1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm | Nova 9 SE is slightly taller and wider, while the 8T is a bit thicker. This affects how the phone feels in hand and fits in pockets. |
| Weight | 188g | 191g | Negligible difference. Both feel similar in terms of weight. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 8T provides better scratch and impact resistance on the screen. Durability is a factor to consider. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted is faster and more ergonomic, while both provide basic biometric security. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | Huawei nova 9 SE offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness. Not a noticeable difference. |
| PPI | 402 | 387 | Both offer similar screen clarity; negligible difference for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption and overall visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 8T provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 8T is much more visible in direct sunlight. Huawei Nova 9 SE visibility under sunlight is unconfirmed due to missing data. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus 8T offers significantly faster processing and graphics for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 248,000 | The OnePlus 8T provides a much smoother and faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | OnePlus 8T has a much more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks and gaming. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | OnePlus 8T handles multitasking and running multiple apps much better. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | Huawei nova 9 SE captures more detail in good lighting, though the OnePlus 8T has a wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 8T takes higher resolution ultrawide photos. Huawei also combines the ultrawide lens as a Macro camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 8T takes more detailed macro photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 9 SE has wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps with EIS | OnePlus 8T records higher quality videos with better stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF | Continuous shooting, Panorama, Exposure compensation | OnePlus 8T has better low-light and action shot capabilities. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main score: 107, Photo score: 97, Video score: 124 | N/A | OnePlus 8T selfie camera is superior based on DxOMark score. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | OnePlus 8T likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 66W | Both offer fast charging, resulting in minimal charging time. |
| Features | 2x2250 mAh battery | Reverse Charging | OnePlus 8T has faster charging split battery technology, while Huawei allows you to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 11 | OnePlus 8T has confirmed Android 14 upgrade, indicating longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | OnePlus 8T has slightly better power efficiency and range with newer Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | OnePlus 8T has better GPS accuracy and reliability. |
| Storage Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Basic Audio Features | OnePlus 8T offers a significantly better audio experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Display: Superior AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, providing a more vibrant and fluid visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Camera: Better video recording capabilities (4K vs 1080p), OIS for steadier shots, and better low-light performance.
- Battery: Larger battery capacity.
- Software Support: Guaranteed upgrade to Android 14.
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Main Camera Resolution: Higher megapixel count in the main camera, potentially capturing more detail in optimal conditions.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Newer Device: Slightly newer phone, but this doesn't automatically translate to superiority in all aspects.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 8T: Older device compared to Huawei nova 9 SE.
- Huawei nova 9 SE: Significantly weaker performance, inferior display, and less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T Ideal User:
- Gamer: Demanding games run smoothly.
- Media Consumer: Enjoys watching videos and movies with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants a versatile camera system with good video recording capabilities.
- Power User: Needs a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Watching HDR content on the go.
- Recording high-quality videos.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously.
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Casual User: Primarily uses the phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Seeking a phone with a large screen and decent camera at a lower price point.
- Reverse Charging: Needs the ability to occasionally charge other devices.
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Taking occasional photos in good lighting.
- Charging accessories on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance to you? If you play games, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the OnePlus 8T is the clear choice.
- How important is display quality? The AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate on the OnePlus 8T is significantly better for media consumption.
- What is your budget? The Huawei nova 9 SE may be more appealing if you are on a tight budget and don't need top-tier performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance are Priority: Choose the OnePlus 8T.
- Scenario 2: Budget is a Primary Concern, Basic Use Only: The Huawei nova 9 SE is sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage, Good Camera Important: The OnePlus 8T is the better choice, but keep in mind its age.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 8T. Even though it is an older device, the significantly superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make it a much better choice for my usage. I value smooth multitasking, vibrant visuals, and the ability to record high-quality videos. The improved software support also adds longevity to the device. The drawbacks of the Nova 9 SE, namely the low performance and inferior display, are dealbreakers for me.
