Huawei Nova 9 Review: A Mid-Range Phone with Premium Features
Introduction
If you are looking for a mid-range phone that offers some of the features of a flagship phone, you might want to consider the Huawei Nova 9. This phone was launched in September 2021 as part of the Huawei Nova series, which is aimed at young and trendy consumers who want a stylish and powerful phone at an affordable price.
huawei nova 9
What is the Huawei Nova 9?
The Huawei Nova 9 is a smartphone that features a 50MP RYYB quad rear camera system, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 6.57-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on a 4G version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset with 8GB of RAM and HarmonyOS 2 software. It has an under-display fingerprint scanner, 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and 256GB of internal storage. The device is powered by a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging technology.
What are the main features of the Huawei Nova 9?
Some of the main features of the Huawei Nova 9 are:
A stunning design with an iridescent finish that reflects different colors in different lighting conditions.
A sharp and smooth display that offers a high refresh rate, HDR10 support, and a curved edge design.
A powerful performance that can handle multitasking, gaming, and streaming with ease.
A versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
A long-lasting battery that can be fully charged in less than 40 minutes with the fast charger.
An EMUI 12 interface that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience with HarmonyOS 2 features.
How does the Huawei Nova 9 compare to other mid-range phones?
The Huawei Nova 9 is one of the best mid-range phones on the market right now, as it offers a lot of value for its price. It competes with other popular mid-range phones such as the OnePlus Nord CE, Samsung Galaxy A52s, Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro, etc. However, it also has some disadvantages compared to some of its rivals, such as the lack of 5G support, Google Play Services, and a microSD card slot. Therefore, the Huawei Nova 9 may not be the best choice for everyone, but it is definitely a great option for those who want a premium-looking and performing phone without breaking the bank.
Design and Display
How does the Huawei Nova 9 look and feel?
The Huawei Nova 9 is a beautiful phone that will catch your eye with its unique and colorful design. The back of the phone is made of glass with a gradient effect that changes colors depending on the angle and light. The phone comes in four colors: Starry Blue, Nebula Violet, Green Mountain Daisy, and Black. The camera module is also eye-catching, as it has a circular shape with four lenses arranged in a square pattern. The camera bump is not too prominent, and it blends well with the overall design of the phone.
The front of the phone is dominated by the display, which has minimal bezels and a curved edge on both sides. The display has a small hole-punch cutout on the top left corner for the selfie camera. The phone also has an under-display fingerprint scanner that works fast and reliably. The phone does not have a physical button on the front, but it has a power button and a volume rocker on the right side. The bottom of the phone has a USB-C port, a speaker grille, and a dual SIM tray. The phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it supports Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless audio.
The Huawei Nova 9 has a slim and lightweight body that measures 160 x 73.7 x 7.77 mm and weighs 175 grams. The phone feels comfortable to hold and use with one hand, thanks to its ergonomic design and curved edges. The phone also has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, which means it can withstand some splashes and raindrops.
How good is the Huawei Nova 9's display?
The Huawei Nova 9's display is one of its main selling points, as it offers a high-quality viewing experience that rivals some of the flagship phones in the market. The display has several features that make it stand out, such as:
Display size and resolution
The Huawei Nova 9 has a 6.57-inch OLED display that covers 89.3% of the front of the phone. The display has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 392 ppi. The display offers sharp and clear images with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Display type and quality
The Huawei Nova 9's display uses OLED technology, which means it can produce more accurate colors and contrast than LCD displays. The display also supports HDR10 content, which means it can deliver more dynamic range and brightness than standard displays. The display also has a DCI-P3 color gamut coverage of 100%, which means it can reproduce more colors than sRGB displays.
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Display refresh rate and touch sampling rate
The Huawei Nova 9's display has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which means it can refresh the screen 120 times per second. This makes the display smoother and more responsive than standard 60Hz displays, especially when scrolling, gaming, or watching videos. The display also has a touch sampling rate of 300Hz, which means it can register your touch inputs faster and more accurately than lower touch sampling rates. Performance and Battery
How powerful is the Huawei Nova 9?
The Huawei Nova 9 is a powerful phone that can handle most tasks and games with ease. The phone has a 4G version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, which is an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8GHz. The phone also has an Adreno 642L GPU, which can handle graphics-intensive games and apps. The phone has 8GB of RAM, which is enough for multitasking and switching between apps. The phone has 256GB of internal storage, which is generous for storing your photos, videos, music, and apps. However, the phone does not have a microSD card slot, so you cannot expand the storage further.
