OnePlus 9 vs Huawei nova 11 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 April 27, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 103.29 cm³ 83.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.99 "/g
Weight 192 g 168 g
Height 160 mm 161.3 mm
Width 74.2 mm 75 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 6.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Winter Mist
  • Arctic Sky
  • Astral Black
  • Gold
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1084 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.2 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 100.25 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.57 mAh/cm³ 53.91 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 642L

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 11 N/A
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9Huawei nova 11Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mmHuawei nova 11 is taller and thinner; OnePlus 9 is thicker and slightly more compact in width. The nova 11 will feel lighter and the OnePlus 9 slightly more substantial.
Weight192g168gHuawei nova 11 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.55"6.7"Huawei nova 11 offers a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24001084x2412Both have very sharp displays; the slight difference is negligible in real-world use.
PPI402391Pixel density is almost identical; displays will look equally crisp.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDBoth offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors; practical difference is minimal.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience.
Brightness1100 nits950 nitsOnePlus 9 will be more visible in direct sunlight, offering better outdoor readability.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)OnePlus 9 has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app launches and smoother gaming. The nova 11 is still smooth but less powerful.
AnTuTu Score880,900587,561Reflects the performance difference, with the OnePlus 9 offering significantly better benchmark performance.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 642LOnePlus 9 has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689, 1.12µm50MP, f/1.9, Unknown, Unknown µmOnePlus 9 has a larger sensor size and wider aperture, likely capturing more light, while Huawei nova 11 offers slightly higher resolution.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A, 0.61µmHuawei nova 11 has a much higher resolution front camera with a larger sensor, potentially resulting in more detailed selfies.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00µmNoneOnePlus 9 includes a dedicated ultra-wide lens for expansive landscape photography.
Wide Angle + MacroNone8MP, f/2.2, Unknown, Unknown µmHuawei nova 11 includes a combined macro and wide-angle lens for versatility in close-up and wide shots.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4, Unknown, Unknown µmNoneOnePlus 9 includes a dedicated monochrome sensor for artistic black and white photography.
VideoUp to 8K@30fps with HDR, EISUp to 720p@960fps with EISOnePlus 9 offers much higher video resolution capabilities for professional video capture, while the Huawei nova 11 has a higher slow-motion frame rate.
Camera Features4K/8K Video, Triple Camera, RAW 12 bits, Night mode4K Video, Dual Camera, RAWOnePlus 9 has more advanced features such as 8K video, RAW 12 bit, and dedicated Night mode for improved low-light capture; Huawei nova 11 offers Continuous Autofocus.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4500mAhBoth have similar battery sizes, likely providing comparable daily battery life under normal usage.
Charging65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging66W Fast Charging, Reverse ChargingHuawei nova 11 provides slightly faster wired charging; OnePlus 9 offers convenient wireless charging while nova 11 allows reverse charging to power other devices.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 13)Android 13Huawei nova 11 ships with a newer version of Android out of the box
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6, Dual-band, HotspotWi-Fi 6, Dual-band, HotspotBoth offer fast and reliable WiFi connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 6.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, AACBluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, AACBoth provide advanced Bluetooth connectivity with high-quality audio codec support.
GPSMultiple systems + L1+L5Multiple systems + L1+L5 + QZSS + NavICHuawei nova 11 offers broader support for navigation satellite systems, potentially providing more accurate location data.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIMBoth devices support dual SIM functionality, useful for managing multiple phone numbers.
Storage
Internal128GB or 256GB128GB or 256GB or 512GBHuawei nova 11 has more storage options, including a 512GB version, providing more space for media and files.
RAM8GB or 12GB6GB or 8GB or 12GBBoth offer up to 12GB of RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking; The OnePlus 9 doesn't have 6 GB options
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither device allows for expandable storage, so users must select the appropriate internal storage configuration.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, 3 micsStereo SpeakersOnePlus 9 offers more immersive audio and clearer voice quality during calls, while Huawei nova 11 provides basic stereo sound.
Security
FingerprintBasic Fingerprint SensorBasic Fingerprint SensorBoth have standard fingerprint sensors for biometric security.
Build
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 uses Gorilla Glass 5, offering better protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, GravityHuawei nova 11 features a Gravity sensor in addition to standard sensors, which could be utilized in certain apps and games.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Advantages:

  • Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers vastly superior processing power, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
  • Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera potentially capture more detail and perform better in low-light conditions.
  • Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos.
  • 8K Video Recording: Capable of shooting high-resolution 8K video, beneficial for professional-grade content creation.
  • Better Audio Features: Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation and 3 microphones.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging.
  • Screen Protection: The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Huawei nova 11 Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
  • Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
  • Wider Angle + Macro Lens Has a combined Wide Angle + Macro lens for versatile shooting
  • Slightly Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of android.
  • Broader GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems for potentially higher location accuracy.
  • Reverse Charging: Allows users to charge other devices using the phone.
  • More Storage Options: Offers a 512GB internal storage option.

Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9: Sacrifices a slimmer design, lighter build, higher resolution selfie camera, and reverse charging for much better performance and a more versatile main camera system.
  • Huawei nova 11: Sacrifices processing power, video quality, camera versatility, and audio enhancements for a thinner design, lighter weight, more storage options, and slightly better front-facing camera and navigation capabilities.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want high-quality images, especially in low-light, and the option to use a dedicated wide-angle lens and 8K video capture.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Benefit from the superior display and high-quality audio.
  • Users who want wireless charging Prefer convenience of not using wired charging cables

Use Cases:

  • Gaming: High-end gaming with demanding titles.
  • Professional Photography: Capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
  • Heavy App Usage: Running multiple applications simultaneously without lag.
  • Outdoor Use: Enjoy enhanced screen visibility in bright conditions.

Huawei nova 11 Ideal Users:

  • Design-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize a sleek, lightweight, and portable design.
  • Selfie Lovers: Those who take many front-facing photos.
  • Casual Users: Those who prioritize battery life, portability and don't need the highest processing power
  • Users who prefer flexibility: Benefit from having more storage options and reverse charging capabilities.
  • Users who like to use navigation tools: Prefer higher accuracy when using navigation features.

Use Cases:

  • Social Media Content Creation: Capturing high-quality selfies for social media.
  • Daily Commuting: A lightweight phone that is easy to carry all day.
  • Travel: Leveraging better GPS with broader satellite support when exploring new places.
  • On-the-go Charging: Utilizing reverse wireless charging to power other devices.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. Performance vs. Portability: Do you prioritize top-tier performance or a more lightweight and portable design?
  2. Camera Versatility vs. Selfie Quality: Do you need a versatile main camera system with a dedicated wide-angle lens and high-end video recording, or a higher-resolution front camera for detailed selfies?
  3. Charging Preference: Do you value wireless charging or reverse charging?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (High-Performance User): If you are a gamer or power user, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice due to its significantly more powerful processor.
  • Scenario 2 (Everyday User): If you want a portable phone that is great at taking selfies, the Huawei nova 11 will better suit your needs.
  • Scenario 3 (Camera Focused User): If you enjoy taking pictures with all kinds of lenses, the OnePlus 9 with its triple camera system is the best option. However, If you prefer taking selfies, the Huawei nova 11 with its higher resolution front-facing camera will be better.

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9. My preference is for the superior performance and more versatile camera system it offers, including the 8K video capabilities and dedicated wide-angle lens. While I appreciate the lighter design and higher-resolution selfie camera on the Huawei nova 11, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The OnePlus 9 is the better choice for anyone needing a powerful device for gaming, demanding apps, or professional content creation. The wireless charging is also a nice-to-have for me. While the Huawei nova 11 has benefits, the key areas where the OnePlus 9 excels align better with my needs and general user demand for top performance and high-end multimedia capabilities.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.