Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs Huawei nova 9 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 8, 2020 March 20, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 119.33 cm³ 98.31 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.1 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 215 g 191 g
Height 165.3 mm 164.6 mm
Width 76.8 mm 75.6 mm
Thickness 9.4 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Shadow Gray
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.78 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.6 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 115.98 mAh/in² 87.02 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.24 mAh/cm³ 40.69 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5160 mAh 4000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Adreno 618 Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Poco X3 NFCHuawei nova 9 SEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm, 215g164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm, 191gPoco X3 NFC is bulkier and heavier, making the Nova 9 SE more comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry.
Display
Size6.67"6.78"Negligible difference; both provide ample screen real estate for media consumption and general use.
Resolution1080x24001080x2388Practically identical sharpness; visual experience will be similar.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzPoco X3 NFC offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced UIs.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 732G (8nm)Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)Poco X3 NFC delivers better overall performance, especially in gaming and demanding applications due to its more powerful processor.
AnTuTu Score328,145248,000The Poco X3 NFC will feel snappier and more responsive, particularly when multitasking or running resource-intensive apps.
Camera
Main Camera64MP f/1.89108MP f/1.9Nova 9 SE's 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos and potentially better zoom capabilities. Poco X3 NFC has a slightly wider aperture.
Ultrawide Camera13MP8MP (Wide Angle + Macro)Poco X3 NFC offers a dedicated ultrawide lens with higher resolution, generally resulting in better wide-angle shots.
Selfie Camera20MP f/2.216MP f/2.2Poco X3 NFC's front camera captures more detailed selfies.
Video4K@30fps1080p@30fpsPoco X3 NFC records higher-resolution video, offering better video quality and more flexibility in post-production.
Battery
Capacity5160mAh4000mAhPoco X3 NFC provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Charging33W66WNova 9 SE charges much faster, minimizing downtime spent plugged in.
Software
OSAndroid 10 (upgradable to 12)Android 11Nova 9 SE has a newer Android version out of the box, but the Poco X3 NFC can be upgraded further.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6Nova 9 SE supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster and more stable wireless connections when used with a compatible router.
Bluetooth5.15.0Poco X3 NFC has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
Storage64/128GB128/256GBNova 9 SE offers more internal storage options, beneficial for users with large media libraries or numerous apps.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
AudioStereo SpeakersBasic AudioPoco X3 NFC provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers, better for media consumption and gaming.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownPoco X3 NFC's screen is more resistant to scratches and damage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:

  • Better Performance: Snapdragon 732G offers superior processing and graphics capabilities. This leads to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness.
  • Larger Battery: The 5160mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, which is crucial for users who heavily use their phones throughout the day.
  • Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
  • Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better scratch and drop resistance.
  • Ultrawide Lens Camera: Dedicated ultrawide lens camera is better than a wide angle and macro lens in one.

Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:

  • Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
  • More Storage Options: Up to 256GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
  • Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
  • Wi-Fi 6 Support: Offers faster and more stable wireless connectivity.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP camera may offer more detail in photos and better digital zoom capabilities.

Trade-offs:

  • The Poco X3 NFC sacrifices a slimmer design and faster charging for better performance and battery life.
  • The Nova 9 SE prioritizes a sleek design and faster charging but compromises on processing power and battery capacity.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC:

  • Ideal User: Gamers, heavy users, students, or anyone who prioritizes performance and battery life above all else.
  • Use Cases:
    • Mobile gaming (smoother frame rates, longer play sessions)
    • Streaming videos and movies (immersive audio, long battery)
    • General productivity and multitasking (snappy performance)
    • Outdoor photography (the larger battery is beneficial)

Huawei nova 9 SE:

  • Ideal User: Style-conscious users, those who value fast charging and ample storage, and casual users.
  • Use Cases:
    • Social media enthusiasts (high-resolution camera, ample storage)
    • Users who need quick battery top-ups (fast charging)
    • Everyday use and light multitasking
    • Users who prefer a sleek and lightweight device

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. How important is battery life to you? If you need all-day battery life, the Poco X3 NFC is the clear winner.
  2. Do you prioritize gaming and performance? The Poco X3 NFC offers a more powerful processor for smoother gameplay and snappier app performance.
  3. How much do you value a slim and lightweight design? The Nova 9 SE is significantly lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Poco X3 NFC for its superior performance, 120Hz refresh rate, and larger battery.
  • Scenario 2: Social Media Influencer: The Nova 9 SE offers a balance of camera quality, storage, and fast charging, making it suitable for content creation on the go.
  • Scenario 3: Everyday User: If battery life isn't a major concern, the Nova 9 SE's lighter design and fast charging might be preferable. However, the Poco X3 NFC still provides a better overall experience.

My Choice

I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC. While the Huawei Nova 9 SE has a more modern design, slightly larger display, and faster charging, the Poco X3 NFC offers a more compelling package for my personal use. The improved performance from the Snapdragon 732G, coupled with the significantly larger battery, stereo speakers, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, makes it a better all-around device. I value the increased battery life and smoother performance more than the faster charging and slimmer design of the Nova 9 SE. The Poco X3 NFC offers a better long-term user experience, particularly for gaming, media consumption, and overall responsiveness.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.