1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, while Huawei nova 11 is a bit wider and significantly thinner. Huawei nova 11 will feel more compact and pocketable, while the 9 Pro is more substantial. |
Weight | 197g | 168g | Huawei nova 11 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering similar viewing area. |
Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1084x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display with significantly more detail visible. Text and images will be clearer. |
PPI | 525 | 391 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density translates to noticeably sharper images and text. |
Technology | Unknown | OLED | Huawei nova 11's OLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the unknown tech used by the OnePlus 9 Pro. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, which is great for gaming and general use. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro's significantly higher brightness will be much better in bright outdoor conditions, making it easier to see the screen in sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset provides superior performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 587,561 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher benchmark score, indicating it will perform significantly faster in most tasks. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9 Pro's superior GPU will provide better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.9 | OnePlus 9 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture will likely perform better in low-light conditions. The Huawei nova 11 offers slightly higher resolution. |
Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" Omnivision OV60A | Huawei nova 11's higher resolution and larger sensor should capture more detailed selfies, and perform better in low light. |
Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature missing in the Huawei nova 11. |
Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive scenes. |
Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 11 features a combined wide-angle and macro lens for capturing close-up shots. |
Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated black and white sensor to capture monochromatic images. |
Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 720p@960fps | OnePlus 9 Pro is capable of recording higher resolution videos, offering more versatility. |
DxOMark | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Not Tested | OnePlus 9 Pro has a tested camera score providing real world performance data. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, likely providing comparable battery life. |
Charging | 65W | 66W | Both phones have fast charging capabilities. The Huawei nova 11 has slightly faster charging with 66W |
Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more advanced charging features for added convenience. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro's Android OS will have a different UI and software features, as well as the possibility to be upgraded to Android 14. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones support the latest WiFi 6 standard. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both phones offer the same bluetooth version and functionalities. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5), NavIC System | Huawei nova 11 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Huawei nova 11 offers a 512GB option for users who need more storage. |
RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB or 12 GB | Both phones offer 8GB or 12GB RAM configurations. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD card. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro provides enhanced audio quality and clearer calls thanks to additional audio features. |
Security | |||
Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones use a standard fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro uses Gorilla Glass 5 for added screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
Sensors | |||
Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both phones have a comprehensive sensor suite that is suitable for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers noticeably better performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. This translates to a snappier, more responsive user experience.
- Significantly Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a crisper, more detailed viewing experience, especially beneficial for text and high-resolution content.
- Much Better Outdoor Visibility: With significantly higher brightness, the display is much better suited for bright sunlight, ensuring readability outdoors.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of telephoto, wide-angle, and black-and-white lenses offers more creative options for photography. It also supports much higher video resolutions, up to 8K
- Advanced Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more flexibility and convenience.
- Superior Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos for a better listening experience, as well as noise cancelling microphones for improved calls.
- Verified Camera Performance: DxOMark ratings provide evidence of the camera's real-world performance capabilities.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection
- Future Proofing: The ability to upgrade to Android 14 means it's software is more likely to remain up to date for a longer period of time.
Huawei nova 11 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The phone is more comfortable for extended use and easier to pocket.
- Potentially Superior Selfies: High-resolution selfie camera could be better for selfie enthusiasts.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers a macro option for close-up photography and wide angle in one, which may appeal to some photographers
- Potentially Better Display Colors: The OLED display technology should provide better contrast and more vibrant colors, although this will be subjective.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers a 512GB storage option for users who require a lot of internal storage for photos, videos, and apps.
- More Location Tracking: Supports QZSS and NavIC for more accurate location tracking.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Charging is marginally faster than that on the OnePlus.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Is heavier, thicker and potentially bulkier, might not be as comfortable for people with small hands. The display's colour accuracy might not be as good as the Huawei, and the battery charging will be marginally slower.
- Huawei nova 11: Lacks the performance of the Snapdragon 888, has a significantly lower-resolution display, lacks some key camera features, and lacks wireless charging, making it less feature-rich in certain aspects.