Processor and memory
The Huawei Nova 9's processor is a mid-range chipset that offers decent performance for its price range. The processor is based on a 6nm process, which means it is more power-efficient and less heat-generating than older processors. The processor also supports AI features, such as scene recognition, face unlock, and voice assistant. The processor can handle most daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, messaging, and streaming, without any lag or stutter. The processor can also run some popular games, such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, etc., at medium to high settings with smooth frame rates. However, the processor may not be able to run some of the most demanding games, such as Genshin Impact, at the highest settings with optimal performance.
The Huawei Nova 9's memory is sufficient for most users who do not need to run many apps at the same time. The phone has 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for multitasking and switching between apps without reloading or closing them. The phone also has 256GB of internal storage, which is generous for storing your photos, videos, music, and apps. However, the phone does not have a microSD card slot, so you cannot expand the storage further. This may be a problem for some users who need more storage space or want to backup their data externally.
Operating system and software
The Huawei Nova 9's operating system and software are one of the most controversial aspects of the phone, as they do not include Google Play Services or Google apps. The phone runs on EMUI 12 based on HarmonyOS 2 software, which is Huawei's own operating system and app ecosystem. EMUI 12 offers a smooth and intuitive user interface that resembles Android in many ways. EMUI 12 also offers some unique features that are exclusive to HarmonyOS 2 devices, such as:
A multi-device collaboration feature that allows you to connect your phone with other HarmonyOS devices, such as tablets, laptops, smartwatches, etc., and share files, screens, keyboards, etc.
A super device feature that allows you to use your phone as a hub to control other smart devices in your home or office.
A distributed file system feature that allows you to access files from other HarmonyOS devices without transferring them.
A distributed gallery feature that allows you to view photos and videos from other HarmonyOS devices without downloading them.
A distributed security feature that protects your data and privacy across all HarmonyOS devices.
However, EMUI 12 also has some drawbacks that may affect your user experience and app compatibility. EMUI 12 does not support Google Play Services or Google apps, such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Photos, etc., which are widely used by many Android users. EMUI 12 also does not have access to the Google Play Store, which is the largest and most popular app store for Android devices. Instead, EMUI 12 relies on Huawei's own app store, called AppGallery, and a third-party app search engine, called Petal Search, to download and install apps. AppGallery and Petal Search offer some of the most popular apps, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, etc., but they may not have all the apps that you need or want. Some of the apps that are available on AppGallery and Petal Search may also not work properly or have limited functionality without Google Play Services. Therefore, you may have to use alternative apps or web versions of some services that you are used to.
Benchmark scores and real-world performance
The Huawei Nova 9's benchmark scores and real-world performance reflect its mid-range status and capabilities. The phone has scored 524,000 points on AnTuTu Benchmark 9, which is a popular app that measures the overall performance of a device. This score places the Huawei Nova 9 among the top 10% of devices in its category, but it is still far behind some of the flagship phones that score over 800,000 points. The phone has also scored 2,400 points on Geekbench 5 Single-Core and 7,800 points on Geekbench 5 Multi-Core, which are apps that measure the CPU performance of a device. These scores are comparable to some of the other mid-range phones that use the same processor or similar processors.
The Huawei Nova 9's real-world performance is also satisfactory for most users who do not have very high expectations or demands. The phone can handle most daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, messaging, and streaming, without any lag or stutter. The phone can also run some popular games, such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, etc., at medium to high settings with smooth frame rates. However, the phone may not be able to run some of the most demanding games, such as Genshin Impact, at the highest settings with optimal performance. The phone may also experience some heating issues after prolonged gaming or heavy usage.
How long does the Huawei Nova 9's battery last?
The Huawei Nova 9's battery life is one of its strong points, as it can last for a full day or more with moderate usage. The phone has a 4,300mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging technology. The battery can provide up to 14 hours of video playback, 10 hours of web browsing, or 8 hours of gaming on a single charge. The battery can also be fully charged in less than 40 minutes with the fast charger that comes with the phone. The phone also supports reverse charging technology that allows you to charge other devices with your phone.
Battery capacity and endurance rating
The Huawei Nova 9's battery capacity is slightly above average for its category, as most mid-range phones have batteries between 4,000mAh and 4,500mAh. The phone's battery endurance rating is also impressive, as it has scored 113 hours on the GSM Arena battery test, which is a standardized test that measures the battery performance of a device under different scenarios. This score places the Huawei Nova 9 among the top 10% of devices in its category, and it is higher than some of the flagship phones that score around 100 hours or less.
Charging speed and reverse charging
The Huawei Nova 9's charging speed is one of the fastest in the market, as it can fully charge its battery in less than 40 minutes with the 66W fast charger that comes with the phone. The phone can also charge up to 60% in just 15 minutes, which is very convenient for users who need a quick boost of power. The phone also supports reverse charging technology that allows you to charge other devices with your phone. The phone can provide up to 5W of power to other devices, such as wireless earphones, smartwatches, etc., via a USB-C cable or a wireless charger.
