Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm, 192g | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm, 191g | Huawei is taller/wider, OnePlus slightly thicker. Virtually identical weight. Slight difference in in-hand feel |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | OnePlus screen is more resistant to scratches and drops |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | Huawei has slightly larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer similar sharpness, minor differences unnoticeable |
| PPI | 402 | 387 | Both offer very similar pixel density and sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus has superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Specification missing) | OnePlus offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, Huawei brightness unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus has a vastly more powerful chipset, much faster in daily use and demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 248,000 | OnePlus offers significantly better performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | OnePlus has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", IMX689 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", S5KHM2 | Huawei higher resolution, OnePlus larger sensor and wider aperture. OnePlus likely better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Huawei has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", IMX766 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated wide-angle camera, Huawei doesn't. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, OnePlus does not offer such a lens |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated black & white lens, Huawei doesn't |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | OnePlus offers significantly better video recording quality, including 8K and advanced stabilization features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | OnePlus likely offers longer battery life, due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Both phones offer similar fast charging speeds. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | OnePlus has wireless charging, Huawei has reverse charging |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | OnePlus will have longer software support, potentially with more Android upgrades |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Similar Wi-Fi Capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus has a newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) and more | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | OnePlus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, faster and more precise GPS tracking |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | OnePlus has more RAM, smoother multitasking, less app reloading |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | OnePlus has better audio quality, clearer sound, more immersion. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more ergonomical. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Comprehensive suite of sensors for both devices, both perform very similarly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing, better for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides a richer and smoother viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Wider aperture main sensor, dedicated wide-angle lens, and 8K video recording offer more versatility and better video quality
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for more immersive audio.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging
- More RAM: Up to 12 GB of RAM
- Better Software Support: Upgradable to Android 13.
- Better GPS
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched almost a year later with more modern design elements.
- More Versatile Camera Setup: Includes portrait mode, macro, and wide angle + macro lenses, offering more shooting options.
- Slightly larger screen: Better for media consumption and reading.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic.
- Slightly thinner
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 has a smaller screen and may not be as suitable for users who prefer very large screens.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE lacks the raw processing power for heavy gaming and demanding applications.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE has a lower quality IPS LCD display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a high-quality display with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates.
- Photography/Videography: Users looking for versatile camera features, particularly 8K video recording and wide-angle capabilities.
- Tech Savvy: Users who want better software support and cutting-edge features.
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a variety of camera lenses for diverse shooting scenarios.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for good value and decent features at a more affordable price point.
- Users who prioritize a slightly larger screen: Those looking for the most screen real estate
- Users who prioritize a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: High-end gaming, professional photography/videography, intensive multitasking, demanding productivity apps
- Huawei nova 9 SE: Casual browsing, social media, everyday photography, general productivity, light gaming
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, general use)
- What is your budget? (OnePlus 9 is likely more expensive due to its higher specifications.)
- Do you prioritize performance or camera versatility? (OnePlus excels in performance while Huawei offers more versatile camera options.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focused): If you need the best performance for gaming or heavy workloads, the OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Use & Camera Versatility): If you're a casual user who wants a decent camera with multiple lenses and you have a tighter budget, the Huawei nova 9 SE is a viable option.
- Scenario 3 (Screen Quality Matters): If you want the best display quality and outdoor visibility, the OnePlus 9 is the better option.
- Scenario 4 (Budget is Important): The Huawei nova 9 SE is likely to be the better option, if you can sacrifice performance and screen quality for a lower price point.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9. My primary reason is its superior performance. The Snapdragon 888 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 680, and it would make a noticeable difference in my daily use, including demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. I also value the superior display quality of the AMOLED panel, with its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher refresh rate. The camera system on the OnePlus 9 also appeals to me because of the excellent primary and wide-angle lenses, and support for 8K video. While the Huawei nova 9 SE has some nice features, the performance and display advantages of the OnePlus 9 outweigh the added camera features and reverse charging for me. I also value the better GPS system, software support and wireless charging. Though both are fine phones, I would personally get the OnePlus 9 for a smoother and more powerful experience that will last longer.