- Huawei nova 11: The operating system is unknown and might not be able to receive updates as readily as the OnePlus. The screen protection is also unknown, so it is difficult to say whether it is durable or not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power User: Gamers, content creators, and those who need the best performance for multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiast: Those who value versatile camera options including wide angle, telephoto, and black & white sensors. They also appreciate higher quality video capabilities and the option to shoot in RAW.
- Outdoor User: Someone who frequently uses their phone in bright sunlight.
- Tech-Savvy Individual: Those who want the latest wireless charging technologies, the ability to shoot in 8K, and the versatility offered by all of the additional hardware features.
Huawei nova 11 Ideal User:
- Casual User: Those who need a good-looking phone with a good selfie camera and won't be pushing the device to its limits with demanding games.
- Selfie Lover: Individuals who prioritize a high-resolution front-facing camera for self-portraits.
- Lightweight User: Those who prefer a lighter, thinner device for comfortable daily use.
- Storage Focused User: Users who want larger storage options for a large number of files.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Gaming: Smooth, lag-free performance in graphically intensive games.
- Video Recording: High-quality 8K video with excellent stabilization.
- Outdoor Navigation: Easily readable screen even in bright sun.
- Photography: Versatile creative options with telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Huawei nova 11:
- Social Media: High-resolution selfies and social media sharing.
- Everyday Use: Lightweight, pocketable design for easy carrying.
- Long Sessions: Less hand fatigue due to lower weight and thinner design.
- On-the-go Content Consumption: High contrast, vibrant colours, and stereo speakers.
Price-to-Value:
- Without specific pricing data, it's difficult to fully assess. However, OnePlus 9 Pro will likely have a higher original price given its premium features. The Huawei nova 11 will likely offer good value for those who don't need the absolute best in performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the best possible performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, or will a mid-range chipset suffice? (OnePlus 9 Pro is best for performance)
- Camera Priorities: Do you prefer a more versatile system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, or is a high-resolution selfie camera more important? (OnePlus 9 Pro has a more versatile system)
- Portability vs. Features: Do you prioritize a lightweight design and good battery, or are you willing to trade some portability for a more feature-rich phone? (Huawei nova 11 is best for portability).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming enthusiast wanting a high-performance phone for playing graphic intensive games on the go, also takes many photos. Recommendation: OnePlus 9 Pro. It offers the best performance and a more versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who primarily takes selfies, values lightweight design and longer battery life. Recommendation: Huawei nova 11. It prioritizes a high-resolution selfie camera, light weight, thin profile and good battery capacity, for comfortable use every day.
- Scenario 3: A professional who is often outdoors and needs a high resolution display for a variety of work related apps. Recommendation: OnePlus 9 Pro It has the best brightness, sharpness and better performance for work related apps, especially if needing to run demanding programs.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. My rationale is as follows:
- Performance: I value smooth, responsive performance for all tasks, and the Snapdragon 888 is a significant advantage here. I often find myself multitasking and switching between apps, so having more processing power is always welcome.
- Display: While OLED is nice, the higher resolution and brightness of the OnePlus 9 Pro is a major win for my usage needs. I often use my phone outdoors, and screen visibility in sunlight is extremely important to me. The higher clarity will also be a better experience for reading articles and watching content.
- Camera Versatility: I like to experiment with different shots, so having telephoto, wide-angle, and black & white lenses gives me more flexibility. I also shoot a lot of video footage so having access to 8k video is a huge bonus, and I appreciate having OIS, especially for shooting whilst on the move.
- Future Proofing: The ability to be upgraded to Android 14 is important to me as it will provide more support for the phone in future. The OnePlus is a high end phone, and although it is from 2021, it will likely still be a better overall choice for my needs, despite the age.
- Features: The additional features like wireless charging, better audio and better screen protection make it a more premium choice overall.
While the Huawei nova 11 has some appealing aspects, such as a lighter design and potentially better selfie quality, my personal priorities lean more towards the performance, display quality, and camera versatility offered by the OnePlus 9 Pro.