Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm | Very similar size; nova 9 SE is slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 196g | 191g | Xiaomi Mi 11 is slightly heavier, noticeable in long usage |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2388 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers much sharper visuals, more detail in text/images |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 387 ppi | Xiaomi Mi 11's display looks significantly clearer |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors. Better for viewing media |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is much easier to see in direct sunlight. Huawei nova 9 SE brightness is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides significantly faster performance, better gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 248,000 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is much more responsive, handles demanding apps/games better |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides significantly better graphics rendering |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Xiaomi Mi 11 should perform better in low light due to larger sensor & wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. Huawei nova 9 SE has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 allows for wider landscape shots |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova 9 SE has dedicated depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers more detailed macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 9 SE can take combined wide angle and macro photos |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | Xiaomi Mi 11 can record much higher quality video, more professional footage |
| Selfie DxOMark | 112 | N/A | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a tested and rated selfie camera performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 4000 mAh | Xiaomi Mi 11 likely offers longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 9 SE charges faster, reducing downtime |
| Wireless Charging | 50W, 10W reverse | None | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | Xiaomi Mi 11 will receive future OS updates while the Huawei nova 9 SE information is unknown |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have similar wifi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more advanced Bluetooth features |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Less satellite systems | Xiaomi Mi 11 will likely provide a more accurate location |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options for both phones |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 is better for multitasking with more RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | No option to add additional storage for either phone |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi Mi 11 has better quality audio and sound output |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Huawei nova 9 SE has more convenient fingerprint sensor placement |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has better screen protection against scratches |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Heart Rate, Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more sensor features available |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, brighter screen, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a much more enjoyable viewing experience, especially for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a massive performance boost, making it much faster for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Camera System: The larger main sensor and additional wide-angle lens lead to better image quality, particularly in low light and when capturing landscapes. Additionally, it has better quality video recording.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Convenient options that the Huawei lacks.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-res audio and stereo speakers
- More advanced and comprehensive sensor suite
- Future OS updates: Will likely receive Android updates while the Huawei's future updates are unknown
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging can refill the battery quicker than the Xiaomi Mi 11's 55W charging
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient for some users than a standard sensor
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Allows for better Portrait photography with a dedicated depth sensor and wide-angle macro lens.
- Potentially more affordable: The Huawei nova 9 SE is likely more affordable, offering a budget-friendly option with an emphasis on camera features.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Sacrifices faster charging and a dedicated depth sensor for far superior overall performance, display, and camera quality.
- Huawei nova 9 SE: Trades processing power, display quality, and advanced features for faster charging, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a more affordable price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who demand high performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a premium display experience for watching videos, browsing, and viewing photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users looking for a versatile camera system with strong performance in various conditions, especially low-light performance.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want cutting-edge features and the best technology
- Users who prefer higher quality video recording capabilities
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth, responsive graphics.
- Editing photos and videos on-the-go.
- Watching HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos for content creation or personal use.
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a good smartphone experience without paying premium prices.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users who value faster charging capabilities
- Users who want a depth sensor and a wide angle and macro lense
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Taking casual photos and videos for social media.
- Quickly charging the phone before going out.
- Basic productivity tasks such as email and document editing
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Huawei nova 9 SE will likely be the more budget-friendly option.
- How important is performance to you? If you are a gamer or a heavy user, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice due to its superior processor and RAM.
- What do you value most in a display? For superior visuals and more premium display, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-End Gaming and Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Its powerful processor, superior display, and better audio will offer an unmatched experience for gaming and media.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious, Everyday Use
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 9 SE. Its solid performance, decent camera, and faster charging make it suitable for everyday tasks, especially if budget is a concern.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiasts
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 11. Although the Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor, the Xiaomi’s larger main camera sensor, combined with a wider aperture and a wide angle lens, will provide better quality images and videos overall.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Huawei nova 9 SE offers some advantages like faster charging and a side mounted fingerprint sensor, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is superior in the areas most important to me: performance, display, and camera quality. The difference in processing power between the Snapdragon 888 and Snapdragon 680 is significant, especially for gaming and multitasking. The AMOLED display of the Mi 11, with its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, would provide a much more enjoyable and immersive visual experience. While the Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor and can take decent photos, I would prefer the Mi 11’s larger sensor and the added wide angle lens to take better overall photos and videos. Ultimately, I am willing to sacrifice faster charging and a dedicated depth sensor for the significant improvements in other key areas. I also appreciate the additional features, such as wireless charging, better audio, and future OS upgrades.
