Huawei Nova 9 SE

The Huawei Nova 9 SE is available in three variants in Qatar. The base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 738. The 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant costs QAR 899. For those seeking more storage, the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option is available at QAR 1,069.

These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

Huawei Nova 9 SE Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.78-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2388 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
RAM	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB, expandable via microSD
Rear Camera	108 MP (wide) + 8 MP (ultrawide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth)
Front Camera	16 MP
Battery	4000 mAh, 66W fast charging
Operating System	EMUI 12 (based on Android 11)
Dimensions	164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm
Weight	191 g

 

Release Date and Availability

Huawei released the Nova 9 SE on March 8, 2022. The phone became available for purchase in Qatar on March 20, 2022. Since its release, the Nova 9 SE has gained popularity among mid-range smartphone users in Qatar due to its balanced features and competitive pricing.

Design and Build

The Huawei Nova 9 SE sports a sleek and modern design. It measures 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm and weighs 191 grams, making it a relatively slim and lightweight device. The phone comes in three attractive color options: Midnight Black, Pearl White, and Crystal Blue. These color choices cater to different user preferences and style sensibilities.

The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which doubles as the power button. This placement allows for quick and easy unlocking of the device. The build quality is solid, with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. While not as premium as some higher-end models, the materials used are appropriate for the price range and provide a good balance between durability and aesthetics.

Display

One of the standout features of the Huawei Nova 9 SE is its large 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, resulting in a crisp pixel density of approximately 387 pixels per inch. This ensures that text, images, and videos appear sharp and clear on the device.

The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a notable upgrade from the standard 60Hz found in many mid-range phones. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.

Whether you’re browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or playing games, the 90Hz refresh rate makes interactions with the phone feel more responsive and enjoyable.

Performance

Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 9 SE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset. This octa-core processor is built on a 6nm process, which helps balance performance and power efficiency. The CPU configuration includes four Kryo 265 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz for demanding tasks and four Kryo 265 Silver cores at 1.9 GHz for less intensive operations.

The Adreno 610 GPU handles graphics processing, providing decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks. While it may not be the most powerful chip for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking, it offers smooth performance for most day-to-day activities and light to moderate gaming.

The Nova 9 SE comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant. This amount of RAM is sufficient for smooth multitasking and app switching. The phone also offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded further using a microSD card, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other files.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Huawei Nova 9 SE’s versatile camera setup. The rear camera system consists of four lenses:

1. Main Camera: A high-resolution 108 MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.9 aperture. This primary sensor captures detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
2. Ultra-Wide Camera: An 8 MP lens with a 112-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots and group photos.
3. Macro Camera: A 2 MP sensor for close-up shots of small objects.
4. Depth Sensor: Another 2 MP lens that helps create a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode.

The rear camera setup supports various features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. It can also record 1080p videos at 30 frames per second with gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother footage.

For selfies and video calls, the Nova 9 SE features a 16 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This camera can also record 1080p videos at 30fps, making it suitable for vlogging and high-quality video chats.

Battery Life and Charging

The Huawei Nova 9 SE is equipped with a 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. While not the largest in its class, this battery capacity is sufficient to power the device through a full day of moderate use. The power-efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset helps extend battery life by optimizing power consumption.

One of the standout features of the Nova 9 SE is its fast charging capability. The phone supports 66W fast charging, which Huawei claims can charge the battery to 75% in just 20 minutes. This rapid charging technology is a significant advantage for users who need quick power boosts throughout the day.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Nova 9 SE runs on EMUI 12, which is based on Android 11. It’s important to note that due to ongoing restrictions, the phone does not come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) or the Google Play Store. Instead, it uses Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the Huawei AppGallery for app downloads and updates.

EMUI 12 offers a clean and intuitive user interface with various customization options. It includes features like a customizable always-on display, dark mode, and gesture navigation. The lack of Google services may be a drawback for some users, but Huawei has been expanding its app ecosystem to provide alternatives for popular apps and services.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Huawei Nova 9 SE supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. It also features dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS for navigation. The phone includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, but it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, following the trend of many modern smartphones.

Other notable features include:

• NFC support for contactless payments (on select models)
• Virtual proximity sensing
• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking
• Face unlock using the front camera

Comparison with Other Smartphones

When comparing the Huawei Nova 9 SE to other smartphones in its price range and with similar specifications, several factors stand out. The Nova 9 SE offers a competitive package, but it’s essential to consider how it stacks up against other options in the market.

