Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Realme 9i and the Huawei nova Y90. I’ll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and offer some real-world insights to help you decide which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what matters most to the end-user:
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Realme 9i | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Very similar size, the Realme 9i is slightly taller but negligible in daily use. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Realme 9i is a touch lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Huawei has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing space. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2388 | Near identical pixel count, both offer sharp visuals for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 391 | Similar sharpness, you won't notice the difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness might be a limiting factor under very bright lighting for both phones. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Both use the same chip which provides a solid experience for daily tasks and light gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 249,000 | Huawei nova Y90 has better performance in benchmarks, might feel marginally faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Same graphics performance, both are capable of casual gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm pixel size | Similar main camera performance; pixel size different in each phone. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.1 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme offers higher resolution, Huawei has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Not Available | Realme 9i includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Not Available | Realme 9i includes a black & white lens. |
| Secondary/Tertiary Camera | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 includes depth sensor camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 120fps | 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | Both record 1080p video. Realme offers 120 fps slow-motion, Huawei does not. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have excellent battery capacity for all day usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 40W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Huawei charges faster, with slightly better battery chemistry. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Not available (Based on android) | Realme is using android based operating system, Huawei is not. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Similar high-speed Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, SBC, AAC | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE | Similar Bluetooth performance, different codecs and energy saving. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellites, may offer more precise positioning in certain areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Both have a maximum storage of 128GB. Huawei nova Y90 comes only with 128GB option. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Huawei offers an 8GB RAM option, beneficial for multitasking and resource intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Realme offers superior audio with stereo speakers and Hi-Res certification. |
2. Key Insights
Similar Foundations: Both the Realme 9i and Huawei nova Y90 share a lot under the hood – the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, similar display tech, and the same battery capacity. This means they offer a very similar base level of performance, good enough for most everyday tasks.
Huawei's Performance Edge: The Huawei nova Y90 has a slightly better AnTuTu benchmark score, indicating a marginal performance advantage. This can mean a slightly smoother experience in more demanding situations and better multitasking in general. It also has an 8 GB RAM variant which will give a smoother experience in heavy use.
Camera Trade-Offs: While both offer a 50MP main camera, the Realme 9i shines in versatility with its dedicated macro and black & white lenses. The Huawei has a secondary and tertiary camera, but the main difference is the selfie camera, Realme has a 16 MP selfie and Huawei has an 8 MP selfie camera.
Charging Speed and Battery: Both have 5000mAh batteries which means you get very good battery life in each phone, but the Huawei edges out with 40W charging vs 33W in the Realme, plus, the use of a Li-Polymer battery in the Huawei generally has a longer lifespan and better heat performance than a Li-Ion battery, making it slightly more reliable in the long run.
Audio Experience: If audio quality is a big factor for you, the Realme 9i has an edge with its Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, giving a better media consumption experience than Huawei's basic audio features.
Software: The Realme 9i utilizes android based operating system while the Huawei nova Y90 uses an operating system based on android.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i:
- User Profile: Best suited for media consumers, everyday users who like to take a variety of photos, and users that value good audio playback.
- Use Cases: Enjoying streaming content, social media browsing, casual photography, and listening to music or podcasts.
- Recommendation: A solid all-rounder with a focus on entertainment and daily usability.
Huawei nova Y90:
- User Profile: Good for users who want a slightly better performance and faster charging, or for users who don't want an android based operating system.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, gaming, quick-charging, and general daily productivity, good for people who value future proofing due to the higher RAM and battery chemistry.
- Recommendation: A solid choice for those who prioritize faster performance and battery charging capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
Do you value superior audio and versatile photography capabilities? If so, the Realme 9i is the better option with its Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and dedicated macro and black & white lenses.
Are performance and battery charging speed your top priorities? The Huawei nova Y90 might be more suitable, offering a higher benchmark score, faster charging, and slightly better battery chemistry.
Do you need the latest android features? The Realme 9i offers the latest android version while the Huawei does not offer the same.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Entertainment Enthusiast: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, listening to music, or casual gaming, the Realme 9i's better audio output will provide a richer experience, coupled with the slightly more versatile camera lenses.
The Power User: For those who push their phones harder with multitasking and more demanding apps, the Huawei nova Y90 with its higher benchmark score, 8 GB RAM option and faster charging might be the better fit.
The Casual User: If you just want a reliable phone for everyday tasks, either would be a very good pick. The Realme 9i offers a more versatile camera and audio system while the Huawei has faster charging and a better battery chemistry.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I would lean towards the Realme 9i. Here's why:
Even though the performance difference is there, I value a good experience with media and audio and I enjoy taking photos of different scenarios, especially macro and black and white shots. The stereo speakers, the Hi-Res Audio, coupled with the macro and black and white cameras, makes the Realme 9i a more appealing all-rounder for my daily use.
While the faster charging and slight performance bump of the Huawei nova Y90 is appealing, the Realme 9i’s advantages in areas that are crucial for me (audio and cameras) tip the scales. The software is also something I value highly, and having the latest android is an important feature for me. Plus, the design and weight of the Realme make it a more comfortable device to handle for extended periods.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific priorities and how you use your phone. If you're after raw speed, battery performance, and you don't want an android based operating system, the Huawei is definitely a good option, but if you want a well rounded phone with a slightly better multimedia experience, the Realme 9i would be my choice.
