OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei nova 9: A Practical Comparison
Choosing between the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Huawei nova 9 depends on what matters most to you—speed, camera versatility, battery life, or software experience. Below, we break down the differences and real-world implications to help you decide.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | Nearly identical size—both feel slim and pocketable. |
| Weight | 170g | 175g | The Nord CE 5G is slightly lighter, but 5g won’t make a noticeable difference. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Optical (under display) | Optical (under display) | Both unlock quickly; no major difference. |
👉 Verdict: A tie—both phones are well-built and comfortable to hold.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.57" OLED | The nova 9 has a slightly larger screen, but both are immersive. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The nova 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially in games. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Unknown | The Nord CE 5G will be much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | Virtually identical sharpness in daily use. |
👉 Verdict:
- Huawei nova 9 wins for smoother motion (120Hz).
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G wins for outdoor visibility (700 nits).
Performance & Software
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | The 778G is more efficient and ~50% faster (Antutu: 578K vs. 385K). |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8GB | The Nord CE 5G’s 12GB variant is better for heavy multitasking. |
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | EMUI (No Google Services) | The Nord has full Google Play access; the nova 9 relies on Huawei’s AppGallery. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | The Nord CE 5G is future-proofed for faster networks. |
👉 Verdict:
- Huawei nova 9 is faster in benchmarks and gaming.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G wins for app compatibility (Google Services) and 5G.
Camera Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | The nova 9’s larger sensor captures more light (better low-light shots). |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar quality; slight edge to nova 9 for aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.0) | The nova 9 has sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W | 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth | Neither is game-changing, but the nova 9 has more versatility. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 720p@960fps (EIS) | The Nord CE 5G records much higher-quality video. |
| DXOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | Untested | The Nord CE 5G has solid camera tuning. |
👉 Verdict:
- Huawei nova 9 for better low-light photos and selfies.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G for 4K video and better stabilization.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | The Nord CE 5G lasts slightly longer (~5-10% more). |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 66W | The nova 9 charges 2x faster—great for quick top-ups. |
👉 Verdict:
- Huawei nova 9 for fast charging (66W).
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G for slightly longer battery life.
2. Key Insights: Who Should Buy Which?
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Wins If You…
✔ Need Google Apps (Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Maps).
✔ Want 5G support (better future-proofing).
✔ Record a lot of videos (4K vs. 720p on nova 9).
✔ Prefer a brighter display (700 nits for outdoor use).
Huawei nova 9 Wins If You…
✔ Want a smoother display (120Hz vs. 90Hz).
✔ Prioritize camera performance (bigger sensor, better selfies).
✔ Need ultra-fast charging (66W vs. 30W).
✔ Don’t rely on Google apps (Huawei’s ecosystem is fine for you).
3. Buying Decision Framework
Answer These 3 Questions:
- Do I need Google apps?
- Yes → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- No → Consider Huawei nova 9
- Is camera quality or battery life more important?
- Camera → Huawei nova 9
- Battery → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Do I care about future-proofing with 5G?
- Yes → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- No → Huawei nova 9
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
🏆 My Pick: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Why?
- Google Services are non-negotiable for most users (Maps, YouTube, Gmail).
- 5G support makes it more future-proof.
- Brighter screen is better for outdoor use.
- 4K video recording is a big plus for content creators.
The Huawei nova 9 is a great alternative if:
- You don’t need Google apps and prefer better selfies + fast charging.
- 120Hz display is a priority.
Ultimately, if you can live without Google apps, the nova 9 is the better phone in terms of performance, charging, and camera. But for most users, the Nord CE 5G’s full Android experience makes it the safer bet.