Compared to the Huawei Nova 9, the SE model features a larger display (6.78 inches vs. 6.57 inches) but uses an IPS LCD panel instead of the OLED screen found on the Nova 9. The Nova 9 also has a more powerful Snapdragon 778G processor, which may provide better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Nova 9 SE boasts a higher resolution main camera (108 MP vs. 50 MP), which could appeal to photography enthusiasts.

The Huawei Nova 8i, another model in the Nova series, shares many similarities with the 9 SE. Both phones have similar display sizes and resolutions, but the Nova 9 SE edges out with its 90Hz refresh rate compared to the Nova 8i’s standard 60Hz.

The Nova 9 SE also has a more recent processor and a higher resolution main camera, making it a more attractive option for those prioritizing camera performance and smooth display.

In comparison to other brands, the Samsung Galaxy A series offers strong competition. For instance, the Galaxy A53 5G provides 5G connectivity, which the Nova 9 SE lacks, and features a Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Nova 9 SE counters with faster charging speeds and a higher resolution main camera.

The OnePlus Nord series also competes in this segment, offering clean software experiences and fast charging. The Nord CE 2 5G, for example, provides 5G connectivity and an AMOLED display but falls short in terms of main camera resolution compared to the Nova 9 SE.

Google’s Pixel A series, known for its excellent camera performance and clean Android experience, could be an alternative for those who prioritize software updates and computational photography. However, the Nova 9 SE offers a more versatile camera setup with its ultra-wide and macro lenses.

In the same price range, phones from brands like Realme, Oppo, and Xiaomi often offer similar specifications to the Nova 9 SE. For instance, the Realme 9 Pro+ features a 50 MP main camera with optical image stabilization, which might appeal to users looking for stable video recording. The Oppo Reno series often competes with similar design aesthetics and camera capabilities.

Tecno and Infinix, brands gaining popularity in certain markets, often provide large displays and big batteries at competitive prices. However, the Nova 9 SE generally offers better build quality and a more refined user experience.

When considering these comparisons, it’s clear that the Huawei Nova 9 SE holds its own in a crowded mid-range smartphone market. Its strengths lie in its high-resolution main camera, fast charging capabilities, and smooth 90Hz display. The main drawbacks are the lack of 5G connectivity and Google services, which may be deal-breakers for some users.

Pros and Cons

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a summary of the Huawei Nova 9 SE’s pros and cons:

Pros:

1. High-resolution 108 MP main camera
2. Large 6.78-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
3. Fast 66W charging
4. Sleek design and multiple color options
5. Expandable storage via microSD

Cons:

1. No 5G connectivity
2. Lacks Google Mobile Services
3. IPS LCD display instead of OLED
4. No 3.5mm headphone jack
5. No wireless charging support

Who Should Buy the Huawei Nova 9 SE?

The Huawei Nova 9 SE is an excellent choice for users who prioritize camera performance, particularly those who enjoy taking high-resolution photos. The 108 MP main camera, combined with the versatile ultra-wide and macro lenses, provides a comprehensive photography experience in a mid-range package.

The phone is also well-suited for users who value fast charging capabilities. With its 66W fast charging, the Nova 9 SE is perfect for those who are always on the go and need quick battery top-ups throughout the day.

The large 6.78-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate makes the Nova 9 SE a good option for users who consume a lot of media content on their phones or enjoy smooth scrolling experiences. It’s great for browsing social media, watching videos, and light gaming.

However, the Nova 9 SE may not be the best choice for users who heavily rely on Google services or require 5G connectivity. If these features are essential to you, you may want to consider alternative options from other brands.

Tips for Buying the Huawei Nova 9 SE in Qatar

When purchasing the Huawei Nova 9 SE in Qatar, consider the following tips:

1. Compare prices: Check prices from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Some popular electronics stores in Qatar include Lulu Hypermarket, Jarir Bookstore, and Carrefour.
2. Look for promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales or promotional offers that may include free accessories or extended warranties.
3. Consider your storage needs: Decide whether the 128GB or 256GB variant better suits your storage requirements. Remember that the phone supports expandable storage via microSD.
4. Check warranty terms: Ensure you understand the warranty coverage and after-sales support provided by the retailer or Huawei in Qatar.
5. Try before you buy: If possible, visit a physical store to get hands-on experience with the device before making your purchase.
6. Consider accessories: Factor in the cost of any additional accessories you might need, such as a case or screen protector.