Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 8T vs. Huawei nova 9
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm | The Nova 9 is slightly thinner and narrower, potentially making it easier to hold for some users. The difference is minor but can be noticeable. |
| Weight | 188g | 175g | The Nova 9 is lighter, which could be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The 8T's Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches and accidental drops. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.57" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Practically identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 402 | 392 | The difference in pixel density is imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but AMOLED typically has slightly better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The OnePlus 8T will be much easier to view in bright sunlight due to its significantly higher maximum brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 865 is a more powerful chipset, offering better performance in demanding games and multitasking. The 778G is still a capable mid-range chip, suitable for everyday tasks. The OnePlus 8T supports 5G, whereas the Huawei Nova 9 is 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 578,555 | The 8T scores significantly higher, indicating a smoother experience with graphically intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 650 provides better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | The 12GB variant of the 8T allows for more apps to run in the background without slowing down the phone. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | The Nova 9's larger sensor size should result in better low-light performance. The OnePlus 8T has a wider aperture, potentially improving shallow depth of field effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.0 | The Nova 9 should capture more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting, and its wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The 8T captures wider and more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The 8T captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Depth Sensor | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nova 9 can create more accurate portrait mode photos. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | The OnePlus 8T has a dedicated black & white camera for specific artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K, 720p@960fps with EIS | The 8T offers higher frame rates and resolutions and better stabilization at higher resolutions for video recording. |
| OIS | Yes | No | OnePlus 8T benefits from optical image stabilisation. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | The 8T offers slightly longer battery life, but the difference is not significant. |
| Charging | 65W | 66W | Both phones charge extremely fast, but there's no real-world difference between 65W and 66W. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Unknown (likely HarmonyOS or Android-based EMUI) | The 8T has a clear Android upgrade path, offering access to the latest features and security updates. The Nova 9's software updates are uncertain. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | No | The OnePlus 8T supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Nova 9 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, but the practical differences are minor. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Micro) | The Nova 9 supports older Micro SIM. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: Snapdragon 865 offers better CPU and GPU performance. Practical Impact: Smoother gaming, faster app loading, better multitasking.
- Brighter Display: Much higher brightness makes the screen more visible outdoors. Practical Impact: Easier to use in sunlight.
- 5G Connectivity: Access to faster mobile data speeds. Practical Impact: Faster downloads, smoother streaming (where available).
- Better Camera Features: Includes OIS, and captures higher-quality ultrawide, macro, and black & white photos/videos. Practical Impact: More versatile photography and higher-quality results in various scenarios.
- Better Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers. Practical Impact: Better audio experience.
- Screen Protection: The OnePlus 8T offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: Slightly more comfortable to hold. Practical Impact: Better ergonomics for some users.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture. Practical Impact: More detailed and brighter selfies.
- Potentially Better Main Camera Low-Light Performance: Larger sensor on the main camera potentially improves low light performance.
- Newer Bluetooth: Minor advantage, mainly for future compatibility.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 8T: Slightly heavier and thicker than the Nova 9.
- Huawei nova 9: Lacks 5G, has a less powerful chipset, and the screen brightness is inferior, making it harder to view outdoors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who need a phone that performs well in all conditions, including bright sunlight. Also good for those who prioritize video recording capabilities.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, video editing, outdoor photography, streaming high-resolution video.
Huawei nova 9:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a sleek design, lightweight build, and excellent selfie camera performance.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, frequent selfie takers, users who prioritize portability and aesthetics.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps? (If high, choose OnePlus 8T.)
- How important is screen visibility in bright sunlight? (If high, choose OnePlus 8T.)
- How important is 5G connectivity? (If important, choose OnePlus 8T.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 8T for its superior performance.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Influencer: Choose the Huawei nova 9 for its excellent selfie camera.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User needing reliability and good performance in all conditions: Choose the OnePlus 8T.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 8T. While the Huawei nova 9 has its merits, the 8T's superior performance, brighter display, 5G connectivity, better screen protection and more versatile camera system (especially for video) make it a more well-rounded device for my needs. The ability to play demanding games smoothly and comfortably use the phone outdoors is something I value more than a slightly slimmer design and a better selfie camera. Furthermore, the OnePlus 8T has a confirmed upgrade path to Android 14, providing the latest features and security, while it is uncertain when/if the Huawei nova 9 will have the newest version of Android/HarmonyOS.