Camera and Audio
How good is the Huawei Nova 9's camera?
The Huawei Nova 9's camera is another highlight of the phone, as it offers a versatile and capable camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios. The phone has a quad rear camera system that consists of a 50MP RYYB main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The phone also has a 32MP selfie camera on the front. The phone's camera system has several features that make it stand out, such as:
Rear camera specifications and features
The Huawei Nova 9's rear camera system has impressive specifications and features that allow it to produce stunning images and videos. The main camera has a large 1/1.56-inch RYYB sensor that can capture more light and detail than conventional RGB sensors. The main camera also has an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), phase detection autofocus (PDAF), laser autofocus (LAF), and dual-LED flash. The main camera can take photos with a resolution of up to 8192 x 6144 pixels, and videos with a resolution of up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps.
The ultra-wide-angle camera has an 8MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. The ultra-wide-angle camera can take photos with a resolution of up to but it supports Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless audio. The phone also supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless audio transmission. The phone also has a built-in microphone that can record clear and noise-canceling sound for calls and videos.
Loudspeaker quality and volume
The Huawei Nova 9's loudspeaker quality and volume are decent for its category, as it can produce loud and clear sound for media playback and calls. However, the loudspeaker may not have enough bass or stereo effect for some users who prefer richer and more immersive sound. The loudspeaker may also get distorted or muffled at high volumes or when the phone is placed on a flat surface. The loudspeaker is located on the bottom of the phone, which means it can be easily blocked by your hand or other objects when holding the phone horizontally.
Headphone jack and Bluetooth support
The Huawei Nova 9 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means you cannot use wired headphones or earphones with the phone. However, the phone supports Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless audio, which means you can use wireless headphones or earphones with the phone. The phone also supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless audio transmission. The phone also comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box, which means you can use wired headphones or earphones with the phone via the USB-C port.
Connectivity and Extras
What are the connectivity options of the Huawei Nova 9?
The Huawei Nova 9 has various connectivity options that allow you to connect with other devices and networks. However, the phone also has some limitations that may affect your connectivity experience. The phone's connectivity options include:
Network bands and speeds
The Huawei Nova 9 supports 4G LTE networks, but it does not support 5G networks. This means you cannot enjoy the faster speeds and lower latency that 5G networks offer. The phone supports dual SIM cards, but it does not support dual SIM dual standby (DSDS), which means you cannot use both SIM cards simultaneously for calls or data. The phone supports VoLTE and VoWiFi for high-quality voice calls over LTE or Wi-Fi networks.
The Huawei Nova 9 supports the following network bands:
Network
Bands
GSM
850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
CDMA
800 MHz
WCDMA
B1 / B2 / B4 / B5 / B6 / B8 / B19
TDS-CDMA
B34 / B39
FDD-LTE
B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B7 / B8 / B12 / B17 / B18 / B19 / B20 / B26 / B28 / B66
TDD-LTE
B34 / B38 / B39 / B40 / B41 (2496-2690 MHz)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS support
The Huawei Nova 9 supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest and fastest standard of Wi-Fi technology. The phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks with speeds up to 1.8Gbps and lower latency than previous Wi-Fi standards. The phone also supports Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, and Wi-Fi Hotspot features.
The Huawei Nova 9 supports Bluetooth 5.2, which is the latest and most advanced standard of Bluetooth technology. The phone can connect to Bluetooth devices with higher quality, lower power consumption, and longer range than previous Bluetooth standards. The phone also supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless audio transmission.
The Huawei Nova 9 supports NFC (Near Field Communication), which is a technology that allows you to exchange data or make payments with other NFC-enabled devices by tapping them together or bringing them close to each other. The phone can use NFC for features such as Huawei Share, Huawei Pay, Google Pay, etc.
The Huawei Nova 9 supports GPS (Global Positioning System), which is a technology that allows you to determine your location and navigate using satellite signals. The phone also supports A-GPS (Assisted GPS), GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), BeiDou (Chinese Satellite Navigation System), and Galileo (European Satellite Navigation System) for more accurate and reliable location services.
What are the extra features of the Huawei Nova 9?
The Huawei Nova 9 has some extra features that enhance its functionality and user experience. Some of the extra features are:
Fingerprint scanner and face unlock
The Huawei Nova 9 has an under-display fingerprint scanner that allows you to unlock your phone with your fingerprint. The fingerprint scanner works fast and reliably, and it can also be used for app lock, private space, and other security features. The phone also has a face unlock feature that allows you to unlock your phone with your face. The face unlock feature works well in most lighting conditions, but it may not be as secure or accurate as the fingerprint scanner.
