Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Huawei nova 9 SE. As a tech journalist, I'm always looking beyond the spec sheets to understand how these devices actually perform in your hands. So, let's break down what each phone offers and which might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | The nova 9 SE is slightly taller and thinner. Redmi 10 is more compact. Volume difference could be noticed in daily use. |
| Weight | 181g | 191g | Redmi 10 is 10g lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The nova 9 SE offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both have sharp displays; differences are negligible to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 405 | 387 | Similar pixel density, meaning both will look equally crisp in day-to-day use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Nova 9 SE has superior IPS LCD display technology. Redmi 10 technology not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations at 90Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Nova 9 SE’s 6nm chip is more power-efficient; Redmi's chip has a slight edge in raw power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 248,000 | Near-identical scores suggest similar real-world performance for general tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs; real-world gaming experience may vary, with no clear winner here. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Nova 9 SE captures more detail thanks to higher MP count and larger sensor; however, Redmi 10 has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Nova 9 SE has a higher-resolution front camera for better selfies; Redmi 10 has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Redmi 10 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 9 SE has a Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar dedicated depth sensors. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps w/ EIS | Both phones can handle 1080p video, but the Huawei offers EIS. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Huawei nova 9 SE features a much higher slow-motion capture framerate. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Redmi 10 has a significantly larger battery, potentially lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 9 SE charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | 9W wired | Standard | Redmi 10 features 9W reverse wired charging; both devices offer reverse charging feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones run on Android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Huawei nova 9 SE supports newer WiFi 6 standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Redmi 10 has a newer Bluetooth version, while nova 9 SE supports more audio codecs. |
| GPS | Standard | BeiDou (B1) | Huawei nova 9 SE supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Nova 9 SE offers more storage options; 256 GB option is beneficial for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 6/8GB | Nova 9 SE has more RAM, benefiting multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi 10 provides enhanced audio with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar side-mounted fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi 10 uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | Redmi 10 features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual. Huawei nova 9 SE features: Proximity |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers superior battery life, great for users who are often away from a charger.
- Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers enhances the audio experience for media consumption.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: Better low light performance in standard mode.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Gives users more flexibility in photography.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 increases screen durability.
Huawei nova 9 SE Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera captures more detail.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers more RAM and storage options (including a 256GB variant).
- Latest Wifi Standard: It features newer Wi-Fi 6 for better speeds.
- Better slow-motion video recording: 960 fps compared to 120 fps
- More advanced video features: EIS, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
- More advanced photo features: Panorama, Night Mode
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Redmi 10 lacks fast charging and an official display technology.
- Nova 9 SE has a smaller battery, no wide-angle lens and only basic audio features.
- Both have non-expandable storage and similar performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10 is best for:
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Users who need their phone to last all day without charging.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize a quality audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Redmi 10 is typically more affordable, making it a great value option.
- General Media Consumers: People who enjoy casual video streaming, social media scrolling and web surfing.
- Wide-angle photography: Users that find this lens useful for everyday photography
Huawei nova 9 SE is best for:
- Fast-Paced Lifestyles: Users who need their phone charged up quickly due to the 66W fast charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want high-resolution photos and advanced video recording features.
- Multitaskers: Users who need extra RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Storage-Heavy Users: Individuals who need ample internal storage for photos, videos, and apps.
- Mobile Video Creators: Users that require advanced video features and fast motion capturing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
- How important is battery life to you? If you often find yourself away from a power outlet, the Redmi 10 is the winner with its larger battery. However, if you prefer to top up quickly, the nova 9 SE's fast charging is a big draw.
- Do you value fast charging or a slightly larger screen more? The Huawei nova 9 SE’s 66W charging is a huge plus for many. The Redmi 10's battery will let you last much longer without the need for fast charging. If you value a larger screen for gaming and streaming, the difference is negligible.
- How much do you value photography features? The Nova 9 SE shines with its 108MP camera and advanced video features, but the Redmi 10 has a wide-angle lens and wider aperture.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: If you are a frequent traveler who needs long battery life and solid audio, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a reliable companion.
- Social Media Creator: If you’re all about high-resolution pictures and videos, plus the ability to get charged up quickly, the Huawei nova 9 SE makes a strong case.
- Everyday User: If you value a balanced all-rounder with a good battery and smooth performance, you can't go wrong with either. But the Redmi 10 might be slightly better for media consumption due to the stereo speakers.
- Gamer: Both devices offer adequate performance, but neither stands out here.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 10. Here's why: as someone who values a reliable, long-lasting battery and good audio, the Redmi 10 wins. The stereo speakers make a significant difference for media consumption, and the battery will give me confidence when I know I'll be away from a charger for a long time. While the nova 9 SE has impressive camera and charging features, for my specific usage, I'd rather have the more robust battery and superior audio capabilities. Plus, the Redmi 10's added wide angle lens gives you more options in your day-to-day photography.
