailed shots ideal for large prints, allowing Sarah to relive her memories in stunning clarity.

Scenario: Consider a college student, David. He relies heavily on mobile apps for communication and studies. The absence of Google services on the Nova 9 severely limits his access to essential apps, creating a frustrating user experience. The Redmi Note 12S, with full Google support, seamlessly integrates with his digital life.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

User 1: Tech-Savvy User: Might appreciate the Nova 9's superior camera hardware and faster refresh rate, potentially finding workarounds for the lack of Google services.

User 2: Casual User: Would likely prefer the Redmi Note 12S due to its familiar Android ecosystem, longer battery life (5000mAh vs 4300mAh), and more affordable price point.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Nova 9 prioritizes a premium aesthetic and camera performance, while the Redmi Note 12S focuses on practicality and affordability.

My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

While the Huawei Nova 9 boasts impressive hardware in certain aspects, as Sophia Rodriguez, my user-centric approach leads me to choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The lack of Google Mobile Services on the Nova 9 is a significant barrier for most users, severely impacting app accessibility and overall usability. The Redmi Note 12S provides a more complete and accessible Android experience, coupled with a robust battery, a compelling camera system, and a more affordable price. For the majority of users, the Redmi Note 12S offers a more practical and user-friendly experience, aligning with my core mission of making technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone. While the Nova 9 might appeal to a niche market comfortable with alternative app ecosystems, the Redmi Note 12S caters to a broader audience, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive user experience.

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.