EMUI 12 and HarmonyOS 2.0 features
The Huawei Nova 9 has an EMUI 12 interface that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience with HarmonyOS 2 features. EMUI 12 is based on HarmonyOS 2, which is Huawei's own operating system and app ecosystem. EMUI 12 offers some unique features that are exclusive to HarmonyOS 2 devices, such as:
A multi-device collaboration feature that allows you to connect your phone with other HarmonyOS devices, such as tablets, laptops, smartwatches, etc., and share files, screens, keyboards, etc.
A super device feature that allows you to use your phone as a hub to control other smart devices in your home or office.
A distributed file system feature that allows you to access files from other HarmonyOS devices without transferring them.
A distributed gallery feature that allows you to view photos and videos from other HarmonyOS devices without downloading them.
A distributed security feature that protects your data and privacy across all HarmonyOS devices.
AppGallery and Petal Search alternatives to Google Play Services
The Huawei Nova 9 does not support Google Play Services or Google apps, which are widely used by many Android users. Instead, the phone relies on Huawei's own app store, called AppGallery, and a third-party app search engine, called Petal Search, to download and install apps. AppGallery and Petal Search offer some of the most popular apps, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, etc., but they may not have all the apps that you need or want. Some of the apps that are available on AppGallery and Petal Search may also not work properly or have limited functionality without Google Play Services. Therefore, you may have to use alternative apps or web versions of some services that you are used to.
Conclusion and FAQs
Is the Huawei Nova 9 worth buying?
The Huawei Nova 9 is a mid-range phone that offers some of the features of a flagship phone at an affordable price. The phone has a stunning design, a sharp and smooth display, a powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and a long-lasting battery. The phone also has an EMUI 12 interface that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience with HarmonyOS 2 features. However, the phone also has some drawbacks that may affect your decision to buy it. The phone does not support 5G networks, Google Play Services, or a microSD card slot. The phone may also have some heating issues after prolonged gaming or heavy usage.
Therefore, the Huawei Nova 9 may not be the best choice for everyone, but it is definitely a great option for those who want a premium-looking and performing phone without breaking the bank. The phone is suitable for users who:
Do not need or care about 5G networks or Google Play Services.
Do not need more than 256GB of internal storage or want to backup their data externally.
Want a stylish and colorful design that reflects their personality.
Want a high-quality display that offers a high refresh rate, HDR10 support, and a curved edge design.
Want a powerful performance that can handle multitasking, gaming, and streaming with ease.
Want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
Want a long-lasting battery that can be fully charged in less than 40 minutes with the fast charger.
Want an EMUI 12 interface that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience with HarmonyOS 2 features.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Huawei Nova 9:
How much does the Huawei Nova 9 cost?
The Huawei Nova 9 costs CNY 3,499 (about $540) for the 8GB + 256GB version, and CNY 3,899 (about $600) for the 8GB + 256GB version with wireless charging support. The phone is currently available in China, but it may launch in other markets soon.
What are the alternatives to the Huawei Nova 9?
Some of the alternatives to the Huawei Nova 9 are:
The OnePlus Nord CE, which is a mid-range phone that offers a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 750G chipset with 5G support, a 64MP triple rear camera system, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 30W fast charging, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.
The Samsung Galaxy A52s, which is a mid-range phone that offers a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 778G chipset with 5G support, a 64MP quad rear camera system, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging, and One UI 3.1 based on Android 11.
The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro, which is a mid-range phone that offers a 6.67-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 860 chipset with 4G support, a 48MP quad rear camera system, a 20MP selfie camera, a 5,160mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11.
How can I install Google Play Services or Google apps on the Huawei Nova 9?
There is no official or safe way to install Google Play Services or Google apps on the Huawei Nova 9, as the phone does not have the required licenses or certifications from Google. However, there are some unofficial and risky methods that involve downloading and installing third-party apps or software that claim to enable Google Play Services or Google apps on the phone. These methods are not recommended or supported by Huawei or Google, as they may violate the terms of service, compromise the security and privacy of your data, or damage your device. Therefore, you should use these methods at your own risk and discretion.
How can I update the software of the Huawei Nova 9?
You can update the software of the Huawei Nova 9 by following these steps:
Go to Settings > System & updates > Software update.
Tap on Check for updates to see if there is any new software version available for your device.
If there is any new software version available, tap on Download and install to start downloading and installing the update.
Wait for the update to finish and restart your device.
How can I contact Huawei customer service or support?
You can contact Huawei customer service or support by following these steps:
Go to Settings > System & updates > Support.
Tap on Hotline to see the phone number of Huawei customer service or support in your region.
Tap on Online chat to start an online chat with Huawei customer service or support.
Tap on Email to send an email to Huawei customer service or support.
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